Winter Sports

Whether snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing, the Ottawa has a place for you.

Snowmobiling

There are approximately 450 miles of groomed snowmobile trails through the Ottawa National Forest. The trails are groomed by several different trail associations. Digital maps for the trails are available on the Michigan DNR's website. Trail condition reports can be found on the Michigan Snowmobile Association's website, updates are regularly provided by the clubs that groom the trails

State-designated trails are open Dec. 1 - March 31 and trail grooming occurs when adequate snow cover is present.

The use of snowmobiles cross-country is permitted on the Ottawa, except in areas designated closed to snowmobiles.  Snowmobiles are prohibited in designated wilderness areas, Sylvania Perimeter Area, and on plowed Forest System Roads.  In Semi-primitive Non-motorized Management Areas and Wild and Scenic Rivers Corridors snowmobiling is limited to designated trails. 

Motor Vehicle Use Maps do not provide regulations for snowmobile use.

Beginning March 1, the area of the Ottawa National Forest south of M-28 and east of Highway M-64 is closed to cross-country snowmobile use.  This is to prevent disturbance of nesting eagles.  During this time, snowmobiles are only permitted to use groomed trails or unplowed Forest System Roads within this area, which have not been signed, gated, or otherwise closed to such use.  During this period, all other areas of the Ottawa, north of M-28 and west of M-64, are open to cross-country travel, the use of groomed trails, or operation on unplowed Forest System Roads which have not been signed, gated, or otherwise closed to such use

If you choose to operate your snowmobile on the Ottawa National Forest it must have a current, valid state registration and a current Michigan snowmobile trail sticker

Snowmobile Safety Reminders

The Forest Service and DNR remind you to always think "Safety First" when snowmobiling. Please follow these safety tips:

Ride at a safe speed
Ride sober
Ride on the right side of the trail; trails have two-way traffic
Always wear a helmet
Keep lights on while riding
Come to a complete stop at all intersections. Raise off the seat and look both ways for traffic before proceeding
Create a ride plan (times, route location and check-in points) and share it with others
Stay on the trail and be prepared to adjust for changing environmental conditions
Use designated stop areas if you need to stop on the trail and remove your helmet. Never stop side-by-side, in the middle, at the crest of a hill, on a corner or in an intersection
Share the trail. Some designated snowmobile trails are also open (nonmotorized) users
Nonmotorized trail users have the right-of-way. If you see nonmotorized trail users coming from the opposite direction, pull over and yield
Snowmobilers should watch out for, and yield to, trail groomers and avoid modified exhausts
Never ride alone
When possible, avoid crossing frozen bodies of water. Never operate in a single file when crossing frozen bodies of water

XC Skiing/Snowshoeing

There are 5 cross-country ski areas on the Ottawa National Forest with a total of just over 62 kilometers or almost 39 miles of skiable trails!

Bergland - 4.38 km or 2.72 miles
Courtney - 10.3 km or 6.4 miles
Ge-Che - 15.5 km or 9.63 miles
Land O Lakes - 12.5 km or 7.78 miles
Groomed trails out of Sylvania Outfitters - 19.7 km or 12.25 miles

For current ski trail conditions, please call an Ottawa National Forest office.

Ski Trail Report Links:

Snowshoeing

The Ottawa offers a winter wonderland for snowshoe enthusiasts. Encompassing nearly one million acres, there is sure to be something for everyone on the beautiful snow-covered landscape.

While there are no specific trails designated for snowshoeing, with a compass and map a person can go virtually anywhere on the Forest. Some of our favorite spots to snowshoe are:

The Black River Harbor Recreation Area is a beautiful spot to enjoy winter’s serene beauty. There are several waterfalls located along the Wild and Scenic Black River that are a spectacular site to see. It is possible to snowshoe the North Country National Scenic Trail segment along the Wild and Scenic Black River from this location as well. For those not looking for quite the adventure, there is always the opportunity to snowshoe along the shores of Lake Superior.

The Trap Hills area, near Bergland, is another scenic spot for snowshoeing. The area is hilly and is recommended for those more skilled in the sport and have the proper equipment for this type of terrain.

O Kun de Kun Falls, located on the Ontonagon Ranger District is a popular area for snowshoeing. The trail to the falls is approximately 1.3 miles long and has a few hilly areas. Parking is available at the trailhead just off Highway 45. It is possible to access the North Country National Scenic Trail from this same trailhead.

Other options to consider:

Waterfall areas are great places to go for scenic views. The Ottawa has an abundance of waterfalls which reflect their winter splendor with ice crystals and trickling water during the winter months. Please keep in mind that not all of the falls are accessible during the winter months because of unplowed roads.

For current road access information, contact the local Ranger District you wish to visit or the Ottawa Visitor Center.