For skiers near Owen Sound, Massie Hills has served as a local destination to do a few loops when winter comes. For the local ski cub in Owen Sound this has been their base to manage and ski for decades.
You will find 10 km of track set trail, some of it double track for classic Cross-Country skiing, though no Skate skiing possible here.
The area is a mix of hardwood stands and pockets of cedar groves with occasional views of open wetlands. Trails meander and wind up and around the rolling hills that never seem too steep to negotiate. Loops on the south side, Pink, Yellow and Red trails are a tad more hilly.
Though well-groomed when I was there, the paths were narrow for two-way trails. I encountered several beginners struggling on the hills to climb, stop or pass me.
If your basic skills are sound then you will do fine. Not the best place to try X-skiing for the first time.
My wife did a few loops on snowshoes which was enjoyable, yet she found the paths again too narrow to walk on while at the same time trying to avoid stepping on the set ski tracks. It’s great that Snowshoeing is welcome, though I wish it were on separate trails.
This is a rustic location with not even a parking lot, only outhouses are offered. That said, volunteers are actively grooming and posting snow conditions.
The trails are scheduled for grooming twice every weekend and once mid-week, weather permitting. Portions of the Bruce Trail are not track set. (which are good for snowshoeing)
Leave your trail fee in the pay box. Please help support the cost of a new grooming snowmobile and gas.
I found the signage good with every intersection having a map with a “you are here” and perhaps even a bench to sit on.
Being close to Georgian Bay this area get lots of snow and early in the season.
So now that you know of this little known spot, consider dropping by for a pleasant outing with friends or family.
