Rapid River, MI — The Hiawatha National Forest and partners are excited to invite you and your family to a National Winter Trails Day event on Saturday, January 20th, 2024 at the Rapid River Ski Trail. From 11:00am to 3:00pm, participants will be able to us snowshoe/cross-country ski equipment free of charge and explore the trails!

Thanks to a partnership between the Hiawatha National Forest and Delta County Nonmotorized Trails, the trails will be groomed and ready for these fun winter activities. Cross-country skis and snowshoes will be available free of charge during the event thanks to Brampton Bike and Ski in Gladstone. Volunteers will be on-hand to assist participants with outfitting of gear and to teach the fundamentals of both skiing and snowshoeing. New this year, Equipment Loans of the Keweenaw will be present with sit skis and volunteers to assist individuals with varied abilities to try skiing. Complimentary food and refreshments will be provided to all participants thanks to Mary Malnor.

To ensure that adequate equipment and instructors are on hand, please pre-register for the event by calling Brampton Bike and Ski at 906-428-2135 anytime between 10:00am and 6:00pm the week of 1/15 – 1/19.

The Rapid River National Cross Country Ski Trail is located 6 miles north of Rapid River on US Highway 41 and includes 5 classic loops ranging from 1 to 10 miles in length, 2 skating loops, and a mile of snowshoe trail. The trail system is groomed and maintained by volunteers from the Delta County Nonmotorized Trail group, and grooming reports are posted on the Rapid River Ski Trail Facebook page.

For more information about this year’s National Winter Trails Day event visit the Hiawatha National Forest website at www. fs.usda.gov/hiawatha or contact the Rapid River Ranger District at 906474-6442. In the case of inclement weather, a backup date of February 24, 2024, has been set. Follow the Hiawatha National Forest Facebook page for updates at https://www.facebook. com/HiawathaNF/