Winter Fun on Cross Country Trails Around Grayling
With a solid base of snow and the cold temps to keep it, there's no better way to shake the winter doldrums than getting outside for some cross-country skiing. Around Grayling, Michigan, residents and visitors have plenty of options to hit the trails. And while it's nice to strike out and make your own path, there's nothing quite like the glide of a well-groomed trail. Here are four mid-Michigan locations in the Crawford County area that will keep you skiing all season long.
Hartwick Pines State Park
The trails at Hartwick Pines, just 10 minutes north of downtown Grayling, consist of 21 miles of interconnected loops, featuring flat sections, rolling hills, and both open and forested areas. The trailhead is located near the visitor center parking lot. All trails are groomed for cross-country skiing during winter, and fat-tire biking is allowed when snow conditions permit. There is no cost for using the trails, but a Recreation Passport is required to enter the park. No rentals are available, and facility use may be limited in the winter months.
Forbush Corner Nordic Cross Country Ski Center
Forbush Corner in Frederic provides over 15 miles of cross-country ski trails suitable for various skill levels. Recently, Forbush Corner installed a snowmaking system covering approximately 2.5 miles, enabling skiing from late November through March and sometimes into April. They offer lessons for beginners and host events such as the Forbush Corner Time Trial, part of the Michigan Cup cross-country ski races.
Forbush Corner Nordic offers daily, multi-day, and season passes as well as equipment rentals. Season passes provide unlimited access, with pricing tiers for individuals, couples, families, seniors, and juniors, as well as preseason discounts. Additionally, the Hartwick Pines’ Weary Legs loop connects skiers to Forbush Corner.
Hanson Hills Recreation Area
Hanson Hills in Grayling offers over 20 miles of Nordic ski trails, with trails groomed daily, providing options for classic and skate skiing techniques. The trail system accommodates skiers of all abilities, with an 5.5-mile "Classic Only" wilderness trail for those seeking a more secluded experience.
The trails are open daily from 9 a.m. to dusk, with daily trail passes priced for adults and children.
Cross Country Ski Headquarters
Cross Country Ski Headquarters in Higgins Lake offers nearly 12 miles of groomed trails designed for classic and skate skiing. The trails are "Ginzu" groomed every morning using the same groomer utilized in the Olympics. Skiers can glide on freshly set tracks or skate on freshly packed corduroy lanes.
The Stone Turtle Day Lodge & Café is a central hub, offering rest areas and premium food. Equipment rentals and group lessons are available. On weekends, you can visit Trappers Cabin, just one mile from the trailhead, for snacks, cocoa, and a bonfire to warm up by.
The facility operates daily during the ski season, varying hours depending on the day. They offer facility passes for both adults and kids, as well as season sponsorships for individuals and families.
The Crawford County Cross-Country Pass
Don't miss out on The Crawford County Cross Country Pass, available exclusively to county residents. It provides season-long access to the trails at both Hanson Hills Recreation Area and Forbush Corner Nordic. This pass includes membership benefits at both locations.
The pass cannot be purchased online and must be obtained in person at either Hanson Hills or Forbush Corner. Proof of Crawford County residency, such as an ID, driver's license, tax bill, or utility bill with a resident address, is required at the time of purchase.