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Trail Report – : Ely, Minnesota – December 30, 2021

Ely, MN Chamber of Commerce

Reporter:Ely Chamber of Commerce/Explore MN Visitor Center
Trail Conditions: Poor
Snow Cover: 8-14 inches
Date of Report: December 30, 2021
Area Report:

GENERAL INFORMATION: We have received several inches of snow since last week’s report.  Ice conditions have improved greatly, however, we strongly recommend everyone still test the ice as they travel across it.  Ice will be thinner in areas of constricted water flow, near rapids, and springs.  Please use caution at all times.  

Area Trails: Local snowmobile clubs are currently clearing trails in our area and towards Isabella, MN.  Lakes are not staked.  The clubs are waiting for additional snow before they start grooming.

Arrowhead State Trail

The Arrowhead State trail is the backbone to an extensive Grant-in-Aid trail system that travels through remote areas.

TRAIL CONDITIONS:  Snowmobiling: Condition- Poor; Trail – Not Groomed; Base – 1-8”

Bearhead Lake State Park

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.

TRAIL CONDITIONS: Snowmobiling: Condition – Poor; Trails – Groomed; Base 2-4”

Lake Vermilion – Soudan Underground Mine State Park

The park has six miles of snowmobile trails that connect 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.

 TRAIL CONDITIONS:  Snowmobiling: Condition – Poor; Trails – Not Groomed; Base – 1-6”

 Putnam/Fishing Lakes – Bear Island State Forest

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:  Snowmobiling: Condition – Poor; Trails –Not Groomed; Base 1-6”  Snowmobile travel is not recommended at this time.

Taconite State Trail

Taconite State Trail stretches 165 miles from Grand Rapids to Ely through many scenic vistas of rolling hillsides, lakes, rivers, and forest.

TRAIL CONDITIONS: Snowmobiling: Condition – Poor; Trails –Not Groomed; Base 1-3”