National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service:  U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
Pictured Rocks National LakeshoreChapel Falls begins its cascades into Chapel Lake below, one of many waterfalls in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
view map
text size:largestlargernormal
printer friendly
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Cross-Country Skiing
 
Cross country skier surrounded by the forest and snow.
NPS photo
Cross country skier
Winter Wonderland
The Lakeshore offers two groomed and tracked cross-country ski trails located near Munising and Grand Marais.

Over 20 miles of trails wind through a magical landscape in of a variety of habitats and topography. Beech, maple, hemlock, and conifer forests and old fields grow on the sandy uplands and rugged hills of old glacial features. The trails receive about 140 inches of snow each winter.

Each trail offers a variety of loop lengths for a leisurely day ski or quick workout at the end of the day. All Lakeshore trails are designed for diagonal stride only - skating is not permitted.

Trails are marked with blue diamonds and a map at each intersection.  Watch and listen for grooming equipment when you ski.

Trail maps are available at trailheads and at trail intersections. The Munising trails (C and D) feature several interpretive waysides on the natural and human history of the area. Be sure to stop at these for a brief overview of some interesting topics.

Skiing is free at the Lakeshore; however, the park will be installing donation boxes for those who wish to assist us in the cost of maintaining these beautiful trails.

Whether you are a novice or an accomplished skier, we hope you find the trails challenging and fun.

 
For Your Safety
On the Grand Marais Trails, loops C and D cross a county road used by snowmobiles - listen and watch for approaching snowmobiles before crossing.

On the Munising Trails, loops A and B cross a snowmobile trail at four locations - listen and watch for approaching snowmobiles before crossing.

Watch for other skiers on downhill runs.

Ski trail conditions may vary. Heavy weekend use and alternating daytime thawing and nighttime freezing may turn snow packed slopes into fast, icy runs. Severe storms are common in the area and may rise quickly. Wind may obliterate the trail at times.

Darkness comes early in winter so allow plenty of time to return to your vehicle before dark. As always, be sure to let someone know you where are skiing and when you expect to return.

Wear adequate layers of clothing. Take food and water if you plan to be out for the day. Match your skill level to the trails you ski.

Pets, winter camping, snowshoeing, walking, and skating are not permitted on Lakeshore ski trails.

 
 
A calm but cold spring day on a peaceful Lake Superior beach.
The weather at Pictured Rocks
changes with the seasons.
more...
Clouds over Lake Superior (National Weather Service photo)
The latest NOAA weather forecast
for Grand Marais, Michigan.
more...
Whether the weather be hot or whether the weather be cold, contact the National Weather Service.
The latest NOAA weather forecast
for Munising, Michigan.
more...
Overlooking a lake in the Hiawatha National Forest. (Forest Service photo)
Hiawatha National Forest
in the eastern and central U.P.
more...
Chapel Lake is shown with fall colors, a beautifu view of the northwoods in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.  

Did You Know?
Chapel Lake is one of several plunge pool lakes created by post glacial rivers after the Marquette advance of the most recent ice age. Its greatest depth is 140 feet. Other plunge pool lakes include Deer Lake and Ginpole Lake in Alger County, home of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
more...

Last Updated: April 03, 2007 at 10:20 EST