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Trail Report – : Ely, Minnesota – March 1, 2023

Ely, MN Chamber of Commerce

Reporter:Ely Chamber of Commerce/Explore MN Visitor Center
Trail Conditions: Good
Snow Cover: 20 inches
Date of Report: March 1, 2023
Area Report:

Ely Area Trail Conditions

March 1st, 2023

Trail base and conditions, in general, have improved.  

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 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. 

Snow: 15-28 inches with a base of 1-5 inches. Groomed: Yes Condition: Good

Arrowhead State Trail:  The Arrowhead is groomed and in good condition from Tower to International Falls. We will continue to groom this week and through the weekend.

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: 15-30 inches of snow with a base of 1-5 inches. Groomed: Yes Condition: 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 to good condition, and it will be groomed again before this coming weekend. 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 Friday, February 24th with good results on the campground loops and the Beach Trail. Norberg Trail was last groomed on February 24th.

One exposed rock on the north side of the Norberg Trail loop. 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: 6 inches. Conditions: Good Groomed: Yes

Snowmobiling conditions: Good. Groomed Yes.  Base: 1-5 inches.