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Trail Report – : Eagle River, Wisconsin – September 23, 2020

Reporter:Holly t

Trail Conditions: Closed

Snow Cover: None

Date of Report: September 23, 2020

Area Report:

Good afternoon,

Second day of Fall & time to think about Winter & snowmobiling in Vilas County with it’s over 600 miles of trails!!

Clubs throughout the County are busy, busy working on trail easements, reroutes, storm damage clean up, brushing & signing.  Some of the clubs in the western part of the County have lots to clean up from the tornado back in August.  It was on the ground for 6-8 miles so plenty to clean up.

So if you are a member of any club in Vilas County get a hold of the Trail Boss or President & off to volunteer to help get the trails all set for a December opening.

Boy oh boy.  Can’t wait to say “See Ya On The Trails!!

Holly Tomlanovich

 

Trail Report – : Phelps, Wisconsin – September 20, 2020

Reporter:Phelps Snowmobile Club

Trail Conditions: Closed

Snow Cover: None

Date of Report: September 20, 2020

Area Report:

Snowmobile season is fast approaching.  Trail preparations are under way.  Please join a club to support our sport

Trail Report – : Crivitz, Wisconsin – March 16, 2020

Reporter:ironsnowshoe

Trail Conditions: Closed

Snow Cover: Snowmobile Trails are Closed

Date of Report: March 16, 2020

Area Report:

Thanks to all the riders that came and rode on the Iron Snow Shoe Snowmobile Trails.  We had a Great Snowmobile Season! 

All Trails are CLOSED to ALL vehicles which began on Monday, March 16, 2020.

We do NOT know a date for re-opening the ATV/UTV trails. We’ll post that information when Marinette County tells us what that date will be. We expect trails will be closed for several weeks. Depends on the weather.

THINK SPRING & STAY HEALTHY

 

Trail Report – : Western UP, Michigan – March 20, 2020

Reporter:Western U.P. Snowmobile Report

Trail Conditions: Poor

Snow Cover: 24

Date of Report: March 20, 2020

Area Report:

Western U P Snowmobile Trail Report— 3/20/2020

Gogebic Range Trail Authority – Snowmobile & ORV Club Trail Report

  • Trail Condition: Poor
  • Last Groomed: March 13th, 2020
  • Base Snowfall: 24″
  • Reported On: March 18th, 2020 @ 9:30am

Groomer Report

Wednesday 3/18/2020 9:00 am CST Overall Story:   Poor

Trails are hazardous with slush ponds and pools as well as “rotting snow bridges” as the Hurley White Thunder Riders put it so well.  We have not groomed in 10 days.  Brushing activities have been on-going in wet areas to use the snow pack while we can.  Riding is limited, most clubs except Keweenaw Snow Trails has quit grooming.  Last weekend a neighboring club was swallowed by a hidden slush lake under the snow.  There is fresh snow being called for and awfully enough rain for 12 hours before it.  We will be out riding evaluating trails to see what can be groomed, if anything.

WARNINGS AND NOTICES:   We are begging riders to ride off trail legally as there are 1-million acres of public land east of Wakefield to off trail ride on – please only ride legal areas!  The Ottawa National Forest is 990,000 acres and much of it open to cross-country riding (no trail/road) if there is 6″ or more of snow.  Several restricted areas, contact the forest for further information.  CLICK THIS LINK FOR MAPS, scroll down to motor vehicle use maps.

Trail 2 from Hurley to Ramsay US-2 Crossing:

Overall rating:  Fair

Last groomed 3/7/2020.    Please do not ride on side walks near Holiday and try to keep noise down in town.

Trail 2 from Ramsay Crossing to Wakefield:

Overall rating:  Fair to Poor

Last groomed 3/7/2020.  There is a water hazard near Blackjack.  Trail is icy.

Trail 2 from Wakefield to Marenisco:

Overall Rating:  Fair

Last groomed 3/6/2020.  Water Hazard west of 2/8 intersection. 

Trail 8 from Wakefield to Tula Crossing:

Overall Rating: Fair **SEE NOTE

Last Groomed 3/6/2020.  The ditch trail on Gogebic Area Grooming’s side has had the water holes open up, it is impassable.  We do not advise riding this trail unless you are a highly experienced technical rider with a long track.

