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Trail Report – : Lake Gogebic | Bergland, Michigan – March 19, 2020

Reporter:AJ’s Walleye Lodge

Trail Conditions: Poor

Snow Cover: Snow in the forecast

Date of Report: March 19, 2020

Area Report:

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.    That said, there is snow in the forecast this weekend (of course there is!).

 

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!   

 

Until next season, this is Mary Beth from AJ’s Walleye Lodge wishing you and your loved one’s peace and good health as we navigate together through these unchartered waters.    We won’t say good-bye -we’ll just say that we’ll “see you when we see you next”!     All the very best…. stay well friends….

Trail Report – : Western UP, Michigan – March 19, 2020

Reporter:Western U.P. Snowmobile Report

Trail Conditions: Poor

Snow Cover: 24

Date of Report: March 19, 2020

Area Report:

Western U P Snowmobile Trail Report— 3/19/2020

Gogebic Range Trail Authority – Snowmobile & ORV Club Trail Repor

  • 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.

Gogebic Area Groomers Report 3/03/2020

  • Trail Condition: Good
  • Last Groomed: February 18th, 2020
  • Base Snowfall: 36+”
  • Reported On: March 03rd, 2020 @ 10:14am

Groomer Report

March 2, 2020

Conditions in the Lake Gogebic Area remain good on the North end and fair to good on the South end of the Lake to the Wisconsin border.   It’s currently 28 degrees and snowing and we’re forecasted for more snow this week.   Snowfall this year is in excess of 140” and our trails still have a great base.   Groomers will be out nightly when temps are below freezing.    Riders are reporting good conditions and recommend to just ride early and plan your stop accordingly.    Mother Nature is not done with this season just yet and you know what they say when March comes in like a lamb….

  • Trail # 1N: from Bergland to White Pine is being groomed nightly and reported to be in good condition.
  • Trail # 1 South: Towards Marenisco from Trail # 8 (Ethelwood Grade) is being groomed nightly and is reported to be in good condition.
  • Trail # 1 south from Marenisco to Wisconsin Border is getting thin and reported to be in fair condition.
  • Trail # 8 East from Bergland to Ewen is being groomed daily and it is reported in good condition.
  • Trail # 8W: from Bergland to Wakefield. is being groomed nightly and it is reported to be in good condition.
  • Trail 102 from Bergland to Trail #11 is being groomed nightly and it is reported to be in good condition.
  • Trail # 13 North from Bergland to 101 is being groomed nightly and it is being reported to be in good condition. There is about 1 mile of logging going on and this trail always gets a lot of traffic.
  • Trail 13 South is open, being groomed nightly and reported to be in good to Good condition.
  • Trail #13 South from 100 to Trail # 2 is reported to be groomed daily and is in good to fair condition.
  • Trail # 100 South end of Lake Gogebic is reported be groomed daily and is in good to Good condition.

Please stay on the trails, respect private property, do not drink and drive, and above all else, drive safely.

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 – : Western UP, Michigan – March 19, 2020

Reporter:Western U.P. Snowmobile Report

Trail Conditions: Poor

Snow Cover: 24

Date of Report: March 19, 2020

Area Report:

Western U P Snowmobile Trail Report— 3/19/2020

Gogebic Range Trail Authority – Snowmobile & ORV Club Trail Repor

  • 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.

Gogebic Area Groomers Report 3/03/2020

  • Trail Condition: Good
  • Last Groomed: February 18th, 2020
  • Base Snowfall: 36+”
  • Reported On: March 03rd, 2020 @ 10:14am

Groomer Report

March 2, 2020

Conditions in the Lake Gogebic Area remain good on the North end and fair to good on the South end of the Lake to the Wisconsin border.   It’s currently 28 degrees and snowing and we’re forecasted for more snow this week.   Snowfall this year is in excess of 140” and our trails still have a great base.   Groomers will be out nightly when temps are below freezing.    Riders are reporting good conditions and recommend to just ride early and plan your stop accordingly.    Mother Nature is not done with this season just yet and you know what they say when March comes in like a lamb….

