Trail Report
2/22/2012: Our operators finally received what they've been waiting for all winter, heavy wet snow to groom. They're out there as I write this report, once again showing snowmobilers why we have the best trails around. The season is getting short so gas up the machine and enjoy the weekend but remember to watch your speed and be safe.
VOYAGEURS NAT'L PARK
2/23/2012: Nearly seven inches of snow fell over Voyageurs National Park earlier this week. Snowmobiling, skiing, and snowshoeing conditions are perfect. All of the park’s 110 miles of snowmobile trails and over 10 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails are now open and ready for visitors to enjoy. Travel along the lake trails offers snowmobilers a ride through a national park with opportunities to view wildlife and scenic grandeur. Skiers will see numerous animal tracks and signs of wildlife as they travel through the forests.
Hazardous pressure ridges are still present, but have not been too active. Snowmobilers must continue to use extreme caution and only cross the pressure ridges at designated crossings along the staked route. Slow travel speeds are highly recommended. Crews are grooming snowmobile trails on a weekly basis except from Saginaw Bay East to Kettle portage due to a pressure ridge. Some of the land portages have a few exposed dirt patches due to minimal snow cover.
Outstanding scenery is one of the reasons why Voyageurs National Park was established. Please enjoy the scenery as you ride and follow the snowmobile speed limit of 45 mph on frozen lake surfaces and 25 mph on all overland portages. Speed limit signs are posted at trailheads and overland portages. Regular weekly winter trail conditions reports are available on our website at www.nps.gov/voya.
Snowmobile Trails
International Falls to Kettle Falls (Purple Trail) – Open & Staked
Rainy Lake/Black Bay to Kabetogama Lake to Ash River (Green Trail) – Open & Staked
Ash River to Crane Lake (Green Trail) – Open & Staked
Chain of Lakes (Dashed Black Trail) – Open & Staked
Ash River to Kettle Falls (Yellow Trail) – Open & Staked
East Namakan Lake to Sand Point Lake (Blue Trail) – Open & Staked
Current conditions are not adequate to support snowmobile use and travel is not recommended on any lake surface.
UPDATED VNP REPORT AT www.nps.gov/voya
FYI - riders born after December 31, 1976 are required by law to hold snowmobile safety certification. Persons 16 years of age and older, resident or non-residents are eligible for adult certification. Adults can complete and pass an independent study CD or a youth snowmobile certification class.
Children 11yr – 15yr are eligible to attend, complete and pass a youth snowmobile safety certification class with the certificate valid at age 12. We suggest that all snowmobiler, residents and non residents, become familiar with the laws and regulations and pass it on to friends or customers that may be planning on riding in Minnesota.
Please don’t forget to purchase a Minnesota state “trail permit” for your sled.
Best Trails! If you didn’t know that Minnesota has an outstanding system of recreational trails,
you do now. American Trails has recognized Minnesota as the best trails state in the nation. Minnesota
boasts over 21,000 miles of snowmobile trails, 600 miles of paved bike trails, 1000 miles of
equestrian trails, 2000 miles of cross country ski trails and thousands of miles of ATV or off highway
vehicle trails, hiking trails and water trails.
http://www.americantrails.org/awards/NTS10awards/state10.html
