Tree Tops Trail

Tree Tops Trail is a short, out-and-back cross-country ski route in Michigan, about 2 miles from the town of Pleasant View. The trail is rated hard, and it covers about half a mile with a total elevation gain of 127 feet, which makes it a short but slightly technical outing. The climb is steepest near the start, with a grade of about 9% at 0.21 miles. The trail begins at roughly 979 feet and reaches a high point of 983 feet before returning to the starting elevation. That makes it a compact route that works well as a warm-up or a quick addition to a longer day on the snow. Winter is the natural season for this trail. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Petoskey show January highs around 26°F with lows near 12°F, while July and August run in the mid-70s. The station sits about 235 feet lower than the trail, so temperatures on the trail run a little cooler. Several other cross-country ski routes lie within a short distance, including Hedrick Road at 0.3 miles, Blue Bottle Trail at 0.4 miles and Wester Ross at 0.4 miles. For a change of pace, the Iron Belle Trail is about 8 miles away.