This loop ski trip runs through one of the largest groomed cross-county skiing trail networks in all of Michigan. The area offers lots of connecting trails that can be used to customize trips for all skill levels. This trip utilizes trails west of Monument Road to complete a scenic but challenging loop with some small climbs and hills that will give you a good workout. The trip can easily be shortened by following some shortcut trails that cover flatter terrain. There are also additional connecting trails to the east and north that provide more trip options. There is no charge to use the trails but donations are always accepted at drop boxes located at the trailheads.

Minocqua Winter Park has over 6,500 acres of pristine terrain containing over 45 miles of groomed trails for skiers of all skill levels. Many other winter recreation activities are also available at Minocqua Winter Park. The VO2 Max is listed as one of the top ten trails in the United States by one popular source. This trail has been used as a race course for decades and has hosted the several well-known competitions. This trail has many twists and turns and includes some man-made obstacles to add to the intensity. It is narrow with trees very close on both sides to really test your skill.

The Provin Trails Park provides an excellent network of trails for cross-country skiing and hiking just north of the metropolitan area of Grand Rapids. The trails are most commonly known for providing challenging cross-country skiing over rolling hills of wooded terrain. There are multiple connecting trails that can be used to customize trips of varying difficulty and distance. The trails can also be used for a hiking during warmer months.

The Van Kuren Trail meanders over rolling hills and winds through stands of oak and pine while affording views of numerous wetlands and the 23,000-acre Petenwell Flowage. There is a great variety of birds and other wildlife to be seen and some unique land features are explained by interpretive markers along the way. There is one especially steep grade about half a mile from the parking area and a few others throughout the track.

Phillips School Forest contains an extensive trail network that includes five loops ranging from gently rolling to steep climbs. The trails wind through a diverse forest and an open meadow and are very scenic and beautiful. This loop includes many challenging uphill climbs and very hilly terrain. Some challenging downhills and turns are also found on this trail.

This adventure explores the forests of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, one of the most visited wilderness areas in the United States. The paths are very well-maintained and the variety of landscapes make this a very pleasant route. This trail runs on the north shores of Flour Lake and follows an old logging trail. Wildlife in the area include moose, deer, bald eagles and wolves.

Seidman Park is home to a network of nature trails that are great for hiking and cross-country skiing. The trails are broken up into three loops that can be done separately or combined for a longer loop through the park. The trails travel over rolling hill terrain with lots of small ups and downs but no major climbs. All the trails used for cross-country skiing are marked with a difficulty rating. There are trail maps available at the trailhead that show the entire area of trails.

This network of trails located in northern Michigan provides cross-country skiers with some beautiful scenery and lots of solitude. The trails can be done as three separate loops or combined for longer adventures into the area. The trails travel over gentle rolling terrain that is best suited for beginner and intermediate skiers. It is suggested that the trails be traveled in clockwise direction. There is no fee to use the trails but donations are welcomed to help maintain the area.

The Grand Geneva Ski area offers about five miles of groomed and marked cross-country ski trails in addition to its many downhill runs. The cross-country ski trails meander through the beautiful southern Wisconsin country side. Trails can be found for beginner, intermediate, and advanced skiers. This is the intermediate loop which contains steeper hills and more woods than the beginner trail.

The Muncie Lakes Pathway is an extensive trail system for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing located less than 15 miles southeast of Traverse City. The area offers multiple loop trails that can be done separately or combined for a longer trip through the area. This loop run leads skiers through the scenic forested terrain to Muncie Lakes and back. The terrain does have some small rolling hills but is overall a good option for novice skiers.