Young's
The adult snowshoe trail at the George Young Recreational Complex is free, and it's the easiest place to start.
Young's trails906-214-2308
906-265-9100
40 E Adams St
Iron River, MI 49935
Snowshoeing in Iron County, Michigan
Iron County • Michigan
Strap on a pair of snowshoes and the whole winter woods opens up, the cedar swamps and pine ridges you'd never get into any other way. It's the one winter sport anybody can do the first time out. Here's where to go in Iron County and where to rent a pair.
FREE
The snowshoe trail at Young's in Gaastra
OPEN
State land and national forest, on snowshoes almost anywhere
FROM $3
Snowshoe rentals, and kids rent free at Young's
LATE FEB.
The Candlelight Snowshoe in Iron River
Start On A Trail
Where Can You Snowshoe in Iron County?
Start on a marked trail your first time out, where you can rent a pair, follow a path and be back at the car before your feet get cold. Three places rent snowshoes, all within about 20 minutes of Iron River.
Once you've got the hang of it, you don't need a trail at all. You can snowshoe almost anywhere on state land and in the Ottawa National Forest.
Ski Brule
Snowshoers share Ski Brule's trail system with the skiers and fat bikes, out on the hill's own woods.
Ski Brule trailsCovenant Point
Covenant Point Bible Camp rents snowshoes near the Ge-Che Trail. That trail is groomed for classic skiing, so walk beside the tracks, never on them.
Covenant PointPrices are the most recent each place has posted. Check before you go.
Stay In Iron County
Where to Stay for a Snowshoe Weekend
Make Your Own Trail
Snowshoeing Off the Trail
Snowshoes were made for going where there's no trail. You're welcome to snowshoe almost anywhere on state land, and the Ottawa National Forest is open the same way. Bring a map, because the woods all look alike once they're white.
- Lake Mary Plains, near Crystal Falls: a state pathway through pine and lake country. It isn't groomed, and one 1.8-mile stretch is closed for bad bridges.
- Bewabic State Park, west of Crystal Falls: a two-mile nature trail. You'll need a Recreation Passport, and check that the park road is open before you go.
- The national forest: some forest roads aren't plowed, so park only where the plow has been.
Late February
The Candlelight Snowshoe in Iron River
One evening each February, the Iron County Trail Club lines about a mile of trail at Taproot Farm in Iron River with luminaria and invites everybody out. It's free, and they lend snowshoes to anyone who needs a pair. In 2026 it fell on February 28. The 2027 date hasn't been set yet, so watch our event calendar.
No Snowshoes? No Problem
Winter Hiking in Iron County: Short Winter Walks
Not every winter walk needs snowshoes. When the snow has settled or been tramped down, a pair of boots with some traction will take you a long way. After a fresh snowfall, bring the snowshoes. These are Iron County Trail Club trails, made for hiking, biking and snowshoeing.
Taproot Loop, Iron River
About six-tenths of a mile at Taproot Community Farm, the same woods as the Candlelight Snowshoe.
Mirkwood, Iron River
About a mile of narrow trail through the woods south of West Iron County schools.
Telmarine Hill, Caspian
A web of trails on the old ski-jump hill, across the lot from Caspian City Hall.
Share the trail:
stay off groomed ski tracks, and never walk the groomed snowmobile
trails. They belong to the sleds.
When To Go
When Is the Snow Good for Snowshoeing?
Plan on January and February, when the snow is deepest and most reliable. Most winters there's good snow on the ground by mid-December, and it holds into late March.
How Often There's 6 Inches or More on the Ground
Share of days with 6 inches or more of snow on the ground near Iron River, winters 1996–97 through 2025–26.
Before You Go
Tips for Your First Time on Snowshoes
- Stay off the ski tracks. Walk beside groomed ski trails, never in the set tracks. Skiers will thank you.
- Dress in layers. Snowshoeing is warm work. Start a little cold and peel off a layer before you sweat.
- Bring poles if you have them. They help on hills and in deep snow.
- Keep the dog on a leash on state land. Six feet or shorter.
- Start early. Winter afternoons are short, and it gets dark in the woods by five.
Questions
Snowshoeing in Iron County: Common Questions
Where can I snowshoe near Iron River, Michigan?
Young's in Gaastra has a free snowshoe trail, and Ski Brule's trails are open to snowshoers with a pass. You can also snowshoe almost anywhere on state land and in the Ottawa National Forest.
Where can I rent snowshoes in Iron County?
At Young's ($5, or $3 for county residents, and free for kids), at Covenant Point ($10 a day) and at Ski Brule. Call ahead, since rentals are limited.
Do I need a trail pass to snowshoe?
Only at Ski Brule, where a lift ticket covers it. Young's snowshoe trail is free, and state and national forest land costs nothing to walk.
Can I snowshoe on cross-country ski trails?
Walk beside them, not on them. Snowshoes wreck the set tracks that classic skiers use.
Can I bring my dog snowshoeing?
On state land, yes, on a leash six feet or shorter. On private trails like Young's and Ski Brule, ask first.
When is the Candlelight Snowshoe?
Late February. In 2026 it was February 28 at Taproot Farm in Iron River. The 2027 date hasn't been announced yet.
Can you go winter hiking in Iron County without snowshoes?
Yes, once the snow has settled or been packed down. The Iron County Trail Club's short trails in Iron River and Caspian are good for a winter walk in boots with traction. After a fresh snow, bring snowshoes, and stay off groomed ski and snowmobile trails.
Photos by Kevin Zini Photography, Iron River.
Start Planning
Plan a Snowshoe Weekend in Iron County
Pick a weekend in January or February, rent a pair at Young's, and book a warm room for when you come in out of the cold.
Winter and tagged crystal falls michigan, iron county michigan, iron river michigan, snowshoe trails, snowshoeing, upper peninsula michigan, winter.
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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.