SNOWMOBILE TRAILS: 

The Ely Area has about 8-10 inches of snow on the ground at this time.  We received another inch of fresh snow overnight.    

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) 

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)

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) 

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) 

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.

CROSS COUNTRY SKI TRAILS:

The North Junction trails are in reasonably good shape.  The rockiest trails still may have exposed rocks or roots but the more flat and the grassy  parts are in good shape.  (1/30/12)

The Birch Lake Plantation trail was groomed on Monday for classic skiing.  It is in fair condition with a few rough, thin spots but certainly skiable.  (1/30/12)

The Babbitt Golf Course trails were groomed and tracked on Monday for skate and classic skiing.  Excellent condition.  (1/31/12)

The Pine Park trail is skiable.  It is not machine groomed yet because there is not sufficient snow in some areas.  It is still rough.  (1/19/12)

Whatever your choice of recreation is in the winter, get out and enjoy this beautiful area! 

**Please note that trail conditions can change on a daily basis. Please call ahead for the most current trail conditions.

SNOWMOBILE TRAILS:

The Ely Area has about 8-10 inches of snow on the ground at this time.  We received another inch of fresh snow yesterday morning.     

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!  3-4 inch base, partially groomed, poor condition at this time.  (1/30/12)

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. 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 not groomed.  Poor condition, partially groomed, 3-4+/- inch base.  (1/30/12) 

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)

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)

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.

CROSS COUNTRY SKI TRAILS:

The North Junction trails are in reasonably good shape.  The rockiest trails still may have exposed rocks or roots but the more flat and the grassy  parts are in good shape.  (1/30/12)

 The Birch Lake Plantation trail was groomed on Monday for classic skiing.  It is in fair condition with a few rough, thin spots but certainly skiable.  (1/30/12)

The Babbitt Golf Course trails were groomed and tracked on Monday for skate and classic skiing.  Excellent condition.  (1/31/12)

 The Pine Park trail is skiable.  It is not machine groomed yet because there is not sufficient snow in some areas.  It is still rough.  (1/19/12)

 Whatever your choice of recreation is in the winter, get out and enjoy this beautiful area! 

 **Please note that trail conditions can change on a daily basis. Please call ahead for the most current trail conditions.

SNOWMOBILE TRAILS:

Don’t forget the Fun Run, Saturday, January 28 in the Ely, Babbitt, and Tower Area.  Go to:  www.ely.org for more information.

The Ely Area has about 6-8 inches of snow on the ground at this time.  We received another 4 inches of fresh snow earlier this week.  A possible two inches of new snow is expected today. 

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” of new snow has improved the overall condition of the trail and crews are out grooming the trail.  3-4 inch base, poor condition at this time.  (1/24/12) 

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. The recent snow has improved the overall condition of this trail but there is light snow on the hills and under heavy canopy.  This trail will be groomed when we receive a good snowfall.  2 +/- inch base, poor condition.  (1/24/12)

 The Tomahawk Trail stretches 85.5 miles from Ely to the North Shore Trail.  Crews are waiting to groom until we receive a good snowfall.  This trail is rideable but rough with a minimal base. (1/24/12) 

The Stony Spur Trail was groomed on Thursday and the Taconite Spur trail is being groomed today.  (1/27/12) 

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.  There is a pressure ridge on Birch Lake and it has open water around it.  Up on Birch Point there is also open water.  Currently, Shagawa, Little Long, Fall, Birch, White Iron and part of Burntside lakes are staked.   

CROSS COUNTRY SKI TRAILS:

The North Junction trails are in good condition.  More snow is always better, but the rocks and roots are covered and they are definitely skiable.   (1/24/12)

The Birch Lake Plantation trails will be groomed this week for classic skiing and should be in fair condition.  (1/24/12)

 The Babbitt Golf Course trails are groomed for both classic and skate skiing and are in good condition.  (1/24/12)

 The Pine Park trail is skiable.  It is not machine groomed yet because there is not sufficient snow in some areas.  It is still rough.  (1/19/12)

 Whatever your choice of recreation is in the winter, get out and enjoy this beautiful area! 

 **Please note that trail conditions can change on a daily basis. Please call ahead for the most current trail conditions.

SNOWMOBILE TRAILS:

Don’t forget the Fun Run, Saturday, January 28 in the Ely, Babbitt, and Tower Area.  Go to:  www.ely.org for more information.

