By Gary Marquis
This winter has certainly been challenging with not a lot of cold and snow but the county clubs are working to make the trails rideable and safe. Most projects are still reporting water and mud. Connectivity is getting better, but there are still a lot of gaps in the system.
We are getting many complaints of snowmobilers riding where they are not supposed to, cutting across farm fields and golf course greens. Please stay on the marked trails. The landowners would greatly appreciate this and so would the clubs.
The lakes and rivers are still not safe to be on with snowmobiles; please check ice conditions first.
Caution: Deer are everywhere on the trails, trail 83B in Caribou and ITS 83 near Washburn. Please, if you see tracks in the snow, slow down.
The information in this report is only as good as the sources that report it. Its purpose is to help snowmobilers make decisions about their trips and to ensure their safety. The report will be expanded as sources provide accurate information.
Trail Info
ITS 85: There are logging operations throughout this section of trail. Ashland’s section will be rerouted to the old way; they will not be out until next week. Portage has been to their turnaround with Eagle Lake and have indicated a logging operation on this stretch. Please watch for signs. There are numerous water holes on this section. Please use caution. Eagle Lake is planning on connecting with Portage.
ITS 83: This section of trail has had some grooming done. Houlton, Mars Hill, Presque Isle, Washburn, Caribou, Red Arrow and Madawaska have all been on their sections. There is a void around the Arnold Brook Area in Presque Isle. From the North Side of Presque Isle to Caribou it is in great shape. Caribou has not been on their section off of the Fowler Road. Trail 83B to 83A is in great shape, so that is the way to go. From Caribou all the way North the trail is in good shape. There is a water hole near RT. 161 near Cross Lake — use the reroute.
ITS 81: This trail is very fragmented throughout, so please proceed with caution. Limestone, Fort Fairfield, Easton and Caswell all have been out; Van Buren is planning on being out next week. Grand Isle and Madawaska are reporting that they are all groomed.
ITS 92: From Fort Kent to St. Francis to Chamberlain Store is in good shape. Allagash has been out with the groomer on Trail 92A. 92B, also known as the Lincoln trail, will not be open this year.
ITS 90: The trail in Fort Fairfield has been done to the turnaround with Caribou. They have a small reroute; watch for signs. Caribou has been done to Dodo’s; still a little thin through the woods. Portage has come through all the way to trail 105. So the best way to get to Portage from Fort Fairfield is to go through ITS 83 to Stockholm and get on 105S, or go to Washburn via Caribou and get on 105N. Caribou has several water holes on their section of 90.
ITS 88: Presque Isle’s end has a lot of water on the CP line. Aroostook River has been out and connected to Presque Isle and Ashland has not been on their sections. Fort Fairfield has been out but still needs some cold weather and snow.
ITS 105: From Mapleton all the way to Van Buren this has been done and is in good shape.
ITS 120: Allagash has been out on their section and is reporting a logging operation that should be completed within the next three weeks. Eagle Lake has not been through their section.
RT. 89: Caribou has gone as far as the Emond Road to a new business location. They have not gone to the river as Madawaska Stream is not frozen. What has been groomed is marked.
Rt. 100: Caswell has been out and met up with Limestone and has made it all the way to the intersection of trail 94. Van Buren will groom this trail next week.
Easton has been out and all trails are groomed. There is a detour on Trail 81C — use the Ladner Road around Yoder’s pasture and go down power line.
Chapman Ridge Runners have been out and about.
On the Social Side
St. Francis Sno Angels: Saturday meals at the clubhouse from 11-7.
Presque Isle Friday night stew started Jan. 8th.
Washburn Trail Runners’ clubhouse opened last Saturday for the season. Hours are Saturday 7-2 and Sunday 7-12.
Pleasant Ridge Riders of Caswell are hosting a baked bean supper Saturday from 4:30-7 p.m. at the clubhouse.
Portage Lakers Radar Run Jan 17. Registration starts at 9 a.m., racing starts at 10.
Houlton breakfast every Saturday at the clubhouse from 6-9.
Moosestompers Weekend is Feb. 7 in Houlton.
