Cross Country Skiing in the Northern Kettle Moraine Region of Wisconsin

Some of the finest cross country skiing can be found just a few miles outside of Milwaukee in the Northern Kettle Moraine area. This region which was formed by the retreating glaciers ten thousand years ago is ideal for both the classic and skating cross country skiing enthusiasts. There are trails which will challenge the most skilled skier and trails for the beginner. Best of all these trails travel through some of the most scenic and unique geography in the country. Here are the top spots for cross country skiing.

Partnering with Mauthe Lake State Park and the Wisconsin DNR, The Northern Kettle Moraine Nordic Ski Club provides almost 18 miles of groomed trails in the far northern area out of Greenbush, WI. Featured among these trails is a lighted 1.2 mile trail. The lights are turned on every night at 4:30 and stay on until 9:30.

New this year is a beginner's loop of mostly flat skiing which is about a half mile long. There is a heated log shelter house and ample parking. A State of Wisconsin Admission Fee is required. For current trail conditions call 920-467-2099.

There are two county parks which offer cross country skiing in the Northern Kettle Moraine area. The first is Glacier Hills . This park is south of Holy Hill Road on Freiss Lake Road. There are 4 miles of trails within the park along with a heated warming shelter and bathrooms. The trails are diverse. One trail is relatively flat and takes you through a tunnel of densely grown white pine and then out onto a bog area. Another trail is along the lake and is more difficult with steep inclines. These trails are not groomed and you do have to share with hikers and snowshoers. Phone 262-644-5204 for current trail conditions.

The second county park is one which is unique in the Northern Kettle Moraine in that it is mostly flat. This park is Sandy Knoll County Park 2064 Lake Rd. in West Bend. There are five miles of trails in the park and they are not groomed. These trails take you through a mostly hardwood forest with some open prairie areas. Once again you will be sharing the trails with hikers and those on snowshoes.

Pike Lake State Forest has almost five miles of groomed trails available for cross country skiing. The terrain within the forest is varied with some flat areas along the lake and open savannahs. The wooded trails are more difficult with a few very steep inclines. New this year is a restricted area for hikers and those with snowshoes to use the trails east of Powder Hill Road. There is a shelter with a log fire and bathroom facilities located by the lake. Call 262-670-3400 for trail conditions. A state vehicle admission fee is required.

Equipment can be purchased or rented at one of several locations throughout the Northern Kettle Moraine. Mountain Outfitters in West Bend has complete cross country ski packages for rent. Expedition Supply in Hartford, WI also has equipment rental. Other supplies as well as a variety of restaurants and lodging are available in both West Bend and Hartford.

Whether you are a novice or experienced skier, you will find a trail to satisfy you in the Northern Kettle Moraine area. Come and enjoy the natural beauty of the kettles, kames, moraines and eskers on these groomed and tracked trails this winter.