01
The Big M snowmobile system
The granddaddy. 300+ groomed miles connect Cheboygan to half the state forest. Rentals from Indian River and Onaway.
On + under snow · Dec–Mar · Quiet
Season · December – March
Winter.
Snowmobile trails out of Cheboygan, ice fishing on Hubbard Lake, snowshoe at Negwegon, ice climbing at the limestone walls north of Alpena. Half the coast in white.
Hubbard Lake ice fishing shanty town
Snowmobile
500+ mi
Groomed · Dec 15 – Mar 31
Avg snow
110 inches
Inland · 60 inches at coast
Ice fish
Late Jan – Feb
Hubbard, Mullett, Black Lake
Best base
Cheboygan
Closest to 500 mi of trail
Winter activities · 5 ways to go
Five ways to use the snow.
Curated by Sunrise Coast Council editors. Routes, sites, and pull-offs from south to north along US-23.
02
Hubbard Lake perch through the ice
An 8,800-acre inland lake known for 12-inch perch through 18 inches of ice. Bring a heater. Or rent a shanty.
03
Cross-country ski Hartwick Pines
Inland of Oscoda — the closest groomed XC trails to the coast. Old-growth white pine corridor, well marked.
04
Snowshoe Negwegon wilderness
No groomed trail, no marked route. Loop the south end and watch for snowy owls in the dunes.
05
Ice climbing, Munising route
Not on the coast proper — three hours west — but the closest ice climbing of national reputation. Guides from Munising.
The Big M trail system
A coast-wide snowmobile network.
Michigan has 6,500 miles of designated snowmobile trail and a meaningful share of it is on or near the Sunrise Coast. The flagship is the "Big M" system out of Cheboygan — 300+ groomed miles through the Mackinaw State Forest, connecting town to town with warming huts every ten miles.
A license is $48 a year (resident) or $30 for three days (visitor). Grooming starts when there are six inches on the ground, usually mid-December, and runs through March 31. Rentals from a half-dozen outfitters along US-23. Helmets required, alcohol prohibited on trail.
300+ mi
Groomed · Big M
$48
Annual license
Mid-Dec → Mar 31
Grooming window
Winter · the big m trail system
"The crowds leave at Labor Day. The coast stays open for those who don't mind 8°F."— Northern Michigan Winter Guide
Gear & know before you go
What to bring, what's provided.
Snowmobile basics
- Helmet (required) + face mask
- Insulated bibs and jacket
- Trail permit displayed
- GPS or paper trail map
Ice fishing basics
- Auger ($90 manual, $250 power)
- Ice check spud bar
- Shanty, heater, propane
- Ice cleats for the walk out
General winter
- Tires rated for snow
- Tow strap + jumper cables
- Hand warmers (5+ pair)
- Hot thermos. Always.
Questions · 4 answers
Winter on the coast — questions.
Quick answers to what travelers ask most.
Q.01
Is winter good on Michigan's Sunrise Coast?
Yes — Snowmobile trails out of Cheboygan, ice fishing on Hubbard Lake, snowshoe at Negwegon, ice climbing at the limestone walls north of Alpena. Half the coast in white.
Q.02
When is the best time of year for winter on the Sunrise Coast?
The recommended season for winter on Michigan's Sunrise Coast is December – March. Snowmobile: 500+ mi — Groomed · Dec 15 – Mar 31.
Q.03
Where can I winter on the Sunrise Coast?
5 ways to go along the 200-mile coast. A standout option: The Big M snowmobile system — Cheboygan · 300+ mi · License $48. The granddaddy. 300+ groomed miles connect Cheboygan to half the state forest. Rentals from Indian River and Onaway.
Q.04
What gear or preparation do I need for winter on the Sunrise Coast?
Snowmobile basics: Helmet (required) + face mask; Insulated bibs and jacket; Trail permit displayed; GPS or paper trail map.