Trail conditionsNOTE! Our Facebook page is updated as-it-happens.
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The sun is shining, making everything sparkle. It's welcome, but on the other hand some more snow would be really nice! Last weekend we had riders packing trails and swamp areas to prep for groomers, but there's still not quite enough snow with just about 8" on the ground. The forecast calls for an inch more to maybe fall over this coming weekend.
Land trails are rough. Ride very cautiously and thoughtfully on open trails only - and respect the gift landowners offer by allowing trails across their properties. The DNR reports that they have started trail packing on the David Dill/Arrowhead State Trail, but there are areas of open water and unfrozen wetlands. They recommend using extreme caution exploring on the trails. The Park has reported improved ice conditions, and said that if all goes well they should have the Green Trail staked today from Franks Bay on Rainy to Kabetogama Lake to Ash River. The lack of snow is making portages challenging and very rough, particularly Gold Portage. Use caution and watch for signage. They will open more trails as conditions allow. Please also remember that ice is never 100% safe! A couple of the XC ski trails are packed but not groomed, as are a couple of the snowshoe trails. Watch their posts for updates. Keep thinking snow!! For the latest updates, visit:
Happy New Year! In a more usual year, I could listen to the roar of sleds as I type this. December may have been the warmest on record up here (possibly breaking a record set in 1877/78), but 2024 is starting out with a big chill! The forecast shows us staying well below freezing continuously through the next week or longer. That will definitely freeze the swampy areas!
All land and lake ice snowmobile trails remain closed. The cross-country ski trails in the Park are also closed, but the snowshoe trails are open to hiking. Everyone here is itching for thicker ice on the lakes and snow to fall on the trails so we can enjoy riding and the camaraderie that comes with it. Please join us and THINK SNOW to get this season revved up! For the latest updates, visit:
A big Thank You to the many people came out on Dec. 2 and Dec. 9 to clear trails. With your help we were able to accomplish a lot!
After 3 strong La Niña seasons, which historically mean colder-than-average winters, we are now experiencing a "strong" El Niño season (the last strong episode was 2015-16). Warmer surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific ocean generally make the models for our area predict warmer temps and the potential for a little less snow. Clearly we're starting the season with less than the past couple years, but keep the faith... the snow will come! For now, we are hoping for consistently colder temperatures to make good ice on the lakes. Voyageurs National Park posted their first Trails Update of the season - snowmobile and ski trails are closed (no surprise!) and hiking is being allowed on the snowshoe trails. So far there has not been enough ice on the lakes to safely measure. Groomers are ready and we are all looking forward to getting this season going... so everybody THINK SNOW! For the latest updates, visit:
Another sledding season comes to an end as the Grant-in-aid trails close at midnight March 31. Remember that these trails have seasonal easements... starting April 1 you'll be trespassing unless you have landowner permission! The Arrowhead will remain open, but will not be groomed after the 31st.
Thank you to everyone who visited Voyageurs Country riding the trails and enjoying our area businesses. We appreciate you all and hope you'll return year after year. Many thanks to our groomers for taming the trails and making them so fun. Our area snowmobile clubs & early season trail clearing volunteers also deserve a shout-out, as do the Voyageurs National Park staff that maintains the trails in the park, and the DNR for their help maintaining the Arrowhead Trail. A special Thank You to our volunteer first responders who come when needed no matter the time of day, distance or conditions. Many hands help keep the trails open and safe for all to enjoy. We're thankful to have so many area resorts, restaurants, bars and businesses open to welcome our winter visitors with your hospitality and help. Voyageur Country in northern Minnesota is a special place to enjoy nature and wildlife year-round. As snow season comes to a close, we're now starting to guess at ice-out dates. Wishing everyone a wonderful summer... and look forward to your visits next winter. Last night brought another 5-6 inches of snow to the area. Folks who have been out riding are saying the trails are the best they've been all season. Grooming will continue into this weekend. Spring means staying alert to changeable conditions while you ride, and watching for possible ice on trail corners and slush on water crossings. Active logging is still happening in several spots. This weekend is forecast to see highs around 40 and lows in the teens.
The DNR reports the Arrowhead is groomed and in fair to good condition from Tower to International Falls. All snowmobile trails in the Park remain groomed and open to the same extent as last week. However, the Kabetogama Lake ice road closed for the season due to the weight of snowfall causing slush to push up along its narrower edges. The Rainy Lake ice road is currently still open. Comfortable temperatures and beautiful groomed trails are waiting for you in Voyageur Country this weekend! Quick reminder that area resorts and restaurants are changing to late season hours, so check ahead as you plan your rides. For the latest updates, visit:
Please also remember to stay to the right and watch your speed. With 4-6 inches of new snow on the ground and more forecast over the next few days, we're able to stretch the season just a bit more so come up and ride! Area groomers are smoothing the trails and will be out through this weekend and as conditions allow. Trails are in good to fair condition based on reports from the Falls down to Crane Lake. Some icy patches, especially on corners, and some exposed ground in a few spots are reported on the Arrowhead. IVSC alerted that slush has formed at the Black River on the west Birchdale trail so use caution when crossing. It's the time of year where being alert on all water crossings makes sense. Around Kabetogama, trails are smooth and in good shape, apart from areas near logging operations. VNP reports that all trails are open and groomed (purple trail from International Falls to Kettle Falls groomed from the green intersection to Lost Bay portage).
