Trail Conditions: Good
Snow Cover: 25 inch
Date of Report: March 23, 2023
Area Report:
Ely Area Trail Conditions
March 21st, 2023
Spring conditions exist on parts of the trails. There is ice in spots, especially in the corners. Conditions continue to be good due to ongoing snowfalls.
Continue to monitor conditions online at https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/snow_depth/index.html
There is active logging happening on a number of spots throughout the Grant-in-Aid and State Trail system. In those areas, slow down and give trucks and logging equipment space. No Motorized Vehicles other than snowmobiles are allowed on State Trails or Grant-in-Aid snowmobile trails.
Taconite State Trail: The Taconite is groomed and in fair to good condition. Use caution in the Ely to Purvis stretch, as it remains narrow in spots. We will continue to groom during this week and throughout the weekend. Spring conditions exist throughout the trails. Watch for ice, especially in the corners.
Snow: 13-25 inches with a base of 1-5 inches. Groomed: Yes Condition: Fair to Good
Arrowhead State Trail: The Arrowhead is groomed and in fair to good condition from Tower to International Falls. We will continue to groom this week and through the weekend. Spring conditions exist on parts of the trails. Watch for ice, especially in the corners.
Along with the DNR trail conditions website, 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.
Arrowhead Trail Snow: 1-30 inches of snow with a base of 1-5 inches. Groomed: Yes Condition: Fair to Good
Putnam/Fishing Lakes Trails: The entire trail is groomed and in good condition, and it will be groomed again before this weekend.
Lake Vermilion Soudan Underground Mine State Park Tails: The crosscut/cable bay trail is groomed and in fair condition. The Miner’s loop has quite a bit of brush hanging into the trail and is in poor to fair condition.
Babbitt Birch Lake Plantation: Babbitt Birch Lake Plantation is groomed for classic skiing and is in excellent condition. The Babbitt golf course is groomed for classic and skate skiing and is in excellent condition.
Bear Head Lake State Park: Cross country ski track set on Saturday, March 18th with good results on the campground loops, Norberg Lake Loop, and the Beach Trail.
Norberg Trail winds its way through several large stands of white and Norway pines while showcasing our names sake, Bear Head Lake, and one of our designated trout lakes, Norberg. Norberg Loop is our most challenging groomed ski trail with several steep hills.
REMINDER: It is unlawful to walk, snowshoe, have pets, or destroy any part of the groomed ski trails in any manner.
Snowshoers are welcome to explore anywhere besides the groomed ski trails. Snowshoers have been enjoying Becky Lake and Blueberry Lake Loops.
Skiing Base: 2-5 inches. Conditions: Good Groomed: Yes
Snowmobiling conditions: Good. Groomed Yes. Base: 1-5 inches.
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!
