When you live in a state with so much nature, it can be hard to fit all your exploring in during the warm months. Thankfully, those in Michigan are well-versed in making the most of winter and fall. One of the Best Hiking Trails in Michigan is the perfect example, with the best times to visit between December through March.

The Rolling Hills, Trappers Cabin, and Manitou Loop at Au Sable State Park near Roscommon, Michigan is one of the few places that is way more fun when there’s snow on the ground rather than green grass. This hike is still fantastic in the summer, but there’s nothing like it in the winter.

Roscommon is located in Upper Mid-Michigan just south of Grayling. Many might remember the name of this town as it’s one of the furthest east points of the Huron National Forest.
Janakraj Bhattrai/AllTrails
There are plenty of exciting hiking trails to explore around the national forest as well as Au Sable State Forest. There are even a few from our list of the 18 Best Hikes In Michigan.
Rolling Hills, Trappers Cabin, and Manitou Loop is located just southwest of Roscommon near the shores of Higgins Lake. The terrain doesn’t take you past the water, but it wouldn’t be too much of a sight during the optimal time of year on this trail.
AllTrails
This 5.1-mile loop trail earns a moderate difficulty rating. It only gains 170 feet of elevation throughout the trip.
This trail truly shines due to the ease of snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. In fact, the Higgins Lake XC Ski Headquarters is located right across the street.
Cross Country Ski Headquarters/Google Reviews
If you don’t have cross-country skiing equipment, you can pick some up at the HQ. You can even book a lesson if you need to brush up on your skills.

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This combination of three trails is just the northern half of a 19-kilometer trail network. These trails seem to remain open year-round, but the Mackinac Cut and Wild Turkey XC Ski Trail to the south closes during the warmer months.
Randy Osterman/AllTrails
The Rolling Hills, Trappers Cabin, and Manitou Loops are a much longer trip than their counterparts to the south.
These trails are given the attention they deserve by trail maintenance crews. They’re freshly groomed daily during the season.
Cross Country Ski Headquarters/Facebook
The trails are wide enough to accommodate those on skis and snowshoes.
This is a popular spot for cross-country skiing enthusiasts thanks to the great efforts by the headquarters across the road. On the weekends, groups will gather to enjoy some hot cocoa, snacks, and a bonfire at the Trappers Cabin.
Cross Country Ski Headquarters/Facebook
Visitors are invited to start their own bonfires too at the Trappers Cabin.

You’ll want to make your way to the Rolling Hills, Trappers Cabin, and Manitou Loop while the snow is still on the ground as they don’t make their own snow. You can find more information about cross-country skiing by heading to the Higgins Lake XC Ski Headquarters website.

Don’t forget how close you are to one of the other great cross-country skiing trails I wrote for our list of the Best Hiking Trails in Michigan. If you’re sticking around Roscommon for a while, consider exploring the Mackinac Cut and Wild Turkey XC Ski Trail.

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Featured Addresses
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N Cut Rd, Roscommon, MI 48653, USA