Winter on the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail is special. Light fluffy snow covering the trees and trail make it ideal for photography, skiing, or snowshoeing through a secluded winter wonderland! Most of the trail is groomed in the winter with a corduroy base for skate skiing, snowshoeing, and classic tracks on the outside for classic cross-country skiing. Click here for up-to-date ski conditions.
Groomer Crew Training in November 2013
The grooming crew is getting ready for the season. The wheels on the Gator will be replaced with snow tracks and the grooming equipment is in place. Groomer Crew training will be held on Tuesday, November 18. If you are interested in being on the Crew this winter, contact us.
Trailhead parking is available on Forest Haven Road in Glen Arbor, Glen Haven, the Dune Climb, Pierce Stocking Drive, and the corner of Voice Rd and Bar Lake Rd on the north end of Empire.
The trail from Glen Arbor to the Dune Climb (4 miles) is relatively flat with beautiful scenery. A loop trail through DH Day Campground and a loop just south of the Dune Climb have been added this year. You will have to remove your skis to cross M-109 and in Glen Haven.
The section from Empire to Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive (3 miles) is also beautiful, but has more challenging slopes. This section will be groomed without classic tracks because of the hills. This will be a good section for skate skiers to get a good workout!
Between the Dune Climb and Pierce Stocking Drive, the trail crosses multiple driveways and climbs significant hills, so this section will not be groomed. There is no good way to ski between the Scenic Drive and the Dune Climb at this time.