Besides of all the other things to do in the Upper Peninsula, something you can do with the whole family, with friends or even by your self is snowshoeing. There are plenty of trails that are around. Most of the trails are the same trails or in the same area as the cross country skiers are. Being outside and having a great time is something to look forward to but besides that you will be able to see breathe taking views of the same scenery you see in the summer but this time covered in snow and ice. You can capture what winter is really like.

To describe a snowshoe to those who are new to the sport it has been used in North America for thousands of years for many different purposes. Now there are many different styles to choose from to get the one that fits you the best. There are two main types of snowshoes that are mainly used. The first one is back country snowshoes which are sturdier than the recreational snowshoes. The other type of snowshoes is the recreational snowshoes. There are many more things you need to know about snowshoes before you go and buy them.  Here is a website you should check out if you are interested in knowing more about snowshoes before going out on a snowshoe adventure or going out to purchase some: http://www.trailspace.com/articles/snowshoes.html.

If you are looking for a place where you can will have a professional guide show you everything you will want to see be sure to go to Water Eco Tours. Their tours will start as two hours as the shortest tour to a couple days long. So be sure you have the time to set aside for your tour and make sure you sign up for the right one.  Water Eco Tours is located at the southern end of the Upper Peninsula on the shore of Lake Huron. Water Eco Water is owned by a professional guide and ecologist, Jessie Hadley, and is operated out of her Cedarville, MI base camp. Your trip will be guided by Jessie or a professional guide and a high school teacher Jim Patrick.  During your guides you will be through the woods and on the ice.  Jessie and Jim will teach you about the eco system, natural history and how the environment can be enjoyed without leaving any evidence besides the tracks in the snow.

Bruno’s Run, which is located about 11 miles south of M-28 and the community of Wetmore, offers a nine mile loop for those who go snowshoeing in the winter months. The loop is good for the skilled in the easy to moderate category. You are able to access the trails from the Widewater and Pete’s Lake campground as well as from FH-13 at Moccasin Lake and FR-2173 at Grassy Lake. There is limited parking at each location. The trail goes through winding itself past small lakes and goes over foot hills, along the way you can overlook and see the valley. Since there are small lakes and streams there is many different trees and plant life. This means you will have a good chance in seeing wildlife or at least the signs of them coming and going.

Take a snowshoeing trip along the Black River. At the Black River there are five waterfalls which line the last few miles of the Black River the flows into Lake Superior. Black River is located north of Bessemer and is part of the Ottawa National Forest. With the winter snow you are able to go right onto the river’s gorge to get an “up close” look at all the waterfalls and the scenery. The perfect way to see these waterfalls in the winter is by snowshoeing. There are marked sections of the North Country National Scenic Trail to provide you with even more possibilities on where to all go on the trails.

The Giant Pine Loop is not just a hiking trail in the warm months but it is also a great trail to go on with snowshoes. This loop will also allow you to branch off the trail, only if you would want to, to explore the path that connects the Upper and Lower Falls along the Tahquamenon River. If you go when the weather has been cold enough and the river stays frozen, you will be able to walk across the river to explore the many tiers of the Lower Falls. On your snowshoe walk bring enough Kleenex, or even toilet paper. There are outhouses on the trails and it is known with the cold weather the toilet paper sometimes freezes. It is good to be safe instead of sorry.

The Valley Spur Cross Country Snowshoe Trails is a good trail for beginners or even an expert. There is a total of thirty-eight miles of trails that pass alongside the northern hardwood forest, meadow, and hemlock groves. There is also a lot of different plant life with red pine plantations, white pine plantations and much more. The main trail is located just six miles southwest of Munising on M-94 at the Valley Spur Day Lodge. At the lodge there is parking, trail head map and a display, toilet and drinking water.  The route is open during daylight hours from December to April and parking fees are required. The trail loops are usually groomed but conditions of the trail will vary on the weather and the time of the week. The trail segments are well-marked starting at the day lodge and marked at each trail junction, also there are posted maps at all trail intersections.

If you are ready to see the true winter wonderland, make your snowshoeing trip at the Alpine Wilderness Snowshoe Tours through the Crystal Mountains. Your trip will be a total of two and half hours long. The start of your trip will be riding up the Quicksilver chairlift to the base of the South Backcountry. You will go through Lower Henskin Lake and then head up to Upper Henskin Lake. After the lakes you will leave the Backcountry by going down the slopes all the way to the base. The tour includes stopping for snacks and for a Cheese Fondue Dinner with a salad and dessert.  Reservations for this tour are a must so you can call or just stop in. The total cost is either $30 which includes the tour, dinner, salad and dessert, or $50 which includes snowshoe rental, tour, dinner, salad and dessert.