Winter on the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail is special. Light fluffy snow covering the trees and trail make it ideal for photography, skiing, or snowshoeing through a secluded winter wonderland! Most of the trail is groomed in the winter with a corduroy base for skate skiing, snowshoeing, and classic tracks on the outside for classic cross-country skiing.
February 11th, 2025
❄️ PERFECT Conditions Snow Report ❄️
We saw the sun yesterday! WAHOO! Conditions are pretty much perfect. There is more snow in the forecast this week.
There is a great base everywhere on the trail. Below are details on trail conditions. Learn more about winter trail etiquette here. The Leelanau Conservancy is grooming Palmer Woods and you can check out their snow reports on their Faceboook page here.
Ski Conditions
A Huge Thank You to Our Volunteers!
We couldn’t enjoy these trails without your dedication. If you want to express gratitude feel free to post photos and a comment on our facebook page and we will be sure to share it with our team!
The SBHT is groomed by the Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes. This program is supported through donations from people like you!
We are an all-volunteer organization that partners with the National Park to help maintain and heighten visitor experiences to the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore.
Would you like to volunteer to help out on the trails? Sign-up on our Volunteer Page.
Trail Description
The trail from Glen Arbor to the Dune Climb (4 miles) is relatively flat with beautiful scenery. A loop trail through DH Day Campground and a loop just south of the Dune Climb have been added. You may have to remove your skis to cross M-109 and in Glen Haven.
The section from Empire to Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive (3 miles) is also beautiful, but has more challenging slopes. This section will be groomed with one set of classic tracks to allow for wide corduroy for skate skiing.
The trail north of Glen Arbor – from Crystal View trailhead to Port Oneida Road is open for skiing. This section will be groomed again this year. There is also trailhead parking on Thoreson Road at the Bay View trail parking lot.
The newest section of trail from Port Oneida Road to Bohemian Road (CR-669) is open for skiing but is not groomed. Some areas of this section are so close to the highway that snowplows throw sand and salt on the trail.
Trailhead parking is available on Forest Haven Road in Glen Arbor, Glen Haven, the Dune Climb, Pierce Stocking Drive, and the corner of Voice Rd and Bar Lake Rd on the north end of Empire. The section of trail north of Glen Arbor has trailhead parking at Crystal View Trailhead, the Bay View Trailhead on Thoreson Road, and on Port Oneida Road.
Note, Pets are not allowed on designated cross-country ski trails from December 1 – March 31. See Park Pet Page for more information.
Etiquette for Fat-Tire Bikes on the SBHT