Relic Pine Loop

Relic Pine Loop is a short cross-country ski route in northern Michigan, about 3 miles from the small community of Pearll City. The loop is an out-and-back that is easy on the legs, with a round-trip length of under a mile and almost no climbing: the high point is just 1326 feet, and the total gain and loss over the course are each about 34 feet. That makes it a good choice for a quick outing on a day when you want to stay on the snow without a long commitment. Winter is the natural season for this kind of route. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Gaylord run to highs around 25 to 27°F in January and February, with lows in the teens. By May, the highs reach about 65°F, and snow is typically gone by then. The station sits at a similar elevation to the loop, so those figures are a fair guide to what to expect here. Several other loops lie close by. Twin Hemlock Loop is just 0.1 mile away and Highland Loop about 0.4 mile. For a longer outing, North River Trail is roughly 5 miles off, and Lost Valley Bible Camp and Retreat Center offers camping about 5 miles away.