Nordic Playground Loop

Nordic Playground Loop is a short, easy cross-country ski route in Wisconsin, about 2 miles from the town of Brillion. The loop is an out-and-back of roughly half a mile, with a total climb of about 15 feet, so it's a flat, low-effort outing that works well as a warm-up or a quick stop on a longer day of skiing. The route starts and ends at nearly the same elevation, around 842 feet, and the highest point on the loop is 856 feet. The steepest stretch comes about a fifth of the way in, with a grade of about 2 percent. Because the climb is so slight, the loop is a natural fit for skiers looking to stay on their feet for a little while without a big commitment. Winter is the natural season for this trail. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Brillion show January highs around 26°F with lows near 10°F, while February is similar at about 29°F and 12°F. Late fall and early spring are milder, with October highs near 58°F and March highs around 41°F. Several other cross-country ski routes sit within a short distance, including Trailhead Spur and Slingshot, each about 0.1 mile away, and Yardsdale and Stadium Loop, each about 0.2 mile away. For paddling, the North Branch Manitowoc River is about 6 miles off.