  • Trail # 1N: from Bergland to White Pine is being groomed nightly and reported to be in good condition.
  • Trail # 1 South: Towards Marenisco from Trail # 8 (Ethelwood Grade) is being groomed nightly and is reported to be in good condition.
  • Trail # 1 south from Marenisco to Wisconsin Border is getting thin and reported to be in fair condition.
  • Trail # 8 East from Bergland to Ewen is being groomed daily and it is reported in good condition.
  • Trail # 8W: from Bergland to Wakefield. is being groomed nightly and it is reported to be in good condition.
  • Trail 102 from Bergland to Trail #11 is being groomed nightly and it is reported to be in good condition.
  • Trail # 13 North from Bergland to 101 is being groomed nightly and it is being reported to be in good condition. There is about 1 mile of logging going on and this trail always gets a lot of traffic.
  • Trail 13 South is open, being groomed nightly and reported to be in good to Good condition.
  • Trail #13 South from 100 to Trail # 2 is reported to be groomed daily and is in good to fair condition.
  • Trail # 100 South end of Lake Gogebic is reported be groomed daily and is in good to Good condition.

Please stay on the trails, respect private property, do not drink and drive, and above all else, drive safely.

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 – : Superior – Douglas County, Wisconsin – March 16, 2020

Reporter:nikky.farmakes

Trail Conditions: Closed

Snow Cover: Zero to 8 inches

Date of Report: March 16, 2020

Area Report:

Winter Snowmobile and All-Season Trails (As of 3/16/2020)

All snowmobile and Winter ATV trails under the management of the Douglas County Forestry Department are officially closed for the season.

It is critical that we respect the landowners who allow us to utilize their property. 

In addition, all-year-round recreational trails are temporarily closed at this time except for the following trail segments:

Gandy Dancer – MN/WI Stateline to Patzau. 
Saunders Grade – MN/WI Stateline to Schallameir Road Parking Lot
Wild Rivers Trail – Douglas Co./Washburn Co. line to a point 500 feet north of County Highway Y
Wild Rivers Trail – North Trailhead parking lot (County Highway A) to the Harroun Road. 

 

Click here for a downloadable map of open trails.

Cross Country Ski Trails (As of 3/16/2020)

Douglas County Ski Trails – The trails are packed hard and the groomer was unable to cut new tracks in the packed snow. Grooming is suspended until further notice.

Superior Municipal Forest –  Update 3/13: Due to the rain, conditions are poor but skiable in most of the system.  Grooming is limited due to the ice.  Skiers should watch for flowing water and multiple ice spots on the trails. At this time groomers will need to hold off on future grooming operations unless we get snow. 

Pattison State Park –  No new updates are available. 

Brule River After Hours Trail –  Update on 3/13: Skate lanes have been groomed.  Tracks are in poor condition except for Sally’s Classic Trail which still is decent. There is some debris on the trails.  

For further information, please contact the Douglas County Forestry Department at 715-378-2219 Monday-Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm excluding Holidays.

Trail Report – : Forest County, Wisconsin – March 16, 2020

Reporter:forestco

Trail Conditions: Closed

Snow Cover: 0″-10″

Date of Report: March 16, 2020

Area Report:

All Forest County State Funded snowmobile and ATV trails are closed. 

Forest County Ordinance prohibits the use of ATV/UTV’s on all State funded trails in Forest County during this closure.

The Nicolet State Trail and Wolf River State Trails will reopen for hiking, biking, horseback riding, dual sport cycles and ATV/UTV use on or around May 1, 2020.

Thank you for a great season! Special thanks to all the Snowmobile Clubs for their hard work and volunteer time keeping our trails in great shape!

