The Machickanee Cross Country Ski Trails were originally planned and developed by local skiers in the Oconto County Forest with the cooperation of the Oconto County Land, Forest, and Parks Committee. The current trail system has resulted from the efforts of many volunteers who have donated their time, money, and energy since 1978. In 1982, the Machickanee Cross Country Ski Club was formed to organize these efforts.
The trails lead through a series of forest types, including red pine plantations, coniferous swamps, oak ridges, and birch and aspen stands. They undulate through topography ranging from creek bottoms to ridge tops. Numerous hills and curves of various slopes and lengths make this course a challenge for the intermediate to advanced skiers.
The Machickanee Cross Country Ski Trails also include a beginner loop that can be enjoyed by skiers of all ability levels.
Next Events
Click on the Calendar of Events tab above. Spring Fling will be held Sunday, April 16, 2023. See the calendar for more details.
Trail Conditions
March 26, 2023: We received four inches of new snow. It is too warm to groom the trails.The parking lots are not plowed on the weekend.
March 15, 2023: The trails were groomed this morning. Get out and enjoy while you can.
March 11, 2023: Dave is running the renovator on the trails this morning and set track.
March 8, 2023: The trails are holding up well despite the recent precipitation. There are no plans to regroom the trails in the near future. Get out and enjoy some nice spring skiing.
March 2, 2023: All trails were groomed today and track set with the exception of Timber Wolf Trail, which is not groomed. If you ski in the mornings, you will find the track slick and fast. It might be better to wait until a little later in the day for the temps to warm to soften the track. Good spring skiing conditions for this weekend. The main trailhead parking lots have been plowed. Sumac Road and the parking area on the corner of CoralBerry and Sumac have not been plowed at all.
We would appreciate your support of Machickanee Cross Country Ski Club through memberships and/or donations. We can’t do what we do without your financial support. If you would like to send a membership or donation, send to : Machickanee Cross Country Ski Club, P.O. Box 66, Abrams, WI 54101.
NO DOGS allowed on groomed trails. There is a designated trail for dogs south of the main trailhead parking lot. It is marked by a sign.
Trail Work: A lot of work went into the trails this summer and fall —
Some bridge repair was completed as well as removing rocks, roots, and tree stumps. There have been a number of workbees to accomplish all of the work.
The loggers finished their work on the Brehmer Creek Trail and the Club completed “fine tuning” that section of the trail to get it back up to our “standards.” There was also volunteer work done on the trails to smooth out what the loggers left behind.
The new parking lot at the Blackberry Ramble trailhead is working out really well. Thanks goes to Oconto County for the clearing and setup of the new parking lot.
General: Most all trail maintenance, including removing dead-fall trees and branches, mowing, brush cutting, bridge building and repairs, grooming, equipment purchases and repairs, and more are provided by the Club. We rely on volunteer effort, Club memberships, and trail donations to keep the trails in such good condition. Perhaps you can consider joining the Club or providing a donation to help us along. Download the “Brochure” from the “Donation” tab at the top of this page to mail in a membership or donation. Or you can remember us with a donation via the cashbox located at the trailhead when you ski.