Cross-country skiing is a great winter activity that improves your fitness, and gives you a chance to unwind and enjoy a peaceful setting far from crowds. It also is a great way to view wildlife -- observing tracks in the snow or seeing birds and animals up close.

"Once we saw a group of deer cross right in front of us," said Cindy Burkhour of Jenison, who was skiing on state forest land with her children Josh and Erin, ages 5 and 7 at the time.

"It was a magical moment for the children," Burkhour said. "It was snowing really hard, so our visibility was limited and there wasn't a whisper of sound to be heard. Suddenly, a doe and several yearlings were right in front of us. We stood and looked at each other for a good five minutes before the deer moved slowly on their way."

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources grooms 22 state forest pathways to provide more than 200 miles of cross-country ski trails across the northern Lower Peninsula and Upper Peninsula. The pathways are available free of charge, but donations are accepted and encouraged. Donations help offset the cost of keeping the trails groomed.

The list of groomed pathways can be found online at www.michigan.gov/dnr. It is recommended that you call the local DNR office before your visit to acquire current snow conditions. The offices are open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

There are good choices to be found throughout the state forest system, but these pathways are worthy of special consideration:

Cadillac Pathway has 18 km (11.3 miles) of groomed trail with varying terrain that allow users to determine the length of trail and degree of difficulty they desire. Trailhead parking lots are located five miles northeast of Cadillac on 13th Street and on Seeley Road, north of Boon Road.

The trails are maintained by volunteers with a ski drag that was built and maintained by students at the Wexford-Missaukee Career Technical School.

"This is a true community-supported trail," said Roger Hopkins of Cadillac, who coordinates the students' efforts with instructor Dave Mackey and organizes the volunteers who groom the trails.

"We store our equipment at the school," Hopkins said, "so grooming is limited to those times when the school is open and snow conditions dictate."

Pine Baron Pathway, southwest of Gaylord, provides beginners and intermediate skiers with 12 km (9 miles) of well-groomed trail that meanders through beautiful woods. The trailhead parking lot is located on Lone Pine Road.

Three of the four loops are fairly level, and the remaining loop has several good downhill runs that will interest the intermediate skier.

"The four loops are configured like a butterfly, and are excellent for skiers who want to do different lengths," said Karen Rob of Gaylord. "Each loop is approximately 2 to 3 miles in length, so there are infinite ways you can create your own route and exercise routine."

Wildwood Hills Pathway, a three-looped trail covering approximately 12 km (9 miles) of beautiful rolling hills east of Petoskey, offers a more challenging course for the intermediate skier.

According to Robin Pearson, DNR recreation specialist at Gaylord, many folks like to ski Wildwood Hills at night using head lamps, or no lights at all if the moon is full.

The DNR has two lighted trails in the Upper Peninsula. One is the very popular Blueberry Ridge Pathway, just south of Marquette on CR 553.

"It's one of my favorites, because it has multiple trail loops for every level of skier and the varied scenery through the forest is spectacular," said Francie Krawcke of Ann Arbor, who has skied many of the U.P.'s ski trails.

Blueberry Ridge has the bumps for advanced skiers, the flats for beginners and is very well maintained. There are 19 km (12 miles) of groomed trails. The three north loops have side-by-side diagonal-groomed tracks so people can ski next to each other. The 1.7-mile lighted central loop is groomed for both diagonal-stride and ski-skating, as are the south two loops.

The DNR's other lighted trail is Algonquin Pathway, located south of Sault Ste Marie on 16th Avenue West. This pathway has 15 km (9 miles) of groomed trail that is laid out in three loops. The 2.6 km (1.6 mile) lighted trail is the first loop off the trailhead parking lot. This pathway straddles old beach ridges and passes through mixed-age aspen intermixed with pine and hardwood.

All state forest pathways are groomed for tracks set for the traditional (classic) skiing. Classic cross-country skiing is ideal for those who are just starting to learn how to ski. This technique requires long, lightweight, slim skis that are equipped with a camber, the upward curve at the end of the ski, and the only thing you have to know is how to glide and make a diagonal slide.

In addition, Blueberry Ridge, Days River, Canada Lakes and Algonquin pathways in the Upper Peninsula, and Black Mountain, Vasa and Tisdale Triangle pathways in the northern Lower Peninsula are groomed for the skating style of skiing. This style is growing in popularity and is easy for people who have a strong background in ice skating or rollerblading.

First-time skiers should consider renting their gear for the first few outings in order to try different types and brands before buying. Most cross-country ski centers rent everything you'll need and some retail stores carry state-of-the-art demo gear from a variety of manufacturers.

A healthy lifestyle that includes exercise will improve your quality of life. Cross-country skiing is good exercise and it's fun. Start a new winter tradition this year and get the entire family out to ski and exercise with you.