U.P. RegionMichigan

Calendar

Feb. 11 Watersmeet – Craft & Vendor Show

March 3-5 Iron Mountain – International Ski Jumping Tournament

March 4 Gogebic Lake – Ice Fishing Derby

March 11 Bergland – Hog-A-Thon Fishing Tournament

Iron County destinations: Rev up for epic snowmobile trails

COUNTY-WIDE – Wondering where to go snowmobiling?

Iron County, MI boasts abundant snowfall, more than 260 miles of extensively groomed and well-marked snowmobile trails, drawing riders from throughout the region and beyond to enjoy scenic journeys that are a trademark of trails here.

The wide-open trails traverse abandoned railroad beds, weave through varied wooded terrain and cross lakes for excellent sledding. Depending on your schedule, you can carve out a few hours of riding, or open the calendar for days of exploring the great Northwoods. Snowfall totals are between 90 and 120 inches each season. The season opens Dec. 1 and closes March 31.

The Iron Range Trails system includes Amasa, Crystal Falls, Iron River, Sidnaw and Kenton areas. The Iron Range Trail Club (ironrangetrailclub.com) maintains and grooms about 150 miles of trails while the Chippewa Sno-Kats Snowmobile Club (chippewasnokats.com) maintains and grooms about 100 miles of trails. Snowmobile derbies, festivals and races are sponsored each season by the clubs and communities.

Iron River serves as a main hub for many trails in the area, providing all the amenities snowmobilers seek, including gas stations, restaurants, lodging and sled rentals.

Trail 16, known as the “Chippewa Trail,” travels east on a wellgroomed scenic route to Crystal Falls. From here it continues on to the Sagola area on the Arsenia Hershey Trail. A jaunt on Trail 15 takes riders north deep into the magnificent Upper Michigan Northwoods offering the rider many opportunities to view or photograph wildlife and scenery. This trail gives snow-tourers the option of traveling to Sidnaw or connecting with Trail 4 toward Kenton or Trail 111 to Amasa. Snowmobilers can also tap into the vast network of trails in the Upper Peninsula and northern Wisconsin for an extended riding adventure.

For trail reports call 906-265-7152 or 888-879-4766. For trail maps contact the South Central UP Snowmobile Council at osieger@fast-air.net. Iron County snowmobile trail maps are available at the Iron County Economic Chamber Alliance office (iron.org) in Iron River, at most area gas stations, and many local businesses. Trail permits can be purchased at the Chicaugon Lake Inn.