Events

The Spirit of the Woods Chapter’s February Hike will be our annual Chili Feed (plus hike, ski, or snowshoe) at Big M Cross Country Ski Trails.

The out-and-back hike will start at 10 am. Distance will be based on participant’s wishes and snow conditions on the trail. Miles hiked will be able to be counted for the Hike 100 Challenge.

Gary Hearing will be our hike leader.

The meeting place for the hike is west of the Big M trails. We plan to meet where the trail crosses Madison road, at the corner of Madison and Skocelas Road east of the town of Manistee, MI.
ArcGIS map The meeting place is approximately at Milepost 272
Google maps

Snowshoes may be advisable depending on conditions on that day. If we have a freeze/thaw cycle before the hike date, traction devices on your boots may be adequate.

We have been getting large groups joining us for hikes, so we would like you to park on Madison Road. Carpooling would be helpful to cut down on the number of cars.

Another option: bring your cross country skis and ski the Big M ski trails (assuming we have skiable snow). Check with Loren to find out about conditions. Ski conditions, maps, and additional information are posted on the Big M website. NOTE: There is a $5 day use fee, or you can use the federal annual Forest Pass, Interagency Pass or Interagency Senior pass. Click here for details.

After the hike (around noon), we will have chili and hot chocolate in the wood heated trail shelter at Big M. Please bring a potluck accompaniment or side dish to pass if you would like. Big M is on Udell Hills Road east of Manistee near the town of Wellston, MI.

For questions or to RSVP please call Loren Bach (231) 510-1983 or email spw@northcountrytrail.org

If the weather is hazardous for driving, please contact Loren or check our Facebook page for updated details.