906-214-2308
906-265-9100
40 E Adams St
Iron River, MI 49935
Cross-Country Skiing in Iron County, Michigan
Iron County, Michigan is one of the Upper Peninsula’s most approachable and rewarding destinations for cross country skiing. With a mix of professionally groomed Nordic trail systems, state park ski loops, and quiet forest pathways, Iron County offers options for beginners, families, and experienced skiers seeking uncrowded winter terrain.
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Ski Brule Nordic Trails
Distance: 9+ of looped trails
Grooming: Regularly groomed and tracked
Terrain: Rolling forest terrain along the Brule River valley
Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced
Technique: Classic (some wider sections suitable for skate)
Start / Finish: Ski Brule base area (loop system)
Parking: On site
Rentals: Yes , cross country skis and boots
Availability: Seasonal and snow-dependent; trail status posted daily
What to expect:
Ski Brule provides the most reliable and visitor-friendly Nordic skiing experience in Iron County. Trails are clearly marked, professionally maintained, and designed to accommodate a wide range of abilities. Skiers can choose short, flat loops or longer routes with gentle elevation changes.
Trail link:
Ski Brule Cross Country
Young’s Nordic Ski Trails
Distance: 9+ miles
Grooming: Professionally groomed
Terrain: Gently rolling woodland trails
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Technique: Classic and Skate
Start / Finish: Young’s Golf Recreation Dining
Parking: On site
Rentals: Yes
Availability: Seasonal; grooming depends on snowfall and temperatures
What to expect:
Young’s offers a quieter Nordic experience with consistent grooming and support for both classic and skate skiing. This system is ideal for skiers building skills or those looking for well maintained trails without the bustle of a larger ski resort.
Trail link:
Young's Ski Trails
Ge-Che Ski Trail - Lake Ottawa Recreation Area
Distance: 9 miles total (some segments groomed)
Grooming: Limited; classic only where groomed
Terrain: Forested Northwoods trail
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate, distance dependent
Start / Finish: Lake Ottawa Campground trailhead
Parking: Trailhead parking available
Rentals Nearby: Covenant Point
Availability: Open during winter; best after fresh snowfall
What to expect:
The Ge-Che Ski Trail delivers a traditional Upper Peninsula ski experience through quiet forest terrain. Conditions vary depending on snowfall and grooming schedules, making this trail best suited for skiers comfortable with changing snow surfaces.
Trail link:
USD Forest Service
Covenant Point Bible Camp
Trail Grooming Updates
Lake Mary Plains Pathway -Crystal Falls Area
Distance: ~9 miles
Grooming: Not groomed
Terrain: Rolling forest and open plains
Skill Level: Beginner (short outings) to Intermediate
Technique: Classic recommended
Start / Finish: Glidden Lake / Lake Mary Plains access points
Parking: Designated DNR trail access
Availability: Open year-round; skiable when snow-covered
What to expect:
This Michigan DNR pathway is ideal for skiers seeking solitude and natural winter landscapes. Best conditions typically occur shortly after snowfall. Skiers should expect ungroomed surfaces and variable terrain.
Trail link:
Lake Mary Plains Michigan DNR
Lake Mary Plains Michigan.GOV
Bewabic State Park Cross Country Ski Trails, Crystal Falls Area
Distance: Short loop trails within the park
Grooming: Ungroomed; snowfall dependent
Terrain: Flat to gently rolling woodland near Fortune Lake
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Technique: Classic
Start / Finish: Bewabic State Park trail areas
Parking: Designated winter parking inside the park
Rentals: Not available on site
Availability: Open during winter when snow conditions allow
What to expect:
Bewabic State Park is well suited for beginners, families, and casual skiers looking for an easy and approachable Nordic outing. The shorter loops make it a great choice for relaxed skiing days when snow coverage is good.
