Valley Spur, a favorite Alger County destination of many dedicated cross country skiers, hikers, and mountain bike enthusiasts, is located on M-94 approximately 4 miles south of Munising, Michigan in the Hiawatha National Forest.

The 27 mile (45 km) cross country ski trail system is groomed daily or as the need arises from December through April so that the trails are always ready. All trails are groomed for both skate and classic ski. Down hill trails are designed with run out and good sight distance keeping safety in mind. Valley Spur sports a deep snow base getting heavy accumulations from the lake effect snows off Lake Superior which make for a truly unique skiing and snowshoeing experience.

In summer most of these loops are used for mountain bike and hiking trails. Trail maps are available at the lodge and are posted throughout the trail system. Maps are also available for printing on line.

A variety of scenery, including hardwood forests, hemlock groves, pine stands and a small stream make all 12 loops interesting. The “B” beginner’s and warm up loop is a 2.8 mile trek which follows an old logging railroad grade, the namesake “Valley Spur”.  The expert trails “E, F & G” are located on a terminal moraine left by the glaciers of the past. Several of the downhill runs follow the old glacial stream beds. The ”H” loop, a 4.4 mile intermediate loop, goes through a wetland valley and an old growth eastern hemlock stand that is estimated to be around 300 years old.

Valley Spur Lodge Location:

E8017 State Highway M-94

Latitude: 46.36306 Longitude: -86.69944

Lodge Phone Number: (906) 387-4918

The lodge hours vary, but most weekends throughout the winter season from 10:00am to 4:00pm you will find the lodge staffed by one of the many Friends of Valley Spur volunteers and a kettle on the woodstove heating water for a cup of tea or hot chocolate to warm your bones. The trails are open year round, 24 hours a day. This is a non-lighted trail system. Headlamps are recommended for night time use.

Beginning with the 2007-2008 season, the Valley Spur trail system now falls under the Noquemanon Trail Network (NTN) organizational umbrella, however the Valley Spur trail system maintenance and grooming as well as the lodge operations remain the responsibility of the Friends of Valley Spur, just as in the past.

 2007-2008 SEASON SKI TRAIL FEES

   Valley Spur “only” Membership

Supports the x-c grooming efforts and operations of the Valley Spur Trail system. All funds collected through this membership will support Valley Spur only.

• Individual day: $7.00 - Children under 17: $5.00
• Student group (over 15 students) day: $4.00 each
• Other groups (over 20 persons) day: $6.00 each
• Individual season: $75.00
• Student season: $45.00
• Junior season (17 & under): $25.00
• Couples season: $135.00
• Family season: $175.00
• Snowshoe: membership not required, but donations appreciated

Valley Spur “add-on” Membership

For holders of an NTN “Gold” or “XC” Membership, you can purchase an “add-on” membership to include use of Valley Spur trails.

• Individual season: $40.00
• Student season: $40.00
• Junior season (17 & under): $10.00
• Family season: $90.00

NTN X-C “Add-on” Membership

For those that have purchased the Valley Spur “Only” Membership but also enjoy skiing the core NTN trails: Saux Head, Forestville Loops, Noquemanon Trail, Al Quaal, The Marquette Fit Strip, Cedar Hurst Lodge & The Big Bay Pathway.

• Individual season: $64.00
• Couple season: $63.00
• Family season: $140.00
• Student season: $45.00
• Junior season (17 & under): $10.00

For more information on the locations of the NTN trails, please visit www.noquetrails.org.

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Copyright © 2007-2008 - Friends of Valley Spur

This institute is operated under special use permit with the Hiawatha National Forest. The USDA is an equal opportunity provider.