Trail conditionsNOTE! Our Facebook page is updated as-it-happens.
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What a difference a week makes! Riders are saying our trails are holding up better than expected. This week area trails have been challenged by warm weather and both a bit of snow and a bit of rain. A little more snow is expected overnight tonight. Please remember to stay to the right & watch your speed particularly on curves and hills, and be alert to both icy and bare patches. All area groomers (DNR, VNP, VTSI) have paused until we get at least several inches of snow to work with. We will see how it goes from here. Keep an eye on trail update posts online as conditions could change rapidly. Land trails and portages in Voyageurs National Park are showing some wear; expect frozen ruts on the lake trails and icy conditions off trail. Scratchers may help as there is very little snow for lubrication. Where the Green Trail crosses the Kabetogama Ice Road pay careful attention to signage and watch for cross traffic. There is glare ice in areas on the ice roads making them very slick in places. The reroutes around the two pressure ridges on the Green Trail on Kabetogama are still in place and marked with stakes. If you travel off-trail on the lakes stay alert to pressure ridges that have been expanding over the past few weeks. Pressure ridges, reroutes, and other hazards can be difficult to see in low visibility conditions or if traveling at high speeds. Please be cautious in these and other hazardous areas where the ice is still thin: sand bars, shorelines, and shallow areas. Ice is never 100% safe! The DNR reports the Arrowhead Trail as poor to fair depending on location. Logging areas, swamps and exposed areas have seen a more rapid decline in snow levels and trail conditions. Active logging on, across, and alongside the trail is occurring in several locations- watch for signage leading up to the activity areas. Think snow! Our area businesses are open and ready to welcome you! For the latest info, visit:
Cold weather has helped keep our trails in great shape - with help from our expert groomers! Temps are supposed to warm up this weekend and we might see a bit more snow, so get up here and enjoy! Our trail conditions haven't changed from last week, and reports from riders are that the trails are "really good." Groomers continue to be out several times each week. Minnesota DNR is saying the trails are fair to good depending on how much use a trail has had since last groom. The groomers are doing great work with the snow that's available to maintain enjoyable, high quality trails. They remind everyone to stay to the right, be alert at hills and curves and watch your speed. Logging continues on the Arrowhead Trail so watch for signing leading up to logging areas, and please give trucks and logging equipment some space. Also keep an eye out for ATVs on the trails; not authorized but they have seen evidence. In Voyageurs National Park, reminder about the Green Trail intersection with the Kabetogama Spur ice road. The Green Trail also has two pressure ridges with marked reroutes. Portages are being groomed twice each week. Please be cautious if you ride off the marked trails as there may be pressure ridges, drifts and other hazards including areas with thin ice like sand bars, shorelines and shallow areas. Ice is never 100% safe! Area businesses are open for food, fuel, lodging, and great meals. They are all looking forward to helping you enjoy a fantastic snowmobile vacation riding in and around Minnesota's only National Park. So with all of that, don’t miss out! The beauty of this area is special and you will love it here! For the latest info, visit:
We are seeing some cold temperatures this week! Definitely helping the trails set up nice. When you visit, layer up and think about wind chill too! The brisk weather comes with sunny skies and star-filled nights. Our area trails are all open and groomed. ⚠️ Please be alert at the bridges on the Voyageur Trail between Ash River and Crane Lake. There is a large dip on the Elephant Lake side of the bridges - slow down so you don't get launched. We do have caution signs up. Grooming continues several times a week and the trails are in the best condition so far this season. In Voyageurs National Park all trails are open and all portages are being groomed twice weekly. In addition, the Kabetogama Ice Road Spur (for vehicles) has been opened and crosses the Green Trail - keep an eye out for cross-traffic and pay attention to the signage marking the intersection. The marked reroutes around pressure ridges on the Green Trail are still in place. Be alert for hazards or thin ice in areas like sand bars, shorelines and shallows. There are some wind-blown snow drifts making a few areas a little rough. Particularly watch for pressure ridges and drifts if you go off trail. Remember, ice is never 100% safe. The DNR reports that riding conditions on the Arrowhead Trail is generally good, but a little more snow would help add to the base. The State Trails are being groomed after seeing lots of people out last weekend. Active logging is happening in several locations especially in the Orr area and north. There is signage on either side of where a trail is used in a logging area. Please slow down and give the equipment space. In addition, the DNR asks everyone to ride with caution, keep speed down, and stay to the right while riding. Pay attention at curves and hills. They are also still receiving reports of ATVs having been seen on the trails. So, what's keeping you from heading north to Voyageur Country? Our trails and sponsors look forward to your visit! For the latest info, visit:
Another 4-6" of fresh snow fell last night. Our VTSI trails have been groomed and are ready for you to enjoy! The trail reroute on the Voyageur trail at the creek south of Ash River is still in effect and marked. Logging continues in our area south of the Nelson Road and Shuster Road. The DNR reports logging in other areas as well. Please stay alert and respectful around the logging trucks & equipment. The Dill/Arrowhead Trail is pretty good with better conditions in the woods compared to open areas. The DNR did alert us that ATVs have gone on snowmobile trails (not allowed on the State or grant-in-aid trails!). Remember to keep to the right and stay alert, especially on curvy, hilly trails. The Blackwoods Blizzard Tour will be riding the Taconite from Tower to Side Lake Thursday and Friday, and the Arrowhead to the Cook Trail on Friday. Voyageurs National Park as of 1/30/25 shows all lake trails are OPEN including the Purple trail (International Falls to Kettle Falls). Portages have also been groomed and in good shape. There continue to be issues with pressure ridges so be alert to route changes and be especially cautious if you go off-trail. Warming huts are open at Grassy Bay on the Green Trail and at Kettle Falls. BOth the Kabetogama and Rainy Lake Visitor Centers are open 10-4 on Fridays and Saturdays, and the Rainy Lake Visitor Center is also open 10-4 on Sundays (check their site to confirm in case of changes). Lake trails are open! Woods trails are open! Weather is awesome! Come on up and enjoy! We and our local sponsors look forward to seeing you soon! or the latest info, visit:
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