The Ely Area has about 6-8 inches of snow on the ground at this time.  We received another 4 inches of fresh snow earlier this week.  Soon crews will be able to get out and pack and groom the snowmobile trails.  

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” of new snow has improved the overall condition of the trail but there are still exposed rock spots on the hills and light snow in parts where there is heavy canopy.  This trail cannot be groomed until we receive more snow.  1+/- inch base, poor condition. (1/24/12)

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. The recent snow has improved the overall condition of this trail but there is light snow on the hills and under heavy canopy.  This trail will be groomed when we receive a good snowfall.  2 +/- inch base, poor condition.  (1/24/12)

 The Tomahawk Trail stretches 85.5 miles from Ely to the North Shore Trail.  Crews are waiting to groom until we receive a good snowfall.  This trail is rideable but rough with a minimal base. (1/24/12)

The Stony Spur and Taconite Spur trails are not groomed.  A good six inches of snow added to what we already have would sure help get that groomer out there.  Trails are rideable, but expect minimal bases with exposed rocks – poor condition.  (1/24/12)

 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.  There is a pressure ridge on Birch Lake and it has open water around it.  Up on Birch Point there is also open water.  Currently, Shagawa, Little Long, Fall, Birch, White Iron and part of Burntside lakes are staked.   

CROSS COUNTRY SKI TRAILS:

The North Junction trails are in good condition.  More snow is always better, but the rocks and roots are covered and they are definitely skiable.   (1/24/12)

The Birch Lake Plantation trails will be groomed this week for classic skiing and should be in fair condition.  (1/24/12)

 The Babbitt Golf Course trails are groomed for both classic and skate skiing and are in good condition.  (1/24/12)

The Pine Park trail is skiable.  It is not machine groomed yet because there is not sufficient snow in some areas.  It is still rough.  (1/19/12)

 Whatever your choice of recreation is in the winter, get out and enjoy this beautiful area! 

 **Please note that trail conditions can change on a daily basis. Please call ahead for the most current trail conditions.

SNOWMOBILE TRAILS:

Don’t forget the Fun Run, Saturday, January 28 in the Ely, Babbitt, and Tower Area.  Go to:  Fun Run for more information.

The Ely Area has about 6-8 inches of snow on the ground at this time.  We received another 4 inches of fresh snow over the last few days.  Soon crews will be able to get out and pack and groom the snowmobile trails.  

 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” of new snow has improved the overall condition of the trail but there are still exposed rock spots on the hills and light snow in parts where there is heavy canopy.  This trail cannot be groomed until we receive more snow.  1+/- inch base, poor condition. (1/24/12)

 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. The recent snow has improved the overall condition of this trail but there is light snow on the hills and under heavy canopy.  This trail will be groomed when we receive a good snowfall.  2 +/- inch base, poor condition.  (1/24/12)

 The Tomahawk Trail stretches 85.5 miles from Ely to the North Shore Trail.  Crews are waiting to groom until we receive a good snowfall.  This trail is rideable but rough with a minimal base. (1/24/12)

 The Stony Spur and Taconite Spur trails are not groomed.  A good six inches of snow added to what we already have would sure help get that groomer out there.  Trails are rideable, but expect minimal bases with exposed rocks – poor condition.  (1/24/12)

 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.  There is a pressure ridge on Birch Lake and it has open water around it.  Up on Birch Point there is also open water.  Currently, Shagawa, Little Long, Fall, White Iron Lake and part of Burntside lakes are staked.   

 CROSS COUNTRY SKI TRAILS: 

The North Junction trails are in good condition.  More snow is always better, but the rocks and roots are covered and they are definitely skiable.   (1/24/12) 

The Birch Lake Plantation trails will be groomed this week for classic skiing and should be in fair condition.  (1/24/12) 

The Babbitt Golf Course trails are groomed for both classic and skate skiing and are in good condition.  (1/24/12)

 The Pine Park trail is skiable.  It is not machine groomed yet because there is not sufficient snow in some areas.  It is still rough.  (1/19/12) 

Whatever your choice of recreation is in the winter, get out and enjoy this beautiful area! 

**Please note that trail conditions can change on a daily basis. Please call ahead for the most current trail conditions.

SNOWMOBILE TRAILS: 

The Ely Area has about 6-8 inches of snow on the ground at this time.  We received another 4 inches of fresh snow over the last few days.  Soon crews will be able to get out and pack and groom the snowmobile trails.  

