Some changes for cross country skiing at Ludington State Park

HAMLIN TWP. — Snow enthusiasts will see some changes this winter at the Ludington State Park.
At least two miles of cross-country ski trails will be illuminated on certain occasions this winter at the Ludington State Park. Park Manager Jim Gallie said the park has purchased solar powered lights that will be set up along the park’s bicycle path, allowing skiers and snow shoers some illumination.
“We’ll be lighting it every couple of weeks, once construction no longer conflicts with the path’s use,” Gallie said. “Right now the construction schedule is in such flux that we can’t specify which nights it will be lit up and open. We’ll make announcements via Twitter and our website once we set the dates.”
Electrical and water construction in the Pines Campground have meant a re-route of the popular Logging Trail, used by skiers. Because day users can’t go through the campground, a new route was set up beginning at the trailhead of the Ridge Trail, located west of the Cedar Campground along the bicycle path.
The new route veers off of the Ridge Trail and goes along the hill on the east side of the Pines Campground, eventually tying into the trailhead of the Logging Trail.
Gallie said park employees and volunteers have spent a lot of time repairing the south ski trails as well. The trailhead is located near the western staircase of the Skyline Trail. The south trails go through an area on the edge of sand dunes. They feature three loops at different lengths.
The state park will also be using its trail groomer again this winter. The groomer was purchased last year. Gallie said a nice feature of the groomer is that it can divide a trail, allowing ski-shoers and hikers to walk on one side and allowing skiers on another.
Pedestrian traffic deteriorates ski trails and makes skiing difficult.
Gallie said the park plans on print trail maps that will also explain skiing etiquette.

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