The Department of Natural Resources announced that the cross-country ski trail at Bewabic State Park will be groomed this year for the first time.
“Thanks to the cooperation between the DNR Forest, Mineral and Fire Management (FMFM) and Parks and Recreation divisions, Bewabic State Park will be able to offer groomed cross-country skiing to the public,” said Park Supervisor Robert Strittmatter.
In the past, Bewabic State Park was open to cross-country skiers, but the path was not groomed. This year, the ski trail will be groomed for both classical and skating style skiing.
The ski trail is 2.5 miles in length. It starts at the south end of the day use parking lot and works its way into the campground. Visitors will be pleased with the winter views as they travel through the park, Strittmatter noted.
The park is also open to individuals who want to snowshoe. However, the snowshoe enthusiast must use alternate areas other than the groomed ski trails. The hiking trail to the south of the park is ideal for snowshoeing. It travels along First Fortune Lake before passing into a mature eastern hemlock stand. There are no trail fees at Bewabic State Park.
More information about Bewabic State Park can be found at www.michigan.gov/dnr or by calling the park at 906 875 3324. Bewabic State Park is located on US-2, four miles west of Crystal Falls.
All motor vehicles entering a state park or recreation area must display a Motor Vehicle Permit, available for purchase at the entrance. Cost is $24 for a 2008 resident annual and $6 for resident daily. A non-resident annual is $29 and a non-resident daily is $8.
The DNR is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural resources for current and future generations.