Events

Spirit of the Woods’ February Hike will be our annual Chili Feed (plus hike, ski or snowshoe) at Big M Cross Country Ski Trails on Saturday, February 10 (the second Saturday of the month).

We plan to meet for a hike at 10 am. We will have chili, soup, and hot chocolate in the wood-heated trail shelter at Big M at about noon after the hike (or ski or snowshoe). 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. Big M is listed on Google maps and this link will take you to a Google map of the Big M trails and trail shelter.

Big M has a website that will give you more information. See skibigm.org to read more about the trail system.

****Note: Gary Hearing will lead the out-and-back hike on the North Country Trail at 10 am. We are not sure yet of the distance, it will be based on participant’s wishes and conditions on the trail. The hiking miles will be able to be counted for the Hike 100 Challenge.

We could use a volunteer to be the sweep (bring up the rear and do a shorter distance if there is interest).

Snowshoes may be advisable depending on conditions on that day. If we have a freeze/thaw cycle before the hike date, you may be able to do fine with traction devices on your boots.

To RSVP, or if you have additional questions, please call Loren Bach (231) 510-1983 or email spw@northcountrytrail.org

The event will be canceled or postponed if the driving conditions are unsafe, so please RSVP and watch the Spirit of the Woods Facebook group for cancellation updates. We will cancel or postpone on February 9th if the driving conditions are predicted to be unsafe.

***Big M Cross Country Ski Trails does have a Forest Service fee pipe. It is $5.00 per vehicle or you can use your federal senior pass (place in the windshield). The Forest Service donates your fee money to the Manistee Cross Country Ski Council, the volunteer group that maintains the Big M trails.