Trail Expansion at Crossroads at Big Creek

During this unusually balmy November, it’s hard to even think about winter, but it will come. Once there’s enough snow, the designated ski trails at Crossroads at Big Creek Preserve will be groomed for classical and skate skiing. Trails will not be groomed at The Cove and Ida Bay preserves, but those trails are open for all uses.

Trails at the three Crossroads preserves are free and open to the public 24-7. Try a moonlight hike or ski after snow has blanketed the forests and meadows.

The winter equipment loan program, Ski for Free, will soon start. This program, sponsored by the Friends of Crossroads and the Door County Silent Sports Alliance, will start once the trails are groomed. Equipment will be free of charge on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 3:30 pm. New sets of skis, boots and poles recently arrived at Crossroads, thanks to the proceeds from the Crossroads Trail Run.

This summer and fall, Crossroads Land and Facilities Manager Rich Propsom (with help from Friends of Crossroads) has created two different trail systems: one for skiing and the other for multiuse. While there are a few places – bridges and intersections – where the systems overlap, most of the trails are completely separate. Destination points, such as the Council Ring, can be reached by either trail system. This trail expansion was funded, in part, with a grant from the Door County Medical Center.

Existing foot trails have been enhanced and a number of new trails have been cut through a variety of woodland habits. These new trails are both beautiful and wind sheltered.

Crossroads at Big Creek is an educational facility comprised of the Big Creek Preserve, The Cove Preserve, and the Ida Bay Preserve. Trails are open and free to the public, but hunting is not permitted. For more information visit crossroadsatbigcreek.com.