Trail 160 from Walmart to Montreal River (WI):

Overall Rating:  Fair

Last Groomed 3/6/2020.  There is logging about 1/2 way north on the trail, YIELD TO LOGGERS AND GIVE THEM RESPECT – IT’S THEIR LAND!   STAY ON THE TRAIL!!!!!!   This is our most scenic trail and is a treat to ride!  Stay on the trail in the farm fields.  Over 25 landowners are involved to make this trail a reality, please respect them and ride responsibly.  There are several scenic vistas on the trail:

Bald Mountain “NORTH” lookout viewing Madeline Island/ mouth of the Chequamegon Bay of Lake Superior

Bald Mountain “SOUTH” lookout viewing Gogebic Range (Powderhorn, Copper Peak)

Montreal River Gorge look out

Superior Falls Waterfall Complex.

11S (Wakefield, MI to Winchester, WI):

Overall Rating:  Good

Last Groomed 3/6/2020.  Increased logging traffic is in the area for only 1/4 mile,  PLEASE YIELD TO ANY AND ALL LOGGING TRAFFIC.  There is a short section of dual use the landowner (Keweenaw Land) has graciously approved us to use along with them.  It is private land and we are guests, please act like it.

 

11N (Wakefield, MI to South boundary Rd/White Pine):  Closed due to off trail riding.  Seeking local community support with ideas on how to reopen it.  200 yards of private property closed this 25 mile trail.

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Gogebic Area Groomers Report 3/19/2020

Hello from Lake Gogebic where social distancing is why we live and work here!  We hope you and your family are healthy and holding up well through the uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19).   This pandemic coupled with rapidly deteriorating trails are forcing the final report of our 2020 Snowmobile Season.   Gogebic Area Groomers are done grooming, but don’t think for a minute that their job is over as they’ve already started planning and working on next season!   Lake Gogebic trails have been amazing all season, and we extend a multitude of thanks to our hard-working, dedicated team.    We are certainly fortunate for their efforts as well as the those of all surrounding clubs.

We also owe a debt of gratitude to all our loyal guests and customers, as without their continued support, we wouldn’t even exist!   On behalf of Gogebic Area Grooming, all our local area businesses, employees, residents and volunteers – we shout out a HUGE “thank you” for making the Lake Gogebic Area your home away from home!   We know that you have a choice of where to ride and spend your vacation time, and we appreciate that you choose our beautiful region!   We hope that your time here was special and that you took home memories that will make great stories for years to come (some stories better than others!).

Gogebic Area Groomers have projects going on throughout the year, and we encourage (need) people to get involved.   We ask you to be a part of our efforts with a sponsorship of $30 for a single membership, $50 for a family membership and $125 for a business membership.    These can be sent to “Gogebic Area Grooming” at “P.O. Box 409, Bergland, MI 49910”.    We appreciate all donations/sponsorship and we will do our part in communicating our goals, efforts and accomplishments back to you.  

While you and your families may be confined to your homes right now – it’s a great time to start planning your next vacation.   Please keep the Lake Gogebic Area in mind as it is a great place to visit year-round.   From fishing to hiking, ATV’ing, waterfall touring, swimming, boating, kayaking, camping and more – we’ve got it all!   I know if you call all any of our local area businesses, that they will be happy to help you plan your next family vacation or fishing trip!   

Well, that’s it for now folks – this season was a great one and we have been blessed.   For the moment we are just staying home, staying positive and looking forward to a brighter tomorrow.    While the tourism industry is taking a huge hit, we will get through this and be will emerge better and stronger!   

U.P. Thunder Riders Trail Report 3/6/2020

 

  • Trail Condition: Fair
  • Last Groomed: March 03rd, 2020
  • Base Snowfall: 20″
  • Reported On: March 03rd, 2020 @ 6:53pm

Groomer Report

Groomers were out on the trails March 2 and won’t be out again until we receive more snow. We do have an approaching snow storm headed our way and we’ve seen from guesstimate of 3-8inches so we’ll wait and see

Trails are fair to poor. Road areas are now thin, icy and bare. Gas stations are bare too

Trail #2 east of Watersmeet to Trail #107, fair/poor icy

Trail #2 west of Watersmeet to Trail #1 south fair/poor and icy

Trail #3 from the Wisconsin border to Watersmeet is OK, Watersmeet to Paulding fair with icy corners.

