Sylvania Outfitters Cross-Country Ski Trails

During the ski season (typically from early December through most of March) Sylvania Outfitters serves as the groomer and trailhead for this 20k system of loops on Ottawa National Forest land. Trails are groomed for traditional and diagonal-stride skiing; some are also groomed for ski-skating. They go over varied terrain with lots of ups and downs, suited mostly to intermediate-level skiers The flatter main trail is suitable for novices.

The mixed forest includes many big hemlocks, pines, and maples. Beaver activity is evident, even in winter. The Raven Loop leads to the boundary of the Sylvania Wilderness Area and its ungroomed, unmarked trails. By Christmas other skiers will have established clear, packed trails in Sylvania. An inexpensive map of Sylvania's trails, often over old logging roads, can be had from Sylvania Outfitters or the Visitor Center.

Hot drinks and snacks are available at Sylvania Outfitters' warming room with fireplace.

Trails start at Sylvania Outfitters on U.S. 2, 1 1/4 miles west of Watersmeet. (906) 358-4766 for information. $5/day or $25/season. Handicap accessibility: no. Dogs permitted for skijouring or on 6-foot leash.
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WATERSMEET
POINTS OF INTEREST

Sylvania Wilderness Area. This lake-studded 30-square-mile tract is a rare treasure: an old-growth forest that escaped the logger's ax, and lakes where motors are banned. ... more

Watersmeet Trout Hatchery and Fish Farm. Fishing's always good at this plentifully-sotcked hatchery. Great outing for kids ... more

Ottawa Visitor Center. The Ottawa National Forest info center also has an excellent nature bookstore, interesting exhibits, and anature trail ... more

Clark Lake and Clark Lake Trail. Convenient auto access up to the motor-free Sylvania Wilderness Area's Clark Lake with a long, sandy beach, good birding, and an 8-mile trail around the lake through the old-growth forest. ... more

Imp Lake Interpretive Trail. This memorable 1.5-mile path leads from an inviting swimming area into an old-growth hemlock forest ... more

Sylvania Outfitters. Veteran outdoorsman Bob Zelinski shares a wealth of information about the area, rents canoes, kayaks, skis, and snowshoes, and refers customers to fishing guides ... more

Mex-I-Min-E Falls & Campground. A short, powerful cascade in a quiet, pretty woodland spot with primitive camping. ... more

Ontonagon River Middle Branch. This pretty, underdeveloped brook trout stream can be paddled year-round. Rent a canoe. It's a fine first whitewater trip ... more

Sylvania Outfitters Cross-Country Ski Trails. 20 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails in the Sylvania Wildeerness Area, much of it over hilly terrain ... more

Watersmeet Rails to Trails. This old railroad grade leads through many habitats to downtown Land O'Lakes ... more

Ajibikoka Falls. Difficult to get to, this falls is one of the finest in the Watersmeet region ... more

Watersmeet Wi-fi Hotspots. • Public Library in Land ‘O Lakes WI 9 miles south has wi-fi. Turn right on Hwy B. On north side of Hwy B downtown. Can use in parking lot if not open.
• Lac Vieux Desert Resort Casino has wi-fi. N5384 US-45 north of Watersmeet. ... more

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