Source:
Superior-Douglas County Convention & Visitors Bureau
Date:
Friday, February 12, 2010
Snowmobile and Winter ATV Trails
Douglas County’s snowmobile and winter ATV trail system is made up of nearly 400 miles of trails consisting of the Brule River State Forest Snowmobile Trails, a portion of the Tri County Corridor as well as a large assortment of trails managed by the Douglas County Forestry Department (including some portions of the Wild Rivers Trail, Saunder’s Grade and Gandy Dancer Trail). The trail system is groomed and maintained mainly by volunteers from local recreational clubs. Many Superior and Douglas County
area businesses are accessible by snowmobile or ATV for your lodging, food, fuel or supply needs.
The Douglas County Forestry Department is providing a highlighted map of the winter recreational trails showing which trails are open. Please go to www.douglascounty.wi to view, the most recent updates should be available under “featured items” on the main page.
Trail conditions by quadrant
The snowmobile and winter ATV trails in Superior and Douglas County are all open range from fair to very good condition still.
Details by Quadrant:
SW- trails 5,9 & 935 are still in remarkably good condition considering the recent warm temps and no new snowfall, there are a few bare spots in open areas but over-all very good.
SE- Trails 41N & 35N are good with some bare spots. Trails 7/27 41S & 35S in very good condition w/scattered bare spots. Trails 5/541 good, snow is getting thin on the swamps 541. Reroute to Solon Springs poor condition suggest using trail 27C to Lake St.Croix to get to Solon and trail 27A.
NE: Trails still are good to very good in most areas, trying to keep bare spots buried. Road routes are deteriorating.
NW: Trails 0 & 28 in good condition few bare spots on south exposed hills. Cross town trail is passable little to no snow on roads & alleys. Trail 2 is in good condition. Trails 41/4&41 are still good to excellent (2 mi. of 41 Tuff Rd. to Corbin's passable with caution). Trails 43 & 4 are in good condition.
Snowmobile and Winter ATV maps are available by calling 715-392-2773 or 800-942-5313, or by emailing vacation@superiorchamber.org
To find local licensing agents or for more information regarding licensing contact the WI Department of Natural Resources 1-888-936-7463 or check out their website http://dnr.wi.gov/.
Throughout the season, a detailed recording of updated trail information can be heard by calling (715)-378-4528.
Updated trail condition information also available at www.bruleriverriders.com.
For additional information or questions please contact the Douglas County Forestry Department at (715) 378-2219 Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Please always stay on the marked trails, be mindful of closures & respectful of property owners and be aware of logging operations in the area or any signs of open water.
Cross Country skiing and snowshoeing
Brule River State Forest Afterhours Trail System
Cross Country Skiing: The ski system is in excellent condition and has been groomed/tracked. The trails range from beginner to advanced, with trails providing breathtaking vistas of the Bois Brule River.
Snowshoeing: New this season, are two snowshoe loops the Fox Loop & Coyote Loop, both are in excellent condition.
Parking, a heated shelter and restrooms are available at the trailhead compliments of the State Forest and the Brule Valley Ski Club. Wisconsin ski trail passes are required. Daily passes are $4 and annual passes are $20.
Cross Country Skiing Trails in the Superior Municipal Forest: Trails are open and in excellent condition. Trails will be groomed daily as weather permits. Please call 715-395-7299 to hear a recording with the updated conditions.
Trail passes are required and can be purchased can be purchased Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 4:00pm at the Parks & Recreation office located at 1316 N. 14th St. (2nd floor) or by envelope at trailhead with a 3-5 day turnaround.
Season passes ($25 city resident, $30 non-city resident), day passes ($5 city and non-city resident), 15 years and younger FREE and seniors 65+ receive $5 off Season pass.
Douglas County Ski Trails: Trails were groomed and tracked an in excellent condition. fair for early season skiing.
Pattison State Park
The Cross Country ski trails in Pattison State Park are in excellent condition. For additional information, please call (715) 399-3111.
Amnicon Falls Snowshoe Trails: Snowshoeing conditions are excellent. For more information, please call (715) 398-3000.
Mont du Lac: Downhill Skiing, Snowboarding and Tubing. Mont du Lac has 2 runs open (plus Terrain Park) with good skiing. Tubing Park is open! Please call ahead for times or any changes in hours and conditions 218-626-3797.
Downhill Skiing, Snowboarding and Tubing at Mont du Lac: Mont du Lac has all runs open (including Terrain Park) with great skiing. Tubing Park is open! Please call ahead for times or any changes in hours and conditions 218-626-3797.
Ice Fishing
Temperatures have been subzero overnights and there should be plenty ofice on the lakes and rivers but always practice ice safty
Please remember with ice fishing or any other winter activity that takes you out on the ice to use caution regardless of the recent cold temperatures. Know the ice you’re on or ask the locals and always be aware of the ice thickness as well as any changes in ice conditions. Ice is unpredictable due to moving water from springs, inlets and outlets, which may cause the ice to be thinner in some spots.
** Recommended minimum ice thickness for foot travel is 4 inches, 6 inches or more for a snowmobile or ATV, 8-12 inches for small cars or light trucks and at least 12-15 inches for midsize cars or trucks.
Skating Rinks
The outdoor municipal ice skating rinks are open and staffed, warming shack and portable toilets available at each rink.
Skating rinks are open Monday through Friday 4p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Each rink is closed one day a week for flooding, please check with individual rinks for flooding schedule. For unexpected closures or updates please call the recorded hotline at 395-7299. Click here for skating rink locations.
** On October 20, 2009, the Common Council, at the recommendation of the Parks and Recreation Commission, went on record in support of the policy: "The City of Superior requires the use of helmets on our hockey rinks for people 16 and under."
A Community Events Calendar is available online at www.superiorchamber.org.