Snowmobile trail conditions

The following snowmobile trail conditions report is from members of the Maine Snowmobile Association. The complete report is posted on the MSA Web site: www.mesnow.com

Aroostook County

Caribou Parks and Recreation Report, Jan. 21: It’s official snowmobiling is back across Penobscot County and the entire Crown of Maine. Shin Pond is reporting 18 inches of snow so for those wishing to venture south ITS 85 from Bowlin to Matagamon camps is groomed and in great shape. Also grooming is under way from Shin Pond to Patten and Island Falls and north to Oxbow and Masardis.

Just a word of caution, it will take a few days to get to ITS 86 between Littleton and Oxbow. There are lots of new roads on that section so sledders should wait before venturing out on unmarked trail. Good news, there will be gas available in Oxbow, follow the signs.

Heading north no gas at Madawaska Lake so plan accordingly.

Remember we have logging operations on Rt. 75 around Squa Pan, on ITS 90 near Perham and ITS 85 near Winterville.

The moose are still on the loose on ITS 83 between Mud Lake and Long Lake – bring a camera.

Benedicta, Jan. 20: All ITS Trails in the Snowgang system, including ITS 83 Sherman-Whetstone Falls, ITS 81 Sherman-Mattawamkeag Cutoff, and Municipal Trail 70 Benedicta-Whetstone Falls will be groomed daytime on Friday to break them out. Club trails will be groomed as time permits. Riders need to be aware that there are still areas on all trails that still have water hazards at this time.

Be aware that there is a logging operation on ITS 81 about two miles South of Sherman. Logging continues for 11/2-2 miles. Also have a large logging operation on Trail 70 Benedicta-Whetstone Falls starting at Casey Road bridge (west of I-95) and continuing for 5-6 miles West toward Whetstone. Sleds will be using the road and will be running with 18 wheelers. Follow signs closely and use prudent speed.

Katahdin region

Shin Pond-Bowlin Matagamon, Jan. 21: ITS 85 Bowlin to Matagamon is groomed and the groomer operator Alan says its awesome. ITS 85 Matagamon to Shin Pond and club trail 85A are groomed and in great condition also. The groomer operator is finishing up club trail 71D to Grand Lake Seboeis and said the trail is excellent. The 18 inches of snow was very light but we are really working in well. This weekend will be cold with high winds so use caution when out riding.

Katahdin Region, Millinocket, Jan. 20: We picked up 8 to 10 inches Wednesday night here in the Katahdin region and are now due to receive up to 16 inches. Needless to say we will be grooming in full swing and expect to have our system in great shape by the weekend.

Patten, Jan. 20: Lots of snow. We will have the trails groomed for the weekend.

Moosehead region

Greenville, Jan. 20: ITS 86 West to The Forks should be in good shape as well as ITS 85 south to Monson and Blanchard.

Please stay off of Prong Pond Rd. (ITS 85/86) north of Greenville, as the logging trucks are running steady and we’ve had some close calls this week. This road has been posted: no snowmobiling. The bypass for this should be done in a couple of days and will be signed as soon as its complete.

There are detours across Prong Pond going north and across Upper Wilson Pond going east towards Brownville. Please watch for signs.

Greenville Junction-Squaw Mt. Area, Jan. 20: Wilsons on Moosehead Lake reporting: We received another 5-6 inches of snow last night. This coupled with the snow earlier in the week, and our ice base will make for great riding. The groomer is Thursday to hit ITS 88 from the East Outlet to Greenville Junction. Will also be grooming the Burnham Pond Road and around the backside of Squaw Mountain grooming the Connector Trail. Plan to be on a regular grooming schedule once again.

Route 201 Corridor

The Forks-West Forks-Parlin Pond, Jan. 20: We currently have anywhere from 12 to 28 inches of snow, depending on the exact location. All of our 130-mile trail system is passable and is being groomed on a regular basis. Groomers will be out in force packing the new snow, as well as grooming throughout the weekend. Overall, the trails have very good riding but there are short sections here and there that are thin and rough. Generally speaking, intown trails and woods trails are rough in spots. Trails located on roads are in great shape.

Things have improved greatly with this last storm, but there are still a handful of spots where the snow cover is thin on the trails, and there can be ice on some corners. If you’re looking to get out and enjoy some fine riding and magnificent scenery, then there is great sledding to be found in the area. Keep the speed down and ride with caution at all times.

Bangor area

Hermon, Jan. 21: Penobscot SC web site reports: Grooming has started. Where people have ridden, it is nice; the fields are powder havens.

Bangor, Jan. 20: Paul Bunyan SC Web site reports: Bangor received 10-12 inches of really light and fluffy snow. It needs to get packed down, groomed and we need more. Be careful at the road crossings, many of them are still banked high. Caution: Between Finson Road and the Kenduskeag Stream stay on the marked trail. There is a pit in the area and it’s full of old furniture and appliances. Then you need to go slow around an ATV barrier (large boulder). If we do get to start riding, please be careful, there are still many rough spots not yet filled in and lots of icy spots under this powder. Slow down.