Reporter:Ely Chamber of Commerce/Explore MN Visitor Center
Trail Conditions: Good
Snow Cover: 30-35″
Date of Report: January 30, 2020
Area Report:
Trail Report for 1/30/2020
GENERAL INFORMATION: Trails are reported to be in good condition. Trails have been groomed after two events last weekend and are holding up well in spite of the warmer temperatures. Several area lakes are now staked, and riders are asked to please ride in staked areas to ensure best conditions. As always, even when conditions are their best, it’s still wise to use caution when venturing onto the ice on foot or machine.
Area Trails: Tomahawk trail is reported to be in good condition with just a little slush in some areas. Conditions on Grassy Loop, Burntside, Shagawa, Little Long, Mud Lake and White Iron Lake are also reported to be really good. Trails were groomed after two events over the past weekend, and they will be getting groomed again in preparation for the upcoming weekend. Birch Lake is staked for snowmobile trails to Hidden Bay. Cedar Lake is not staked; snowmobilers should use Cloquet Line instead. Everything else is staked. As always, please stay on staked trails.
Arrowhead State Trail – Snowmobiling: Condition-Very Good Trail – Groomed Base – 1-6” 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 has been groomed from the Taconite State Trail junction north to the Blue Ox trail, and it continues to groom up well and look great.
Bearhead Lake State Park – Snowmobiling: Condition – Very good Trails – Groomed Base 5-12”
TRAIL CONDITIONS: The Taconite Trail and Cub Lake Spur to the Trail Center are both in very good 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 – Very Good Trails – Groomed Base – 2-6”
TRAIL CONDITIONS: These trails will be groomed again before the weekend. Trails are in very good condition. For all trails use caution at all times. Please travel at appropriate speeds and stay to the right No motorized vehicles other than snowmobiles are allowed on State Trails or Grant-in-Aid snowmobile trails.
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 – Very Good Trails – Groomed Base – 1-6”
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 entire trail was groomed January 29 and is in very good condition. The Blackwoods Blizzard Tour organized ride is taking place this week in the area. Please use caution when riding, travel at appropriate speeds, and stay to the right. No Motorized Vehicles other than snowmobiles are allowed on State Trails or Grant-in-Aid snowmobile trails.
Taconite State Trail – Snowmobiling: Condition – Very Good Trails – Groomed Base 1-6”
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 entire Taconite is groomed from Ely to Hwy 73. It will be groomed again before and during the weekend. Traffic is getting heavier on the trail, but it continues to be grooming up well and looking great. The Blackwoods Blizzard Tour organized ride is taking place this week on the Taconite and southern Arrowhead. Please use caution when riding, travel at appropriate speeds, and stay to the right. No Motorized Vehicles other than snowmobiles are allowed on State Trails or Grant-in-Aid snowmobile trails.
Taconite Spur West – Last groomed 1/24/20
Taconite Spur North – Last groomed 1/24/20
Stony Spur East – Last groomed 1/20/20
News and Reports:
Upcoming snowmobile events include:
The Blackwoods Blizzard Tour January 29- February 1
More information on these events can be found by visiting our website at http://www.ely.org/mn/events
