Iron Range Snow & Trail Conditions

SNOWMOBILE TRAIL CONDITIONS

To view trail updates by Dave Karpik and subscribe to his podcasts and updates, visit his blog at dave.ironrange.org/blog.

UPDATED (by the DNR) 12/31/08

Arrowhead State Trail
Condition: Good
Groomed Miles: 128
Snow Depth: 18-22"
Trail Base: 2-4"
Groomed: Yes

The Arrowhead Trail has been groomed in its entirety and is in good shape. Snow is plentiful. Trail conditions will improve as more grooming passes are completed and the base firms up. On all trails riders may still encounter early season conditions including hidden obstacles like rocks and stumps, slush, flowing water and segments not groomed to full width. Lake Vermilion Ice Trails are staked on the Tower end to Smart Bay Portage, Cook end is still pending. Slush and rough riding is the current norm on area lakes.

Taconite State Trail
Condition: Fair
Groomed Miles: 165
Snow Depth: 18-20"
Trail Base: 2-4"
Groomed: Partially

The Taconite Trail has all been groomed except for some short segments between its junctions with the Wolftrack and Arrowhead Trails (where swamps and flowages are still questionable for supporting a groomer). The trail is in good shape. Snow is plentiful. Trail conditions will improve as more grooming passes are completed and the base firms up. On all trails riders may still encounter early season conditions including hidden obstacles like rocks and stumps, slush, flowing water and segments not groomed to full width. Lake Vermilion Ice Trails are staked on the Tower end to Smart Bay Portage, Cook end is still pending. Slush and rough riding is the current norm on area lakes.

McCarthy Beach State Park
Condition: Good
Groomed Snowmobile Trail Miles: 12
Snow Depth: 14"
Trail Base: 4"
Groomed: Yes

Good skiing is waiting for those braving the cold to get out on the ski trails. The Big Hole Trail and portions of the Red Top have been packed and groomed as of 12/30/08(approximately 9 km). The pine trees are decorated with the latest snowfall hanging from their branches. The snowmobile groomer was out on the Taconite State Trail 12/30/08 and reports good conditions. Both Side Lake and Big Sturgeon have slush, so be cautious if venturing onto the lakes.

Be sure to bookmark our website for the up-to-date snow conditions for the 2008-2009 winter sports season!

For more information about snowmobiling in northeastern Minnesota's Iron Range, please call 800-777-8497 or click here.