Trail Report – : Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin – March 14, 2020

Reporter:Manitowish Waters Chamber

Trail Conditions: Closed

Snow Cover: 10-20 Inches

Date of Report: March 14, 2020

Area Report:

The Vilas County snowmobile trails have officially closed as of Friday, March 13th @ Noon.

Thank you for your support and a GREAT season!

Trail Report – : Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin – March 14, 2020

Reporter:Manitowish Waters Chamber

Trail Conditions: Closed

Snow Cover: 10-20 Inches

Date of Report: March 14, 2020

Area Report:

Vilas County snowmobile trails have officially closed as of Friday, March 14th @ Noon.

Thank you for all your support and a GREAT season!

Trail Report – : Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin – March 15, 2020

Reporter:Manitowish Waters Chamber

Trail Conditions: Closed

Snow Cover: 10-20 Inches

Date of Report: March 15, 2020

Area Report:

Vilas County snowmobile trails have officially closed as of Friday, March 14th @ Noon.

Thank you for all your support and a GREAT season!

Trail Report – : Dickinson County, Michigan – March 16, 2020

Reporter:msertich7751

Trail Conditions: Not Ridable

Snow Cover: No Snow Cover,Mostly Ice.

Date of Report: March 16, 2020

Area Report:

Our trails  are still open,however,after the rain last week and then freezing,the trails are all Ice.There is bare ground and pavement at all road crossings.If you have (Scratchers),you could ride,but Overheating will be an issue.I ventured out on Sat and my sled ran hot.Unless we get some snow,our trails will close very soon. 

Trail Report – : Neillsville, Wisconsin – March 15, 2020

Reporter:Neillsville Granton Trailbusters

Trail Conditions: Closed

Snow Cover: 0″

Date of Report: March 15, 2020

Area Report:

Our trails are CLOSED for the season. Be aware riding on closed trails is trespassing and fines apply, not to mention it could cause long term trail closures!

 

Snowmobile Information:

Our club has been active for 32 years now. We started out as a small club in 1988 named The Neillsville Rec Riders, designing ATV routes that accessed the Clark County Forest Trail System, via roads. We then created our first cross county un-groomed snowmobile and winter ATV trail system from Neillsville to Granton. In 1993 we purchased a used Bombardier groomer to start grooming our trail for snowmobiling. In 1996 we expanded our snowmobile and winter ATV trail system from Neillsville to the Clark County Forest Trail near Hatfield.

In 1997 we added a tractor and new drag to our grooming fleet to keep up with the grooming schedule. In 1999 we further expanded our growing trail system with a snowmobile trail running from Granton to Sherwood. In 2001 we made a big achievement in trail devolpement by creating a snowmobile trail from Neillsville to Loyal, giving us a total of 56 miles in groomed snowmobile trails across private lands. In 2002 we had to add a second tractor and drag to keep up with the high grooming demand. After receiving heavy, drifting snows during the ’06-’08 seasons while continuing to get stuck with our tractors, we felt the need to add a newer tracked groomer to our fleet.

We purchased a Piston Bully trailer groomer to keep up with the demanding trail grooming where our tractors fell short, in deep snow and eliminated 1 tractor and drag! We groom our trails 20′ wide where ever possible and they are the best marked in the county, you won’t get lost on our trail system! In 2010, we had to cease the operation of winter ATV use on all of our snowmobile trails, due to increasing abuse from disrespectful ATV’ers creating problems on private lands. Moving forward in 2011 we strive to keep up with the best snowmobile trails in the county and that is out main focus moving on. Upgrading in 2017 we purchased a 2007 Prinoth BR180 tracked groomer adding two tracked machines to our fleet.

The Clark County Forest ATV and Snowmobile Trails are maintained by the Parks and Forest Department as well as the 9 other clubs that maintain the rest of the trails in Clark County. Our club would not be where it is today without the help and permission of the 89 landowners who allow us to cross their lands. With out them we would have no trails. All of our members that help out, donate their time and it is much appreciated when we get compliments on how well of a job we have done.