Courtesy Photo Thunder Bay Trails Association and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources will host a lantern-lit hike/snowshoe/ski from 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday at Norway Ridge Pathway on Werth Road, southwest of Alpena.

ALPENA — Thunder Bay Trails Association and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources are hosting their annual lantern-lit hike/snowshoe/ski from 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday at Norway Ridge Pathway.

Attendees will be able to warm themselves by a fire pit and sip hot cocoa while enjoying the beauty of the trails in the Thunder Bay River State Forest at night.

Bring your hiking boots, skis, or bike to enjoy this fun-filled night of nature and community.

“This is a free event put on by the Thunder Bay Trails Association and the Department of Natural Resources,” said Don La Barre, vice president of the TBTA Board. “It’s a family-friendly event. That front loop of Norway Ridge will be lit up with lanterns. We’ll have a fire pit, a place to sit, and some hot beverages to share with the family.”

He said it’s an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors in the winter while socializing with other community members and getting some fresh air and exercise, too.

“It’s just a good time for people to come out and be together and meet new people, and just enjoy the beauty of nature in the middle of winter, and a beautiful lantern-lit trail,” La Barre said.

He added that there are always things to do outside year-round in Northeast Michigan.

“Michigan is a a four-seasons community, and we try to show that there are things to do all year round,” La Barre said. “Bringing out the lantern ski, when there’s snowfall, there’s just something really magical about that, especially during the winter. So, it’s an amazing opportunity to get people to get out there in during the wintertime, and have them enjoy the trails.”

Parking is available in the Norway Ridge parking lot off of Werth Road and overflow is on Werth Road. There will be volunteers to direct parking. Those in attendance are advised to bring a flashlight and be prepared for the weather. People are also encouraged to wear high-visibility winterwear, as they may need to park on Werth Road, and safety is a priority.

Anyone wishing to volunteer for the event can reach out to thunder.bay.trails@gmail.com or send a message on the TBTA Facebook page.

La Barre talked about some of the responsibilities of the Thunder Bay Trails Association, which has about 90 members currently.

“The Thunder Bay Trails Association operates all year,” he said. “We are most active in the winter, because one of the main things we do is trail grooming, predominantly for cross-country skiing and such.”

TBTA manages three sites: Norway Ridge Pathway and Chippewa Hills Trail, which are both DNR land, and the third site is a cross-country ski only trail at Alpena Golf Course.

“We manage those three sites pretty heavily during the winter,” La Barre said. “Our volunteer groomers spend hours out there. A single day out grooming one course could take about three hours, plus, depending on the conditions. It’s quite a labor of love, but these people love doing it.”

He said they also help with trail cleanup throughout the year.

“We do our best to have events all year round, when we’re able to,” La Barre added. “Often, we’re in partnership and communicating with the DNR, representing the community’s voice and input on different projects, as well.”