RAPID RIVER –The Hiawatha National Forest and partners invite the public to Winter Trails Day on Saturday, January 25 at the Rapid River Ski Trail. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., participants will be able to use snowshoe and cross-country ski equipment free of charge and explore the trails.

Thanks to a partnership between the Hiawatha National Forest and Delta County Nonmotorized Trails (DCNT), the trails will be groomed and ready for these fun winter activities. Cross-country skis and snowshoes will be available free of charge for use during the event thanks to Brampton Bike and Ski of Gladstone. Volunteers will be on hand to assist participants with outfitting of gear and to teach the fundamentals of both skiing and snowshoeing.

To ensure that adequate equipment and instructors are available, please pre-register for the event by calling Brampton Bike and Ski at 906-428-2135 anytime between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. the week of Jan. 20 – 24.

The Rapid River Ski Trail is located six miles north of Rapid River on US Highway 41 and includes five classic loops ranging from one to ten miles in length, two skating loops, and a mile of snowshoe trail. The trail system is groomed and maintained by volunteers from the Delta County Nonmotorized Trail group, and grooming reports are posted on the Rapid River Ski Trail Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/rapidriverskitrail.

For more information about this year’s National Winter Trails Day event, contact the Rapid River Ranger District at 906-474-6442. In the case of inclement weather, a backup date of February 22 has been set. Follow the Hiawatha National Forest Facebook page for updates at https://www.facebook.com/HiawathaNF/.