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” of new snow has improved the overall condition of the trail but there are still exposed rock spots on the hills and light snow in parts where there is heavy canopy.  This trail cannot be groomed until we receive more snow.  1+/- inch base, poor condition. (1/24/12)

 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. The recent snow has improved the overall condition of this trail but there is light snow on the hills and under heavy canopy.  This trail will be groomed when we receive a good snowfall.  2 +/- inch base, poor condition.  (1/24/12)

The Tomahawk Trail stretches 85.5 miles from Ely to the North Shore Trail.  Crews are waiting to groom until we receive a good snowfall.  This trail is rideable but rough with a minimal base. (1/24/12)

 The Stony Spur and Taconite Spur trails are not groomed.  A good six inches of snow added to what we already have would sure help get that groomer out there.  Trails are rideable, but expect minimal bases with exposed rocks – poor condition.  (1/24/12)

 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.  There is a pressure ridge on Birch Lake and it has open water around it.  Up on Birch Point there is also open water.  Currently, Shagawa, Little Long, Fall, and part of Burntside lakes are staked.   White Iron Lake is being staked today.

 CROSS COUNTRY SKI TRAILS:

The North Junction trails are in good condition.  More snow is needed, but the rocks and roots are now covered.  (1/24/12)

 The Birch Lake Plantation trails will be groomed this week for classic skiing and should be in fair condition.  (1/24/12)

 The Babbitt Golf Course trails are groomed for both classic and skate skiing and are in good condition.  (1/24/12)

The Pine Park trail is skiable.  It is not machine groomed yet because there is not sufficient snow in some areas.  It is still rough.  (1/19/12) 

Whatever your choice of recreation is in the winter, get out and enjoy this beautiful area! 

 **Please note that trail conditions can change on a daily basis. Please call ahead for the most current trail conditions.

SNOWMOBILE TRAILS:

The Ely Area has about 6+ inches of snow on the ground at this time.  We received another 2 inches of fresh snow over the weekend and it is currently snowing in Ely.  We have a possible accumulation of 2-4 more inches today!  Soon crews will be able to get out and pack and groom the snowmobile trails.  

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.  There are bare spots on the hills, and no snow in parts where there is heavy canopy.  Conditions are listed as poor with a 1.5+/- inch trail base.  This trail cannot be groomed until we receive more snow.  (1/19/12)

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.  This trail also has bare spots on the hills and little to none in the heavy canopy areas.  Conditions are poor with a 2+/- inch base.  This trail will be groomed when we receive a good snowfall.  (1/19/12)

The Tomahawk Trail stretches 85.5 miles from Ely to the North Shore Trail.  Crews are waiting to groom until we receive a good snowfall.  This trail is rideable but rough with a minimal base. (1/19/12)

 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.  There is a pressure ridge on Birch Lake and it has open water around it.  Up on Birch Point there is also open water.  Currently, there are no stakes on Shagawa, Little Long and Burntside Lakes.   Fall Lake was staked last week.

CROSS COUNTRY SKI TRAILS: 

The North Junction trails are skiable but there are some spots with rocks and roots poking through the snow.  Use caution.  (1/19/12)

The Birch Lake Plantation trails have been packed but tracking cannot be done until we get more snow. (1/19/12)

The Babbitt Golf Course trails are packed for skating and tracked for classic.  Conditions are fair with thin base. (1/19/12) 

The Pine Park trail is skiable.  It is not machine groomed yet because there is not sufficient snow in some areas.  It is still rough.  (1/19/12) 

Whatever your choice of recreation is in the winter, get out and enjoy this beautiful area!  

**Please note that trail conditions can change on a daily basis. Please call ahead for the most current trail conditions.

SNOWMOBILE TRAILS:

The Ely Area has about 4-6 inches of snow on the ground at this time.  We received another 2 inches of fresh snow overnight. We need more snow so that crews will be able to get out and pack and groom the snowmobile trails.   

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.  There are bare spots on the hills, and no snow in parts where there is heavy canopy.  Conditions are listed as poor with a 1.5+/- inch trail base.  This trail cannot be groomed until we receive more snow.  

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.  This trail also has bare spots on the hills and little to none in the heavy canopy areas.  Conditions are poor with a 2+/- inch base.  This trail will be groomed when we receive a good snowfall. 

