Updated January 07, 2011
Mountains are limited in southeastern Michigan, but we've got plenty of forested trails and hilly terrain for cross-country skiing. Best of all, the costs associated with the sport are much less than for that other kind of skiing. Whether you want to rent skis or bring your own, there are plenty of locations open for cross-country skiing in Macomb County.
Best Bet for New Skiers: Stony Creek MetroPark in Shelby Township is located in both Macomb and Oakland Counties. It has over 12 miles of marked and groomed trails through various terrain, including a golf course. Ski rental costs $10 for half a day.
State Parks:
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W.C. Wetzel State Recreation Area in Lenox & Ray Townships is an undeveloped park open for cross-country skiing.
Metroparks:
Most of the Metroparks in southeast Michigan are open for cross-country skiing, but they vary regarding exactly what resources they offer.- Stony Creek MetroPark in Shelby Township has over 12 miles of groomed trails.
- Metro Beach MetroPark in Harrison Township is relatively flat with 2 1/2 miles of trails.
Other Recreation Areas and Parks:
According to the Michigan Trails website, there are several other areas within Macomb County that are open for cross-country skiing.- Freedom Hill County Park
- Macomb Orchard Trail is a 24-mile trail (formerly rail-road tracks) that is open for cross-country skiing. It runs from the City of Richmond to 24 Mile Road and Dequindre in Shelby Township.
- Shelby River Bends Park
