Contributing writer Emily Cook on a fat tire bike rental from Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville. Photo: Joe Frederick.
By Emily Cook
Weather-wise, January is notorious for being Michigan’s coldest and snowiest month. In recent years, it has also been highlighted as the cloudiest. Despite the gradual increase in technical sunlight hours after the winter solstice, the chances of us being lucky enough to spot that glowing eye in the sky are slim. In January 2024, for example, Traverse City had just a single cloudless day. (That’s still better than Muskegon, which reportedly didn’t see the sun until February. There wasn’t a single day with even partial sun.)
Living in northern Michigan, our experience of winter clouds is not surprising. However, the increasing lack of sunlight is an unfortunate trend related to climate change and warmer winters. As Lake Michigan freezes less, moisture accumulates and moves “downwind,” creating those heavy and gloomy January clouds. It’s another form of lake-effect weather. The more the Great Lakes freeze, the less that moisture can escape. Have you ever noticed the coldest winters often result in bluebird days (sunny and brilliant blue skies) inland? This straight-forward bit of science explains why winters are getting darker — and sometimes soggier, too.
The unfortunate reality for humans is that we need at least some sunlight to function our best. Michigan was ranked second in the country in 2024 for the number of people who were affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). We were only behind Alaska, where much of the state receives only a few hours of daylight in winter and a portion of the state experiences polar night, or 24-hour darkness, for weeks. Sunlight provides Vitamin D, boosts serotonin and helps our circadian rhythm function properly. Endless clouds can undoubtedly lead to seasonal depression.
Though the odds seem stacked against us as Michiganders, we do have something working in our favor — incredible access to nature. Studies have shown getting outside for as little as 30 minutes a day, even with less direct sunlight exposure, can have a huge impact on our physical and mental well-being during the winter months. Additionally, exercise increases the body’s “happy hormones,” aka endorphins, and is often a social outlet, too. You don’t have to do an endurance event to make a difference. A walk in the woods or around your neighborhood will be just fine. If accessibility is a consideration, simply bundling up and being outdoors for a few moments while breathing deeply can reset your brain.
I encourage those who can to take advantage of the region’s many trails, some of which are groomed, to combat any heaviness experienced from winter blues. No gear? No problem. Multiple local organizations provide either free or low-cost rentals. These are a handful of options, but do your own research, too. More and more, these opportunities are becoming available to the public.
- Big M, Manistee County – Almost 20 miles of groomed trails for classic nordic skiing. There is a $5 parking fee as it is part of the Manistee National Forest.
- Non-motorized Trail, Manistee County – 3.8 miles of groomed trails for classic and skate-skiing. Free.
- Manistee National Golf & Resort, Manistee County – Over 2 miles of wooded trails and free snowshoe rentals.
- Ludington State Park, Mason County – About 4 miles of groomed trails for skiing. They offer periodic guided snowshoe hikes, as well, with “first come, first served” free rentals. A state park pass is required.
- Mackenzie Cross Country Trail, Wexford County – Just into the next county and as part of Caberfae Peaks, these trails are free and consist of 10 groomed miles.
- C.S. Mott Nature Preserve: Arcadia Dunes, Manistee and Benzie Counties – Many miles of backcountry skiing available, entirely free to use.
- Crystal Mountain Resort, Benzie County – More fee-based, the resort offers groomed trails for nordic skiing and fat-tire biking. (Also ice skating!) All outdoor gear is available for rent. I tried the bikes out a few years ago and it was great fun.
- Manistee Conservation District offers free snowshoe rentals for up to four days at a time. Visit their Bear Lake office during business hours, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., to borrow a pair.
Snowshoeing is available at almost all the above locations, too, but it’s important to stay off any groomed ski trails. Hike alongside them to avoid disrupting the hard work of groomers, mostly local volunteers.
May we all find a little sun this winter, and if not, at least some opportunities to explore the wonderful natural areas around us. It never hurts to take a Vitamin D supplement, too.
Emily Cook is a resident of Arcadia where she lives with her husband and two collies. She is a conservationist by training and a writer and artist when time allows. She explores nearby nature trails and the Lake Michigan beach as much as possible.