Trail link:
Where to Rent Cross Country Skis
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Ski Brule Rental Center
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Young’s Golf–Recreation–Dining
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Covenant Point (near Lake Ottawa)
Waxless skis are recommended due to variable Upper Peninsula winter conditions.
Best for First-Time Skiers:
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Ski Brule Nordic Trails
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Bewabic State Park
Best for Intermediate Skiers:
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Young’s Nordic Trails
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Ge-Che Ski Trail
Best for Quiet & Scenic Skiing:
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Lake Mary Plains Pathway
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Ge-Che Ski Trail
Apps & Tools for Skiers
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Nordic Pulse – Grooming updates and trail status
https://nordic-pulse.com/ -
AllTrails – Trail previews, distances, user condition reports
https://www.alltrails.com/ -
Trailforks – Trail network awareness
https://www.trailforks.com/ -
Google Maps – Download offline maps before heading out
| Ski Brule Nordic Trails | Groomed | 9+ miles | Beginner - Advanced | Yes | First time visitors, Families |
| Young's Nordic Trails | Groomed | 9+ miles | Beginner – Intermediate | Yes | Skate & classic skiers |
| Ge-Che Ski Trail | Limited | 9 miles | Beginner - Intermediate | Nearby | Scenic forest skiing |
| Lake Mary Plains Pathway | Ungroomed | 9 miles | Beginner - Intermediate | No | Quiet, natural skiing |
| Bewabic State Park | Ungroomed | Short loops | Beginner – Intermediate | No | Casual & family skiing |
| Apple Blossom Trail | Ungroomed | 3 miles | Beginner | No | In-town casual skiing |
AI Travel Assistant: Plan Smarter, Travel Better
Planning a trip to Iron County doesn’t have to be complicated. Our AI Travel Assistant is here to help you build a personalized plan whether you’re visiting for an event, outdoor adventure, weekend escape, or seasonal getaway.
In seconds, you can get recommendations for things to do, where to stay, nearby attractions, and how to make the most of your time in Iron County. It’s like having a local guide available whenever you’re ready to plan.
Where to Stay in Iron County
Make your trip easy by staying right here in Iron County. The Iron County Lodging Council represents locally owned hotels and lodging options that put you close to the area’s top attractions, events, trails, and outdoor recreation.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, attending a local event, or building a longer Upper Peninsula adventure, staying in Iron County means less driving, more time exploring, and comfortable places to unwind at the end of the day.
Check the Iron County Events Calendar
There’s always something happening in Iron County. From seasonal festivals and community celebrations to live music, outdoor events, and family friendly activities, our events calendar keeps you up to date on what’s going on during your visit.
Before you finalize your plans, take a moment to explore upcoming events and see what aligns with your trip dates. It’s the easiest way to turn a simple stay into a full Iron County experience.
Final Thoughts
Iron County offers a rare balance of reliable groomed trails, quiet forest routes, and easy access from welcoming communities. Whether you are learning to cross country ski, traveling with family, or looking for peaceful winter miles through the woods, Iron County provides options without crowds or long drive times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Travel Planning, winter activities and tagged cross-country skiing, things to do.
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Rewarding Places to Stay in Michigan
AmericInn
by Wyndham
Chicaugon
Lake Inn
906-265-9244
1700 County Road 424
Gaastra, MI 49917
Lakeshore Motel
Ice Lake
906-265-3611
1257 W Ice Lake Rd
Iron River, MI 49935
Pioneer
Lodge
800-362-7853
373 Brule Mountain Rd
Iron River, MI 49935
Ski Brule
Village
800-DO-BRULE
906-265-4957
397 Brule Mountain Rd
Iron River, MI 49935
Tall
Pines
906-822-7713
1968 US 141 Highway
Amasa, MI 49903
Iron County Michigan Visitors Guide
Iron County is one of the Upper Peninsula’s best kept secrets. From camping to fishing, hunting to canoeing, mountain biking to forest bathing – no matter your interests, the great outdoors and clear crisp air await you here.