The Hemlock Tree on the Hemlock trail

The Hemlock trail was named for an enormous Hemlock tree that was preserved in the middle of the hill. It was at least 50 feet tall and over 150 years old. One evening in December 1970 while Everett and friends ate in the dining room, several kids were spotted taking axes to the tree. Their parents skied at Otsego Ski Club and were notified of the trespassing teenagers. The tree was injured beyond saving and had to be chopped down. Everett said, “We have all lost an old, good friend.”

Hemlock was one of the most popular runs during the early years at Boyne. The average slope is 45% and before snowmaking and grooming came to be, access was limited in the morning. On Saturdays, Everett held off on opening the hill until all lift tickets were sold so the early skiers wouldn’t ski all the snow off the hill.

💡 Click Play Video to see Pure Michigan's video highlighting the Hemlock Run.

📸 Attached Media:

-"Boyne Mt." photo of the Hemlock Tree from the Petoskey News Review on December 31, 1970

-"With Early Winter Snows..." photo of the Hemock Run and Hemlock Tree from the Emmet County Graphic on January 5, 1956

🔗Links in Text:

-"Boyne Mountain | Ski Pure Michigan" YouTube by Pure Michigan https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvpNB9RwYxw

📚 Bibliography: β Δ ♥