Reporter:Ely Chamber of Commerce/Explore MN Visitor Center
Trail Conditions: Early Season
Snow Cover: 1-7″
Date of Report: December 17, 2020
Area Report:
Trail Report for 12/17/2020
Snow Depth – 1-7” inches
GENERAL INFORMATION: Many area trails are still closed for the season, or they are open, but not yet groomed. Below normal snowfall in December has contributed to trails still showing much exposed ground.
Area Trails: Most of the trails have been cleared of fallen trees. Groomers are being prepared to be up and running for the 15 plus inches of snow needed to start grooming. No lakes have been staked yet because of poor ice condition in some spots.
Arrowhead State Trail Snowmobiling: Condition-Poor Trail – Not Groomed Base – 0”
The Arrowhead State trail is the backbone to an extensive Grant-in-Aid trail system that travels through remote areas.
TRAIL CONDITIONS: Very little snow is on the trails or in the woods, and ice in swamps is inconsistent – 5-8” in some spots, 1-2” in others. The trail crew is making a final pass clearing deadfall from trails, and is also packing swamps/wetlands where possible to knock down grass and cattails and help the ice freeze thick enough to support grooming equipment. Trail use is not recommended, please use extreme caution and travel at your own risk.
Bearhead Lake State Park: Snowmobiling: Condition – Closed Trails – Not Groomed; Base 0”
TRAIL CONDITIONS: The Taconite Trail and Cub Lake Spur to the Trail Center are both closed at this time.
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 – Not Groomed; Base – 0”
TRAIL CONDITIONS: The park trails are open, but snowmobile travel is no recommended. Very little snow is on the trails or in the woods, and ice in swamps is inconsistent with 5-8” in some spots and only 1-2” in others. The trail crew is making a final pass clearing deadfall from trails, and we are also packing swamps/wetlands where possible to knock down grass and cattails, to help the ice freeze thick enough to support grooming equipment. Trail use is not recommended; please use extreme caution and travel at your own risk.
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 – Not Groomed; Base – 0”
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: Trails are open but snowmobile travel is not recommended. Very little snow is on the trails or in the woods, and ice in swamps is inconsistent – 5-8” in some spots, 1-2” in others. The trail crew is making a final pass clearing deadfall from trails, and is are also packing swamps/wetlands where possible to knock down grass and cattails and help the ice freeze thick enough to support grooming equipment. Trail use is not recommended, please use extreme caution and travel at your own risk.
Taconite State Trail: Snowmobiling: Condition – Poor Trails –Not Groomed; Base 0”
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 open (except from the Taconite State Trail – Raven Ln portion temporarily), and snowmobile travel is not recommended. Very little snow is on the trails or in the woods, and ice in swamps is inconsistent – 5-8” in some spots, 1-2” in others. The trail crew is making a final pass clearing deadfall from trails, and we are also packing swamps/wetlands where possible to knock down grass and cattails and help the ice freeze thick enough to support grooming equipment. Trail use is not recommended, please use extreme caution and travel at your own risk.
Taconite Spur West – Not groomed
Taconite Spur North – Not groomed
Stony Spur East – Not groomed
News and Reports:
More information on area events can be found by visiting our website at http://www.ely.org/mn/events
Snowmobile 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!
