Cross Country Skiing & Snowshoeing

Boasting an average of 148 inches of annual snowfall and heavily wooded, rolling landscapes, the Gaylord area is home to some of the most enjoyable and challenging cross-country skiing and snowshoeing experiences in Michigan. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, you’re sure to have a great time on the trail system that suits your taste. Look forward to viewing plentiful wildlife while exploring our snow-covered pathways at facilities that range from rustic and scenic to elegant and expertly groomed.

Many of the trails found in our Cross-Country Guide are also frequented by those who favor snowshoeing. All trails and pathways groomed for cross-country ask that you do not snowshoe on the groomed track, however, they still offer excellent terrain. Several areas even have rentals along with their beautiful trails, including Groen Nature Preserve, Treetops Resort, Otsego Resort, Cross Country Ski Headquarters and Forbush Corner.

Cross Country Ski Trail Resources

Michigan Trail Maps

Up North Trails

Cross-Country & Snowshoe Guide

Request Visitor’s Guide

Winter is amazing at Aspen Park, day or night

This park is THE place for four-season outdoor fun, not to mention a convenient way to capture that get-out-of-town-and-enjoy-nature feeling without going far. Tucked right behind Gaylord’s downtown, 100-acre Aspen Park feels a world away. Between its challenging outer routes and the groomed 2-mile illuminated trail lit for skiing after dark, winter in Aspen Park is bustling with Nordic skiers and snowshoers day and night. To start your Aspen adventure, follow Main Street to South Otsego Avenue to the end of Commerce Blvd., 989-732-4060.

Winter Activities

Winter Wonderland Top 10

Snowmobile

Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding

Showshoeing & X-Country Skiing

Winter Rafting

Snow Cams

Sleigh Rides

Step One: Slide

If you’ve never tried cross-country skiing before, head to Forbush Corner in Frederic! You’ll find on-site instruction, a ski shop, micro routes (like the aptly named Pancake and Green trails). As your skills improve, there are trails of varying difficulty to accommodate Nordic skiers of any level. All routes are immaculately groomed for both skate and classic skiing, thanks to the largest fleet of dedicated Nordic equipment in the Midwest. 989-348-5989

Into the Woods

Nestled deep in the Mackinaw State Forest, the 12k Pine Baron Pathway is a true wilderness trail that isn’t too wild. Its terrain is mostly flat, gorgeously wooded, wide enough for two sets of tracks and groomed weekly throughout winter. Located just six miles outside of Gaylord. 989-732-3541

Ski & Snowshoe Rentals

Treetops Resort 989-732-6711
Otsego Resort 989-732-5181
Louis M. Groen Nature Preserve (Snowshoes Only) (989) 705-2181
Forbush Corner 989-889-2843
Cross Country Ski Headquarters 800-832-2663
White Birch Outfitters (Snowshoes Only) 989-732-2223

Ready For More?

Find out what our friends at Michigantrailmaps.com have to say about snowshoeing in Gaylord HERE!