Trail #13 south to Cisco Chain, fair with icy corners

Trail Report – : Bayfield County, Wisconsin – March 17, 2020

Reporter:BayfieldCounty

Trail Conditions: Closed

Snow Cover: Variable

Date of Report: March 17, 2020

Area Report:

Bayfield County Snowmobile Trails are now closed. It was a great season and we hope everyone had a chance to ride our beautiful trails. Thanks to those who visited and we hope to see you next year!

Trail Report – : Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan – March 18, 2020

Reporter:SaultSteMarie

Trail Conditions: Excellent

Snow Cover: Base of 3″

Date of Report: March 18, 2020

Area Report:

UPDATE 3/18 – After high winds on Friday and cold temps over the last few days, groomers are reporting that all trails are now in good condition. Temps are supposed to stay close to or below freezing for a few days.  Roads and shoulders are bare. Watch out for icy spots especially in corners and open areas as well as close to road crossings. There are a few dirt spots showing on some trails as well. There are some water spots starting to show near streams and ponds. Also, watch out for downed trees and branches due to high winds last Friday. Snow is in the forecast for Thursday into Friday.

We will only groom when temps are below freezing so some trails might only be done twice a week now. Please see below for each trail. There is still a lot of great riding to be had. Ride safe!

 

-There is now a plowed parking area at the beginning of trail #8 under the International Bridge, which has an all-season porta john.  Make sure you lock your vehicles and trailers.

 

-We now have a marked trail going to Chippewa Motors.  It starts once you come out of the woods east of M-129 off #449.  It comes into their parking lot from behind if you need parts or service.

-City curfew is from 1 am – 6 am. Remember most City streets are open to traffic 20 mph, stop at all intersections, and ride on the right-hand side of the street, not on sidewalks. Watch for closed streets that are posted, mainly around the hospital, university, and state trunk lines.

-When the trail is running along roads make sure you go with the flow of traffic on the right side of the road.

-Remember trail base is the amount of snow between your track and the ground below not the amount of fluff piled up in the woods.  10 inches of snow compresses to less than an inch on the trail.

 

News and Reports:

*Sault Ste. Marie to Brimley, Trail #8 –

Base 3 inches -Trail is in good condition 

 

*Brimley to Raco, Trail #8 –

Base 3 inches -Trail is in excellent condition  

When going across the bridge in Brimley make sure you go with your the flow of traffic!  Blowing and drifting does occur when you first leave Brimley.

Watch for trail change going south just before getting to Raco.

 

*Mission Hill trail #889-

Base 3 inches – Trail is in excellent condition

 

*Sault Ste. Marie City Trail, Trails #497, #449, parts of #8 & #49 –

Base 3 inches – Trail is in good condition. There is a water hole just off the side of the trail near Seymour Road (close to the Kewadin Casino)

We now have a marked trail going to Chippewa Motors.  It starts once you come out of the woods east of M-129 off #449.  It comes into their parking lot from behind if you need parts or service.

City curfew is from 1 am – 6 am. Remember most City streets are open to traffic 20 mph, stop at all intersections, and ride on the right-hand side of the street, not on sidewalks. Watch for closed streets that are posted, mainly around the hospital, university, and state trunk lines.

 

*Sault Ste. Marie to Kinross, Trail #49 –

Base 3 inches – Trail is in good condition. There are a few dirt spots and water spots in corners to watch out for.

Make sure you follow reroute once you cross the bridge going south at 7 Mile road.

*Kinross loop & south to Pickford, Parts of Trail #49, #472, and #494- 

Base 3 inches –   fair condition. However, there is logging taking place south of M80 toward Pickford so we are unable to groom there.

