Reporter:nikky.farmakes
Trail Conditions: Fair
Snow Cover: Snow cover is thin in some areas, most trails are still in fair to good condition with a 1-5 inch base.
Date of Report: January 30, 2018
Area Report:
As is typical for this time of year, certain trail segments can be opened and others are not ready yet due to wetland crossings and/or have restrictions due to private land easements. It is critical that we respect the landowners who allow us to use their property. Please review the information below carefully before trail riding and confirm that you are using open trails.
Please note, certain trails or only segments of trails may be open at this time. We anticipate frequent updates as the clubs begin grooming and report on trails they’ve checked. In all areas where winter recreation trails are closed, our clubs are actively working to get the trails open.
Trail Report 1/30/2018
NE Quadrant
Trails took a beating this last week with warmer temps. Trails are thinner and dirtier than last week. Many places are still in good condition but many areas are getting icy.
Most Brule River Riders trails have been groomed since the weekend except for the northwestern area.
Trail 1 & 2, the Tri-County Corridor is groomed. There are some thin dirty spots east of Highway P near Poplar and just west of the Brule River. The groomer turned around at 50th Avenue East in Superior. These trails are in mostly good condition.
Trail 2B was groomed last week, and is sketchy in many areas.
Trail 4 was groomed this week from Brule to Trail 41 (Warming Shelter). Trails are dirty along Highway 53 and west of Highway L. Trails are in good condition in the swamps, and dirty in the logging areas. Many areas are in good condition east of Trail 24.
Trail 6 was groomed this week. South Shore Grade Road still has snow cover and is in mostly good condition.
Trail 24 was groomed Monday and is in mostly good condition.
Trail 27/27A was groomed last weekend. There are some icy corners. Much of the trail is in pretty good condition for many miles south changing to a few snirty areas with many icy corners overall.
Trail 35 (Wild Rivers Trail) was groomed only where it overlaps with Trail 4. Northern area grooming has been suspended until more snow falls.
Trail 235 grooming has been suspended until there is more snow.
Logging in progress: Two areas off the north end of Trail 27, Bayfield 24, and Trail 4 East of Bellwood Pit Road and also east of Degerman Road. East of Hawthorne the logging job T’s off and crosses our trails several times. Signing has been upgraded in that area. There is also a small private logging job on Trail 4 by the Covered Wagon in Hawthorne just east of Highway 53.
NW Quadrant
All trails in this quadrant are open and are in good condition with the exception of the area between Bear Creek Bridge and Wanek Road on Trail 4/41. Snow is thin in and near Superior. Most of the trail base is good but more snow is needed.
Logging operations continue on Trail 4 and Trail 41 between Bear Creek Bridge and Wanek Road. On Trail 4 between Brietzman Lake Road and Big Balsam Road are also experiencing logging activity. Brushing is ongoing in these areas that are not accessible until this time of year. Please use caution and watch for equipment on these grails.
Please note – the parking lot located off Tuff Road is closed for the season and there is no trail access from the lot.
SW Quadrant
Trails in this quadrant are in fair condition and snow is thin in some areas. Cold temperatures and snow in the forecast is welcome. Watch for grooming and brushing equipment on the trails. Please respect landowners and stay on the trails!
SE Quadrant
Trails 7/27, Trail 41S and Trail 41B were groomed this week and are in fair to poor condition with some bare spots & icy. Trails 35 (Wild Rivers Trail) has dirt showing on southern facing hills and at some intersections. The clubs are hoping to groom Trail 35, Trail 5, and Trail 541 this week. Trail 41N hasn’t been touched in a while as it needs more snow. Trails are icy please use care.
Wascott Trail 3 is in fair condition, with some icy and some bare spots due to no new snow. The trails will not be groomed until we get new snow.
Trails 217 and Trail 17
Trail 217 and Trail 17 from Cabin Lane to Trail 8 are in fare condition and have not been groomed in over a week due to lack of fresh snow.
Douglas County Ski Trails
The Douglas County Cross Country Ski Trails have been groomed and tracked of last week. Additional grooming is scheduled for later this week.
The Superior Municipal Forest Cross Country Ski Trails have been groomed and tracked. They are in fair to good condition at this time.
Brule River After Hours Ski Trail is groomed and tracked and is in fair to good condition.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT THE DOUGLAS COUNTY FORESTRY AT 715 378 2219 DURING REGULAR BUSINESS HOURS OF 8 AM TO 4:30 PM MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY (EXCLUDING HOLIDAYS). Or Check on Line at www.douglascountywi.org under the Forestry Department tab.
The Manitowish Waters Sno-Skeeters snowmobile club was founded in 1968 and is one of the oldest snowmobile clubs in existence today in Wisconsin. Located in the very northwest corner of Vilas county, Manitowish Waters borders the Lake Superior snow-belt country. With average snowfalls of 150 inches and over 25 miles of professionally groomed trails, the area is one of Vilas County’s top winter vacation areas.
