Snowmobile Trail Report
With the new snow that we have received and the anticipation that we will get more over the weekend, snowmobiling in the Crown of Maine is shaping up quite nicely. There are still a lot of projects reporting water holes. They are marked but caution is advised.
Some of the smaller connector trails are still closed, especially the ones running through swamps, so a word of wisdom: If you don’t see groomer tracks, that might be a good reason to stay out of there.
I have been hearing that some people are getting turned around and confused by some signage. There are a lot of multi-use trails in the County that are used in summer and winter. ATV signs are typically green and white, and snowmobile signs are red and white. For example, in the Caribou area, there are a few businesses accessible in the summer but not in the winter, and those signs are green and white.
Cautions
Deer and moose are everywhere. On ITS 83 from Caribou to Washburn, moose are on the trail from north of Madawaska Lake. Please be aware.
Long Lake has been marked with stakes, so please ride where the markers have been placed.
Trail Info
ITS 85: There are logging operations throughout this section. 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. In the Oxbow area there will be a temporary trail in town as the water is over the banks. This section of trail north will hopefully be connected by the end of the weekend.
ITS 83: This section of trail has had some grooming; Houlton, Mars Hill, Presque Isle, Washburn, Caribou, Red Arrow and Madawaska have all been on their sections. Prestile Stream still is unsafe, so use alternate trails. From the north side of Presque Isle to Caribou it is in great shape. 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. There is logging in the Madawaska area so please use caution.
ITS 81: This trail is starting to come together. There are still soft areas so please use caution. Madawaska is reporting a logging operation; watch for signs. Van Buren is reporting a logging operation north of town. Caswell, Limestone and Fort Fairfield are reporting good conditions.
ITS 92: From Fort Kent to St. Francis through to Allagash is in good shape. Trail 92A to Carter Brook is groomed. 92B, also known as the Lincoln trail, will not be open this year.
ITS 90: Fort Fairfield has been done to the turnaround with Caribou and reporting the swamp area has been cleared to travel through. Caribou has been able to fill in the water hole north of Dodo’s Market. Caribou was to open their section to 105 Friday.
ITS 88: Fort Fairfield has been grooming this section. Presque Isle is reporting a water hole on the CP line near Blackstone potato house; it is marked. Aroostook River has been all the way to their turnaround with Ashland; Ashland should be out this weekend.
ITS 105: From Mapleton all the way to Van Buren has been done and is in good shape. Trail 105 from Houlton South is in good shape. There are still wet areas so please use caution.
ITS 120: Allagash has been out on their section and is reporting a logging operation that should be completed within the next three weeks. This section should be in good shape.
RT. 89: Caribou has gone as far as the Emond Road to a new business location, but not to the river as Madawaska Stream is not frozen. What has been groomed is marked.
RT. 100: Caswell has met with Limestone all the way to the intersection of trail 94. Van Buren will groom this trail next week.
Easton trails are groomed. There is a detour on trail 81C; use the Ladner Road around Yoder’s pasture go down power line.
Chapman Ridge Runners have been out. Trail 105 south of 74 is closed due to logging for two weeks. Going into Mapleton, 81A off 105 is closed for now.
On the Social Side
St. Francis Sno Angels: Saturday meals at the clubhouse 11-7.
Presque Isle: Friday night Stew.
Washburn Trail Runners: Clubhouse open Saturday 7-2 and Sunday 7-12.
Pleasant Ridge Riders of Caswell: Breakfast fundraiser Jan. 31 at the clubhouse located at 17 Pleasant Ridge Road, 7-11 a.m.; $7/adults, $3/children. Chicken stew/chili dinner Feb. 6 at the clubhouse; $8/adults, $4/children.
Cold Mountain Snowmobile Club: Baked bean dinner at Grand Isle Community Center Jan. 23, 11-1. Raffle for heating oil.
Caribou Snowmobile Club: Drag races Jan. 24 at the old lodge, 416 Van Buren Rd. Registration at 7:30.
Fort Fairfield Snowmobile Club: Breakfast Feb. 14 at their clubhouse on ITS 81 off the Strickland Road.
Houlton: Breakfast every Saturday at the clubhouse, 6-9.
Moosestompers Weekend: Feb. 7.
Gary Marquis is superintendent of the Caribou Parks & Recreation Department. He can be reached at 207-493-4224 or via email at gmarquis@cariboumaine.org.
