Mountains are limited in southeastern Michigan, but we've got plenty of forested trails and hilly terrain for cross-country skiing. Best of all, the costs associated with the sport are much less than for that other kind of skiing. Whether you want to rent skis or bring your own, there are plenty of locations open for cross-country skiing in Wayne County.

Best Bet for New Skiers: Willow Metropark in Belleville has six miles of trails through fields and woodlands and along the Huron River.

In fact, the trails go into the adjoining Lower Huron and Oakwoods Metroparks. Willow Metropark also has a Ski Touring Center that provides ski rental ($10 a ½ day on weekends and holidays), a heated resting area and snacks! Call 1-800-477-3182 for more information.

State Parks:

• Northville: Maybury State Park has 10 miles of trails.

Metroparks:

Most of the Metroparks in southeast Michigan are open for cross-country skiing, but they vary regarding exactly what resources they offer.

• Belleville: Lower Huron Metropark is open for cross-country skiing, but you have to cut your own trail.
• Belleville: Willow Metropark has six miles of trail and a ski rental ($10 a ½ day), heated resting area and snacks!
• Brownstown: Lake Erie Metropark has 4.25 miles of marked, groomed trails along Lake Erie.

Other Recreation Areas and Parks:

According to the Michigan Trails website , there are several other areas within Wayne County that are open for cross-country skiing.

• Crosswinds Marsh Wetland Preserve, New Boston

• Elizabeth Park, Trenton
• Hines Park Bikeway provides 15 miles of trail that winds its way through several communities and townships of Wayne County, including Dearborn Heights, Westland, Livonia, Plymouth Township and Northville.
• Warren Valley Golf Course, Dearborn Heights