A number of area resorts and restaurants are changing to late season hours, so check ahead as you plan your trip. Everyone is enjoying the comfortable temperatures and groomed trails. Come up to Voyageur Country where you can ride nice trails and enjoy great hospitality! For the latest updates, visit:
Please also remember to stay to the right and watch your speed. We're into March bonus season and have several inches of snow forecast for this weekend. Get up here and enjoy the warmer weather and longer days! Trails are in good to fair shape in all areas with a few bare patches according to folks who have been riding the last few days. There's exposed dirt where logging had taken place so please stay alert to varying conditions. The DNR reports the Arrowhead is fair from Tower up to International Falls. VNP reports that all trails are open and groomed (purple trail from International Falls to Kettle Falls groomed from the green intersection to Lost Bay portage).
All clubs and DNR will be grooming this week and through the weekend. From that point it sounds like like week-to-week assessments will be made based on weather. Melgeorge's at Elephant Lake is hosting their annual Antique & Classic Snowmobile Race this Saturday, March 11, noon to 5pm. This a special time of year to enjoy our trails. Come and enjoy great weather and fun trails this weekend. We look forward to seeing you up here! Ride safe by staying on the right side & watch your speed. Please visit our sponsoring area businesses & restaurants while you're enjoying the trails, great food and fun along the way! For the latest updates, visit:
Really, not much has changed from last week. Trails continue to be in good condition from all reports. A little snow to refresh things would be nice... so please continue to think snow! Logging is still happening in a few areas. Please remember to keep right and travel safely on the trails.
Orr area: Trails are groomed & in good condition. Reminder... Melgeorge's Antique & Classic Snowmobile Race is next Saturday, March 11! Crane Lake/Buyck area: The Crane Lake Challenge is this Saturday. Please be careful as there are several new snowbanks near Crane Lake Bar and Grill and Voyagaire Lodge & Houseboats from the plowed parking area and track. The track extends to the northwest a good distance, and crosses the trail coming in from the south and the lake trail headed north. Be safe out there. See you Saturday in Crane Lake! All trails are groomed regularly, and are in good condition. Kabetogama/Ash River area: All trails are regularly groomed and in good shape. International Falls area: Trails are in great shape and being groomed regularly. In Voyageurs National Park: No significant changes from last week. Continue to be alert to signage and be aware of your surroundings; snow drifts and frozen slush are still present in some areas. All trails in the Park are open. The International Falls to Kettle Falls (Purple Trail), is groomed from the Green intersection to the Lost Bay portage. All other trails are fully groomed. The ice roads to Black Bay ski & snowshoe trailhead on Rainy Lake and the Sphunge Sledding Hill on Kabetogama Lake are both open. Arrowhead State Trail / DNR update: The Arrowhead is groomed and in good condition from Tower to International Falls. We will continue to groom this week and through the weekend. Please visit our sponsors while you're enjoying the trails, great food and fun along the way! For the latest updates, visit:
We welcomed some much-appreciated snow early this week, and may get more later this week so think snow! Voyageur Country trails are reported to be in good to very good condition. The Park has been able to groom part of the Purple trail this week. Now's the time to head north and have some fun! Logging is still going on in a few locations. Please continue to keep right and travel safely on the trails.
Orr area: Trails are groomed & in good condition. Crane Lake/Buyck area: The majority of the trail system was double groomed to refresh after the Presidents' Day traffic, and are in great shape heading into the weekend. Kabetogama/Ash River area: The groomer will be out 4 times this week, and trails should be in great shape through the weekend. International Falls area: Trails are in great shape and being groomed regularly. To quote "things couldn't be better right now!" In Voyageurs National Park: Continue to be alert to signage and be aware of your surroundings; snow drifts and frozen slush are still present in some areas. All trails in the Park are open, and all trails are fully groomed except the International Falls to Kettle Falls (Purple Trail), which is now partially groomed from the Green intersection to the Lost Bay portage. The Rainy Lake ice road to Black Bay ski & snowshoe trailhead, and the Kabetogama Lake ice road to the Sphunge Sledding Hill are both open. Check their website for further updates. Arrowhead State Trail / DNR update: The Arrowhead is groomed and in good to very good condition from Tower to International Falls. We will continue to groom during the week and through the weekend. Reminder that No motorized vehicles other than snowmobiles are allowed on State Trails or Grant-in-Aid snowmobile trails. While you're out enjoying the trails, please visit our sponsors too! They help make our trail system fun, safe and accessible. For the latest updates, visit:
Despite the warm temps earlier in the week, reports are generally good from the trails. Many events are happening for Presidents Day Weekend - so come up and join the fun! Trail grooming will be happening throughout the weekend, and the cold temps are definitely helping. Please also remember to keep right and travel safely!
Orr area: Trails are groomed & in good condition. Crane Lake/Buyck area: Both groomers have been out after the snowfall and report conditions surprisingly good! Groomers will continue to work through the weekend. Kabetogama/Ash River area: All trails will be groom nightly Thursday thru Sunday, and are in good condition. Logging continues on the north Tone Dawg and 3K trails. International Falls area: Trails are being groomed and are ready to enjoy. The added snowfall is definitely helping the trails. The 14th Annual International Falls Speed Run Against Cancer is Saturday 12-3 at Thunderbird. Should be a great time! Check the IVSC Facebook page or website for more info. In Voyageurs National Park: Slower speeds are recommended due to some hard-to-see drifts on some of the trails. There are also some areas of frozen slush. Pay attention to signage and be aware of your surroundings. All trails in the Park are open, and all except the International Falls to Kettle Falls (Purple Trail) are groomed as well. The Rainy Lake ice road to Black Bay ski & snowshoe trailhead, and the Kabetogama Lake ice road to the Sphunge Sledding Hill are both open. Check their website for further updates. Arrowhead State Trail / DNR update: Reminder that No motorized vehicles other than snowmobiles are allowed on State Trails or Grant-in-Aid snowmobile trails. The Arrowhead is groomed and in fair condition. Be thoughtful on hills and areas exposed to sunlight. For the latest updates, visit:
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