Snowmobile trail conditions report

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Editor’s note: The following trail conditions report is compiled by members of the Maine Snowmobile Association. Those seeking the complete report can visit mesnow.com

Aroostook County

Aroostook Report from Caribou Rec (1/29): From top to bottom trails around the Crown are still in excellent condition and should remain that way at least until Saturday night when badly needed snow is in the forecast.

Sled traffic is expected to increase and sledders are advised that riding right and reducing speed will help keep trails in better shape and all riders safe.

Washburn is reporting a reroute due to logging on Rte. 61 between Washburn and Portage, sledders are advised to please watch for sign. A reminder that the trail to No. 9 Lake which breaks off ITS 83 just south of Bridgewater is closed due to logging. Also sledders traveling on Rte. 94 from Van Buren to ITS 83 should be advised they will hit plowed road just west of the Rte. 89 intersection for about six miles.

If you are heading to Quebec remember that ITS 92 is only groomed to Big Black so plan accordingly. Gas is available in Allagash this winter.

Sledders using ITS 85 please stay on the marked trail when crossing the Squa Pan dam or risk losing this section.

The Benedicta Snowgang is reporting trails south of Houlton to Benedicta and Sherman are groomed and hard packed for folks heading south or planning a long ride.”

Benedicta 1/29: Received 4-6 inches of new snow on Jan. 28, depending on where you were standing at the time, so trail conditions have improved somewhat.

ITS 83 Sherman, Whetstone Falls: Groomed, with excellent conditions overall. Still a little “boney ” in wooded areas. A lot of deer starting to show up on this trail so be aware of them – give them the right -of -way.

ITS 81 Sherman, Mattawamkeag: Groomed, with excellent conditions.

Municipal Trail 70 Benedicta, Whetstone Falls: Groomed, with excellent conditions. Be aware of both deer and moose on this trail.

McAvoy Trail Sherman, Benedicta: Groomed, with excellent conditions. This is not a high speed trail so slow down and enjoy the view.

Perry Pond Trail: Has been groomed twice, have a beaver dam problem on the trail from the Benedicta Store to the pond. You can make it if you take it easy.

Katahdin area

Millinocket area 1/31: The riding continues to be great with all trails being groomed at least 3 to 5 nights a week. Thursday night ITS83 and 85 to Wetstone and Bowlin as well as ITS 86 East to Wetstone and the Stratton Trail were all groomed and offer excellent riding. The rest of our system was groomed Wednesday night and all of the Millinocket system will be groomed Friday and Saturday nights. People riding in the region this weekend will be amazed at the conditions.

The Millinocket area received 4 inches of new snow last Sunday night. This has shored up conditions to the west of Millinocket particularly the state road to Baxter State Park.

Millinocket Lake and Ambajesus Lake are operating and riders are urged to stay clear of these areas as ice conditions will vary. This will cause hazardous thin ice conditions in these areas. Please avoid these locations.

Shin Pond, Bowlin, Matagamon Area 1/27:

ITS 85 Bowlin to Matagamon excellent condition. Lookout Trail: Good condition

ITS 85 Matagamon to Shin Pond: excellent condition 71D to Grand Lake Sebois – excellent condition

85A Shin Pond to Bowlin: excellent condition. We did reroute 3 miles of trail on 85A, please stay off plowed roads.

Piscataquis

Charleston 1/29: Charleston trails received 4-5 inches of snow from the latest storm Monday, conditions are improving, but are still a bit rough. Eight to 10 inches in the wooded sections, compacted due to traffic and icy in a few corners. Wide open fields and high spots are still thin, but out of the wind there is good snow cover. The old county roads are in good shape and mostly flat. The Powerline is groomed, but somewhat bouncy as we haven’t been able to fill in the ruts and bumps, but should be better than last week.

Brownville 1/28: Four inches of new snow has made a big difference in our trail system. It is still rough in the woods but the roads are in excellent shape. Careful on the Beech Ridge Trail as they will be logging in there all winter. We are grooming in full force now. You can expect good riding on all roads and short sections on rough trail in the woods.

Bangor area

Hampden 1/31: Received 4 inches of light fluffy snow earlier this week and trails are in good shape.

Bangor 1/28: Got four-plus inches of snow the other day, trails are groomed, and riding is good. Still use caution in the woods; and please stay off the stream. Earthwork continuing in the Birch Hill/Bomarc area of our system, please use caution! There is a bad “washout” along the stream, pallets are in, but cross with care.

Winterport 1/27: The little bit of snow we received last night and this morning is going to help a lot. The only real trouble spot that people are talking about is the Frankfort Town Forest, which we drag when the drags are not being used in Winterport. The Searsport Club also helps with this location.

Moosehead region

Rockwood 1/30: The Birches Web site reporting trail conditions are excellent around the area thanks to recent snowfall. The area is moving into a more active weather pattern in the next couple of weeks, as the jet stream changes the storm directions to hit us for a change! Route 66 from Rockwood to Kokadjo is open across the lake, but please beware of a large pressure ridge near Kineo. The ridge is well marked and you must proceed over it at a slow speed. Ice thickness is variable, ranging from more than a foot to 8 inches at the lowest point.”

T2 R13, Ragged Lake area 1/29: Spencer Mountain trail, Hole in the Woods trail, Loop trail being groomed regularly, excellent riding.

Pittston Farm 1/28: Despite not receiving any major snow for a few weeks, trails are still holding up fairly well. A few flurries and snow showers have helped some, but we really need a good one, and soon! With the cold temps, trails have been setting up very well. Use caution and watch for hazards. Trail conditions can change quickly with heavy weekend traffic. Our Alternate Trail from the Rockwood Trail System to Seboomook is closed for the season due to logging.

Rockwood Connector Trail Jct. ST-27 to Demo Road: Very Good. Use caution over Soldiertown Ridge as it is still in need of more snow. There is a change along this trail. Watch for signs.