The Ogemaw Hills Pathway cross-country ski trails wind through approximately 15 miles of the AuSable State Forest providing groomed cross country trails for all skill levels.
The Ogemaw Hills Pathway is located at the corner of Clear Lake Road and Fairview Road. Take Exit 212 (West Branch Exit) following Business Loop 75 to Fairview Road (5 miles to Ogemaw Hills Pathway).
There is no cost to use the Pathway. Private donations help fund upkeep and maintenance. If you would like to make a donation, please send to: Ogemaw Hills Ski Council
422 W. Houghton Ave.
West Branch, MI 488661
Below are the latest postings from the Ogemaw Hills Pathway Ski Trails Page On Facebook.
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Bob & Lynne Frye went looking for the Elk herd on the Shingle Mill Pathway this past Wednesday. The Elk were not to be found but a true wilderness adventure was!
The Pigeon River Country’s most popular hiking and cross-country skiing trail, the Shingle Mill Pathway begins at the Pigeon Bridge Campground located just off Sturgeon Valley Rd. eleven miles east of the village of Vanderbilt.
Heading NE along the east bank of the Pigeon River, the trail actually branches off into five separate segments of different lengths, ranging from short 3/4 and 1&1/4 strolls to 6, 10, and 12 mile excursions, the latter three crossing to the west bank of the river at the Pigeon River Campground, and eventually bringing the hiker or skier back to the Pigeon River Bridge on Sturgeon Valley Road.
Cross-country skiers should be aware that the terrain becomes increasingly challenging as the length of the selected loop increases, with the 10 and 12 mile loops involving some steeper hills.
Although bicycles are presently allowed on the pathway, cyclists are urged to be extra cautious to avoid eroding the steeper parts of the trail and be prepared to walk at times. Right of way must always be given to those on foot.
Horses and snowmobiles are forbidden to use the Shingle Mill Pathway at all times.
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.
The SBHT is groomed by the Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes. The cost of grooming is paid through donations from people like you! Please click here to support the trail.
If you want to be on the SBHT Winter Ski Condition e-mail Report, click here to request being added to the list.
CLICK HERE for a printable Ski Map. CLICK HERE to download the SBHT Ski Brochure.
Trail Parking
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 section of trail north of Glen Arbor has trailhead parking at Crystal View Trailhead, the Bay View Trailhead on Thoreson Road, and on Port Oneida Road.
Trail Description
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. It will be about 10 feet wide corduroy.
The trail north of Glen Arbor – from Crystal View trailhead to Port Oneida Road is open for skiing. This section will be groomed in 2016-2017. There is also trailhead parking on Thoreson Road at the Bay View trail parking lot.
The newest section of trail from Port Oneida Road to Bohemian Road (CR-669) is open for skiing but is not groomed. Some areas of this section are so close to the highway that snowplows throw sand and salt on the trail.
Etiquette for Fat-Tire Bikes on the SBHT
Please do not ride on the SBHT if conditions are too soft. If you are leaving a rut deeper than an inch, having a hard time riding in a straight line, or pushing your bike, the snow is too soft and you should not ride your bike on the trail.
Tires must be 3.7″ or bigger.
Tire pressure must be under 8 psi.
Do not ride on classic tracks.
Bikes yield to skiers.
Give skate skiers a wide berth.
Be an ambassador for the sport – stay polite, educate other bikers, discourage bad behavior, follow the rules, support grooming, and we’ll all have a good time this winter.
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Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes On Facebook
Below are the latest postings from the Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes Page On Facebook.
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Snowshoe Hike on the new Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail…
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The trail that leads from the corner of Norconk Road into the woods is about ½ mile long through the maple-beech forest and will take you to the Treat Farm. As you reach the top of the hill, the canopy of trees opens up to a view of the farmstead. A portion of the original barn has been rebuilt on the original foundation.