 The Tomahawk Trail stretches 85.5 miles from Ely to the North Shore Trail.  Crews are waiting to groom until we receive a good snowfall.  This trail is rideable but rough with a minimal base.

 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.  There is a pressure ridge on Birch Lake and it has open water around it.  Up on Birch Point there is also open water.  Currently, there are no stakes on Shagawa, Little Long and Burntside Lakes.   A crew is planning to stake Fall Lake this week.

 CROSS COUNTRY SKI TRAILS: 

The North Junction trails still have a lot of rocks, roots and other natural features that are just barely covered with snow. 

 The Birch Lake Plantation trails have been packed but tracking cannot be done until we get more snow.

 The Babbitt Golf Course trails are packed for skating and tracked for classic.  Conditions are fair with thin base.

 The Pine Park trail is skiable.  It is not machine groomed yet because there is not sufficient snow in some areas.  It is still rough.

 Whatever your choice of recreation is in the winter, get out and enjoy this beautiful area! 

 **Please note that trail conditions can change on a daily basis. Please call ahead for the most current trail conditions.

SNOWMOBILE TRAILS:

The Ely Area has about 2-6 inches of snow on the ground at this time.  We need more snow so that crews will be able to get out and pack and groom the snowmobile trails.  

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.  There are bare spots on the hills, and no snow in parts where there is heavy canopy.  Conditions are listed as poor with a 1.5+/- inch trail base.  This trail cannot be groomed until we receive more snow. 

 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.  This trail also has bare spots on the hills and little to none in the heavy canopy areas.  Conditions are poor with a 2+/- inch base.  This trail will be groomed when we receive a good snowfall. 

 The Tomahawk Trail stretches 85.5 miles from Ely to the North Shore Trail.  Crews are waiting to groom until we receive a good snowfall.  This trail is rideable but rough with a minimal base.

 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.  There is a pressure ridge on Birch Lake and it has open water around it.  Up on Birch Point there is also open water.  Currently, there are no stakes on Shagawa, Little Long and Burntside Lakes.   A crew is planning to stake Fall Lake this week.

 CROSS COUNTRY SKI TRAILS: 

The North Junction trails still have a lot of rocks, roots and other natural features that are just barely covered with snow. 

 The Birch Lake Plantation trails have been packed but tracking cannot be done until we get more snow.

 The Babbitt Golf Course trails are packed for skating and tracked for classic.  Conditions are fair with thin base.

The Pine Park trail is skiable.  It is not machine groomed yet because there is not sufficient snow in some areas.  It is still rough.

 Whatever your choice of recreation is in the winter, get out and enjoy this beautiful area! 

 **Please note that trail conditions can change on a daily basis. Please call ahead for the most current trail conditions.

SNOWMOBILE TRAILS:

The Ely Area has about 2-6 inches of snow on the ground at this time.  We need more snow so that crews will be able to get out and pack and groom the snowmobile trails.  

 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.  There are bare spots on the hills, and no snow in parts where there is heavy canopy.  Conditions are listed as poor with a 1.5+/- inch trail base.  This trail cannot be groomed until we receive more snow. 

 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.  This trail also has bare spots on the hills and little to none in the heavy canopy areas.  Conditions are poor with a 2+/- inch base.  This trail will be groomed when we receive a good snowfall. 

 The Tomahawk Trail stretches 85.5 miles from Ely to the North Shore Trail.  Crews are waiting to groom until we receive a good snowfall.  This trail is rideable but rough with a minimal base.

 Please use caution when venturing out on the lakes.  There are several pressure ridges on some of the area lakes and as always, not all areas on the lakes are ever safe for travel.  Crews will get out and stake the lakes soon. 

 CROSS COUNTRY SKI TRAILS

The North Junction trails still have a lot of rocks, roots and other natural features that are just barely covered with snow. 

The Birch Lake Plantation trails have been packed but tracking cannot be done until we get more snow. 

The Babbitt Golf Course trails are packed for skating and tracked for classic.  Conditions are fair with thin base.

 The Pine Park trail is skiable.  It is not machine groomed yet because there is not sufficient snow in some areas.  It is still rough.

 Whatever your choice of recreation is in the winter, get out and enjoy this beautiful area! 

 **Please note that trail conditions can change on a daily basis. Please call ahead for the most current trail conditions.