Trail Conditions: Poor
Snow Cover: 3-10 inches with little to no base
Date of Report: March 27, 2025
Area Report:
Ely Area Trail Conditions
March 27, 2025
Taconite State Trail, Arrowhead State Trail, Putnam/Fishing Lakes Trails, Lake Vermilion Soudan Underground Mine State Park Trails: We are finished grooming for the season. Trails remain open, but use extreme caution if you are out riding, as spring conditions are in full swing. There is a significant amount of exposed ground and extensive open water throughout the trails. There also are still a number of timber sales using or crossing the trails. Please SLOW DOWN in these areas and give trucks and logging equipment space. As a reminder, ATVs (tracked or wheeled) and any other motorized vehicle besides snowmobiles ARE NOT allowed on Grant-in-Aid and State snowmobile trails. Thank you for a great season!
Snow: 3-10 inches with little to no base. Groomed: No Condition: Poor
Babbitt Golf Course Trail: Closed
Babbitt Birch Lake Plantation: Closed
Bear Head Lake State Park: Due to spring-like weather, the ski trails are closed for the season. At this time, Norberg Trail is open to hiking and snowshoeing but pay caution as conditions are icy and foot traction is recommended.
This trail provides rolling topography through birch and pine stands. You may see a variety of wildlife ranging from deer, wolves, ruffed grouse, and pine martens.
You can snowshoe anywhere in Minnesota’s state parks and recreation areas, except on trails that are specifically designated for other activities, such as skiing or snowmobiling.
Skiing Closed
Snowmobiling conditions: Trail Base: 0-2 Inches Poor.
Snow Depth: 0-6 Inches
Along with the DNR trail conditions website (https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/snow_depth/index.html), continue to monitor these clubs’ websites (www.ridetheborders.com/trail-report.html & www.snowmobilevacation.org/trail-updates) for the most current Arrowhead State Trail conditions
Snowmobiling Information
T
he Ely area is northern Minnesota’s premier snowmobile hub with numerous on-trail facilities, accommodations for both large and small groups, and with plenty of food, entertainment and service centers. The Taconite Trail is the main thoroughfare in and out of Ely in the winter. Stretching 170 miles between Ely and Grand Rapids to the southwest, many spur routes will take you just about anywhere you want to go. The Tomahawk Trail, heading to the east, has 86 miles of varied terrain which the avid snowmobiler can use to connect up with hundreds of miles more of groomed trails.
If good snowmobiling gets you excited about winter, then try out the 170 mile long Taconite Trail and the 80 mile Tomahawk Trail. The Taconite Trail, or the “Mighty Taconite” as the locals call it, runs from Ely to Grand Rapids. It stretches across three state forests and the Superior National Forest. Smooth rides along this famous route are loaded with history and the Taconite’s many spurs and loops make for some quality modern day pioneering.
The Tomahawk Trail runs from Ely to the North Shore and Yukon Trails. The trail works closely with natural terrain and is one of the most scenic trails in the state. The tree cover that surrounds the trail edges, the lack of traffic and development allows you to have an uninhabited experience.
Many riders return to the Ely area each winter to enjoy its sheer beauty and varied terrain. It’s a region where people clearly love snowmobiling and they know how to make you feel welcome. Find out for yourself!
