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Stony Spur and Taconite Spur trails: The Stony Spur Trail and
the Taconite Spur were groomed this weekend. All trails are in fair
condition, but the trail to Giants Ridge is not good. There are lots
of rocks and rough spots. Travel west of Babbitt is not recommended
at this time. (1/31/12) Tomahawk Trail and Local Trails:
The Tomahawk Trail stretches 85.5 miles from Ely to the North Shore
Trail. This trail has been rolled but there is a problem with a
beaver dam just off the Kawishiwi Trail that is causing a fast flow
of water over the trail. It’s basically not passable at this time,
however, the grooming crew and the DNR are trying to find a solution
to this problem. There is a 6 inch base on the trails and they are
listed in poor condition. This trail is rideable but rough with a
minimal base, but you may want to slow it down a bit. If you looking
to travel towards the North Shore, you may want to detour across
White Iron Lake, then across Birch Lake to the Hidden Trail and then
on to the Stony Spur. The trail between Mud Creek and Vermilion Lake
is passable, but go slow as it is rocky. Lake riding is very good,
but follow the staked trails for safety. (1/30/12)
Taconite Trail: St. Louis County: The Taconite State
Trail stretches one hundred sixty five miles from Grand Rapids to
Ely through many scenic vistas of rolling hillsides, lakes, rivers
and forest. There are several trail shelters along the trail located
at popular stopping points offering scenic vistas. The recent 3-4”
of new snow has improved the overall condition of the trail. The
Tower to Ely portion has been groomed, however, we would rate it as
poor. There are still rough areas as well as exposed rocks and
stumps. The southwest portion is very poor, however, we have packed
most of what mother nature gave us to work with, we need cooler
temperatures and more snow! 2-4 inch base, partially groomed, fair
condition at this time. (1/31/12) Bear Island State Forest: Putnam/Fishing Lakes Trail: The
Bear Island State Forest-Putnam/Fishing Lakes traverse forested,
rolling topography through birch, ash, and pine stands. Several
small lakes dot the landscape along these scenic trails. Depending
where you are, portions of the trail are in fair condition but other
portions are poor. The recent snow has improved the overall
condition of this trail but there is light snow on the hills and
under heavy canopy. Watch out for exposed rocks on portions of the
Fishing Lakes Trail. Putnam Trail is now groomed. Fair condition,
partially groomed, 3-4+/- inch base. (2/1/12)
PLEASE NOTE: Please use caution
when venturing out on the lakes. There are several pressure ridges
on some of the area lakes. At this point, there are 3 major pressure
ridges on Burntside Lake. The first one riding West from Little Long
portage is across from Dead River by Wagers Island. The next one
starts on a point by Camp Van Vac and runs across the main part of
the lake, and the third one is across the public landing and starts
further out from the South Shore. Crews also report many bare
patches of ice with very little snow on other parts. There is also a
pressure ridge on Shagawa Lake across the main part of the lake to
the North Shore starting at Semers Park. Currently, Shagawa, Little
Long, Fall, Birch, White Iron and part of Burntside lakes are
staked. Please follow the staked trails when using lake travel. |
