Welcome!

The Manistee Non-Motorized Trails Park is a City of Manistee Park being developed through the collaboration of the City of Manistee Non-Motorized Transportation Committee and the Shoreline Cycling Club.  There are currently about 3.8 miles of trail which we groom for classic and skate skiing and 5.4 miles of groomed fat bike trail.

p1010192

We have some exciting things in the loop such as improving the driveway into the park as well as other improvements to the parking area, permanent signage and new trails.  Please feel free to contact us or donate if you would like to help. The Cycling Club is a registered non-profit organization and all work done at the park is volunteer/donation based.

We try to post the latest info we can about the trail system under “Trail Conditions.” This will include grooming updates, snow conditions or anything else that may be pertinent to using the trail system.

20 responses to “Welcome!”

  1. Rita McCann Avatar
    Rita McCann

    Groomed Friday Jan 4th in good shape.

    Reply
  2. JD Kruse Avatar
    JD Kruse

    I will have to check out this cross country ski trail again this winter. Last time I tried classical skiing here I found it difficult to get a good rhythm going, finding numerous overly sharp turns getting in the way. At that time the classical track was set far to one side occasionally taking me into direct contact with a tree on the inside corner of a turn. If the next time I ski this trail it looks anything like this picture, it will be a great improvement for classical skiers to enjoy. My hope is that the groomer has learned that making wide sweeping turns makes it easier for both the grooming process and the skiers. Enjoy the snow

    Reply
    1. kblakeyshell Avatar
      kblakeyshell

      Hopefully this upcoming summer (2014) we can make some trail modifications to make some of the corners more gradual. Not much we can do about it now because the trees at the sides of the trail prohibit us from changing up the corners too much.

      This year we are placing the classic tracks 1-2′ more towards the center of the trail to avoid any overhanging branches and to improve the firmness of the poling area. There is still plenty of room for skating without screwing up the classic tracks. Sorry about last year, skating groomer bias.

      Reply
      1. JD Kruse Avatar
        JD Kruse

        Yes, I fully understand the struggle in getting the “perfect” balance among all users. Some things we can fix given enough time, others not so much. Thanks

  3. Sandra Avatar
    Sandra

    How do i find this park?

    Reply
    1. kblakeyshell Avatar
      kblakeyshell

      I just added a map and further location info on the “About” page: https://skimanistee.org/about/

      Reply
      1. JD Kruse Avatar
        JD Kruse

        Last winter I did not see a sign at the end of the driveway and missed it the first time by. It is exactly were the map points just past Franklin Rd.

  4. Jack M V Avatar
    Jack M V

    We used the trails on Saturday, Feb 22nd and they were in great shape. The groomer was just making his rounds, and we saw only 1 other person. Trails are clearly marked, and we had a good ski. The driveway does need some work, but with this much snow, it was still passable.

    Reply
  5. John Veach Avatar
    John Veach

    I thought skiing was done for the season, but David Stewart told me yesterday that he had recently groomed the trail. So I told myself I had to go. Temperature last night after work was 48 degrees. My first outing on the trail was a great experience. I thought it would be too soft and mushy, or that I would destroy the trail. None of that, it was an excellent glide, especially for my first year on skate skiis. It seemed like the entire trail was all mildly downhill. This morning it is raining, but I still look forward to getting out on the trail a few more times (just the hope of having another fun outing is great for the attitude even if it doesn’t happen). David said that when it gets cold he can groom. Great job. Beautiful trail so close to town. Great signs. Thank you. -John Veach

    Reply
    1. kblakeyshell Avatar
      kblakeyshell

      When I checked late last week the compacted base was approximately 18″ so I am guessing we will be skiing for at least a couple more weeks! With the amount of base we have the rain/melted snow can drain out of the top layer preventing the track from getting icy. As long as the temps drop below freezing we can keep grooming. I am hoping to ski into early April!!

      Reply
  6. Rita Avatar
    Rita

    ** Found some gear in the driveway today at 2pm???
    Call to claim #690-7367

    Reply
  7. Laura Avatar
    Laura

    Where is this specifically located?

    Reply
    1. kblakeyshell Avatar
      kblakeyshell

      The location is well described on the “about” page: https://skimanistee.org/about/

      Reply
  8. Liz Laskey Avatar
    Liz Laskey

    Looks like the oath needs mowing. Also the dig signage is down and more directional signage is needed. Needs some work. I would be interested in helping with tone and money.

    Reply
    1. kblakeyshell Avatar
      kblakeyshell

      Liz,

      Thanks for reaching out! We generally don’t do a ton of work on the trails during the summer because usage is primarily during the winter. We would really welcome some help to improve summer maintenance! I am headed out of town for a bit but will reach out when I get back.

      Reply
  9. Liz Laskey Avatar
    Liz Laskey

    Looks like the oath needs mowing. Also the dig signage is down and more directional signage is needed. Needs some work. I would be interested in helping with tone and money.

    Reply
  10. manisteenordic Avatar
    manisteenordic

    February 1, 2021

    Trails are very good with the skate skiing lanes having a 1 inch new snow covering over a firm pack giving very nice cruising conditions, soft and gentle. Tracks are very well set-One bare area (of course under a Pinetree). Light until 6:20 pm

    Reply
  11. Rita Cusack-McCann Avatar
    Rita Cusack-McCann

    Thanks for update!!

    Reply
  12. manisteenordic Avatar
    manisteenordic

    Trail conditions February 2, 2021

    Trail is very good, skating lines are firm and soft 1 inch on top of that not ruttedBut getting some use. Tracks are wonderful

    Reply
  13. manisteenordic Avatar
    manisteenordic

    Sadly not groomed but the parking lot is plowed

    Reply

Leave a reply to Liz Laskey Cancel reply