Start your new year off right with a refreshing trek through snowy woods. These lantern-lit hikes will guide you through some of the North’s most romantic winter scenery, warming your soul on even the chilliest of nights. (The complimentary hot cocoa helps, too!)
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Mackinac Island Twilight Turtle Trek
Head to Mackinac Island for the annual Twilight Turtle Trek—a two-mile, lantern-lit ski and snowshoe through the island’s snowy scenery. The evening trek begins with a bonfire and hot chocolate at Greaney Grove (corner of Arch Rock Road and Huron Road), and admission is free. Learn more at mackinacparks.com.
Dates: Jan. 13, Feb. 3, March 2; 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Photo by Allison Acosta
Full Moon Candle-Lit Hike at Sturgeon River Preserve
HeadWaters Land Conservancy is hosting a self-guided full moon candle-lit hike at the Sturgeon River Preserve in Gaylord, illuminated by candles and luminaries. A fire at the entrance and complimentary hot cocoa will add warmth to your moonlit stroll. Learn more at headwatersconservancy.org.
Date: Jan. 20; 6–8 p.m.
Photo by HeadWaters Land Conservancy
Ludington State Park Lantern Hike
Hike a lantern-lit trail through a portion of Ludington State Park, including a stop at the amphitheater for hot chocolate and marshmallow roasting around a campfire. When conditions allow, about 40 pairs of snowshoes are available to borrow at no cost thanks to the Friends of Ludington State Park, and volunteers are on hand to help strap you in if needed. (Snowshoes aren’t required if you just want to wear your favorite winter boots.) The event is free, but a Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into the state park. These evening treks begin at the warming shelter, located next to the parking lot at the end of M-116. friendsofludingtonstatepark.org
Dates: Jan. 20, Feb. 3 & 17, March 2; 6–8 p.m.
Hike Hickory Meadows Trail in Traverse City
Join Grand Traverse Conservation District to celebrate the new year’s first full moon—the Wolf Moon. Amid the stillness of winter, you’ll take in all the sounds of nature, perhaps even a howl, during this self-led hike. Dress appropriately for inclement weather and bring headlamps in case of clouds. Meet at the main parking lot off of Randolph Street. The event is free, but registration is limited and required: natureiscalling.org/events
Date: Jan. 25; 5–7 p.m.
Photo by Dave Weidner
Ski or Snowshoe Grass River Natural Area in Bellaire
Enjoy a self-guided evening ski on GRNA’s groomed ski trails, or snowshoe the boardwalk to the river. A warm campfire awaits visitors at the center pavilion, and the heated building will be open and staffed. Come any time during the two-hour, self-guided ski or snowshoe, and be sure to bring a flashlight or headlamp. Skis and snowshoes for all ages are available for rent at the Grass River Center for an additional $5 rental fee, or bring your own! grassriver.org
Dates: Jan. 26; 6:30–8:30 p.m.; $5 per person
Lantern Lit Snowshoe at William B. Derby Preserve
As part of the Les Cheneaux Snowsfest, Woods & Waters will be offering a lantern-lit snowshoe outing at the William B. Derby Nature Preserve in Cedarville. No registration required. For more info on Snowsfest (Feb. 8–11), visit: lescheneaux.net/snowsfest
Date: Feb. 10; 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Mt. McSauba Candlelight Hikes
Take part in a beloved Mt. McSauba tradition: candlelight hikes. This will be the sixth season of these Friday night treks, where you can snowshoe, hike or even cross-country ski on candle-lit trails at your own pace (and sip some cocoa by a roaring fire). Hikes start at the sledding hill parking lot, and routes may vary from week to week. charlevoixmi.gov
Dates: Every Friday through Feb. 23; 5–8 p.m.
Photo by City of Charlevoix
Photo by Dave Weidner
Hartwick Pines State Park New & Full Moon Hike
If hiking beneath snow-dusted old-growth pines sounds like your winter wonderland of choice, head to majestic Hartwick Pines State Park for a new moon or full moon hike. Self-guided new moon hikes begin at the Visitor Center, continuing along the lantern-lit Old Growth Trail. Warm up by the Logging Museum bonfire or in the Visitor Center. The guided full moon hike on Feb. 24 departs at 8 p.m. from the Contact Station, with a snowshoe fitting at 7:30 p.m. This two-mile roundtrip hike to the campground and back is first come, first served. The towering red and white pines are sure to leave you in awe, inspired and ready to take on the year ahead. michigan.gov
Dates: New Moon Hikes: Jan. 13, Feb. 3, March 9, 5:30–8:30 p.m.; Full Moon Hike: Feb. 24, 8 p.m.