 

*Kinross to Raco & Rudyard, Parts of trail #472 & #480- 

Base 3 inches – Trail in fair condition. There is a long stretch of road riding along Ploegstra Road before you get to the Spile Adam area where it is down to the pavement.

Snowmobile Information:

Trail Report – : Ely, Minnesota – March 19, 2020

Ely, MN Chamber of Commerce

Reporter:Ely Chamber of Commerce/Explore MN Visitor Center

Trail Conditions: Poor

Snow Cover: 8-18″

Date of Report: March 19, 2020

Area Report:

Trail Report for 3/19/2020

Snow Depth 8-18” inches

 

GENERAL INFORMATION:   Most grooming operations have ceased for the season, however, with 3-4 inches of new, fluffy snow, there may still be some late season snowmobile fun to be had.   Trails are reported as rideable, but icy and hard with numerous bare spots.  Be sure to use caution if venturing onto the ice on foot or machine.   If heading out, please keep in mind that many of the usual stopping points will be closed in compliance with the governor’s mandate regarding business closure due to the Covid-19 pandemic, so be sure to pack snacks and water as it will be more difficult to get those things while out on the trail. 

 

Area Trails:  The Tomahawk trail is still being groomed and is in fair shape.  Grassy Lake Loop is not being groomed, but Mud, Birch and White Iron Lake will be groomed before the weekend.  Lakes are still reported to be okay for travel near staked areas. 

 

Arrowhead State Trail:  Snowmobiling: Condition-Poor  Trail – Not Groomed  Base – 0-5”

The Arrowhead State trail is the backbone to an extensive Grant-in-Aid trail system that travels through remote areas.

TRAIL CONDITIONS: The entire trail Arrowhead is in poor condition.  The trail base is thin due to warm weather and heavy trail use, and there are many stretches of exposed rock and ground throughout the trail, especially on hills and corners.  The last groom of the season took place on March 10, from Highway 53 east to Tower and from Tower east to Babbitt Spur.

 

Bearhead Lake State Park:  Snowmobiling: Condition – Fair  Trails – Groomed  Base 1-5”

TRAIL CONDITIONS: The Taconite Trail and Cub Lake Spur to the Trail Center are in fair condition.   

Bearhead State Park trails provide 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 groomed for another activity, such as snowmobiling or skiing.

 

Lake Vermilion – Soudan Underground Mine State Park:  Snowmobiling: Condition – Poor Trails – Groomed  Base – 0-6”

TRAIL CONDITIONS:   Trails were groomed at the beginning of the month and are in poor condition. 

The park has 5 miles of snowmobile trails that connects from the Taconite State Trail to the Lake Vermilion ice trail.  The ride takes you through old growth pines and young aspen forests with large wetland complexes to view along the way.  You can snowshoe anywhere in Minnesota’s state parks and recreation areas, except on trails that are specifically groomed for another activity, such as snowmobiling or skiing.

 

Putnam/Fishing Lakes – Bear Island State Forest  Snowmobiling: Condition – Poor Trails – Groomed  Base – 0-6”

The Putnam and Fishing Lakes Trails traverse forested, rolling topography through birch, ash, and pine stands.  Several small lakes dot the landscape along these scenic trails. 

TRAIL CONDITIONS: The trail was last groomed on March 5 and is in poor condition. 

 

Taconite State Trail:  Snowmobiling: Condition – Poor Trails – Not Groomed  Base 0-5”

Taconite State Trail stretches one hundred sixty-five miles from Grand Rapids to Ely through many scenic vistas of rolling hillsides, lakes, rivers and forest.

TRAIL CONDITIONS: The Taconite is in poor condition.  The trail base is thin due to warm weather and heavy trail use.  There are many areas of exposed rock and ground, especially on hills and corners.  Grooming was attempted on March 10, but the groomer was breaking through in the swamps, so additional grooming has been suspended for the season.   

 

Taconite Spur West – Last groomed 3/9/20

Taconite Spur North – Last groomed 3/9/20

Stony Spur East – Last groomed 3/10/20

All trails are reported to be in good spring condition with some bare spots.

News and Reports:

More information on area events can be found by visiting our website at http://www.ely.org/mn/events