Snowmobile Trail Report
Trail Report
As I sit here in my office it is currently 45 degrees — this certainly doesn’t feel like the 4th of February in northern Maine.
The County got some much needed snow last week, and some of the northern clubs were able to get out and pack the fresh fallen snow before the warm temps showed up. All other projects are reporting that they will be getting out once the temps fall back below freezing.
There is reportedly not much for cover in the Houlton area’s open fields, but toward Oxbow there are better snow conditions out west.
Deer have still been reported in the Caribou-Washburn area of ITS 83. Moose have been reported on trail 94 in the Cyr Plantation area. The lakes will be a little slushy, so keep this in mind.
Check out www.oxbowsno.com for the most up to date conditions for this neck of the woods.
Trail info
ITS 85: There are logging operations throughout this section of trail. Ashland’s section is going the old way due to logging. Between Portage and Eagle Lake numerous roads have been plowed due to logging. Fort Kent, Frenchville and Madawaska are reporting very good conditions. Through Oxbow there are a few bare spots but still very rideable. Shin Pond has groomed their section of 85 to Camp Violette Road and to 71D intersection; they will be back out once the temps drop.
ITS 83: Prestile stream in Presque Isle is still not frozen so the club has not groomed down to either side of the stream. In the Caribou area a section has been groomed but remains rough due to lack of snow, from the Thibodeau Road to the Fowler Road. Use 83B as an alternate. Caribou will try with what little snow they received. Madawaska is still reporting logging on their section; watch for signs. The section from Caribou going north on the railbed has gotten tremendous traffic, and some of the turns have turned very icy. Use caution. Also, above Axle Siding where the trail rides along the power line, there are rocks on the trail. Mars Hill will be out once the temps drop. Houlton will be holding off until we get more snow.
ITS 81: This trail has a lot of fields in the central part of The County and they have been fighting with limited snow all season long. They will do what they can with what they have to work with. In Van Buren there is a logging operation as you travel north of Ouellette’s Trading Post. Grand Isle will be out once temps drop. Madawaska is reporting good conditions on their section.
ITS 85/81: From Masardis to the connection with Patten/Shin Pond clubs are in good shape. Riders, please use caution south of Owlsboro Road north of Patten — look for signs due to the ice bridge failing.
ITS 86: Houlton has reported they will be going out once they get more snow. Oxbow is reporting a few bare spots but very rideable.
ITS 92: From Fort Kent to St. Francis through to Allagash is in great shape. Trail 92A to Carter Brook is groomed and in very good condition, but 92B also known as the Lincoln trail, will not be open this year. Allagash will be out the moment the temps drop and will have their sections done.
ITS 90: Fort Fairfield has been done to the turnaround with Caribou and 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’s section of 90 from the Lombard Road intersection up to trail 105 will be closed until further notice. There is water and a major logging operation near the Tupper Road. The best way to get to Portage is off of 105.
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 and Ashland both have met and are reporting passable conditions but definitely need more snow.
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. Van Buren, New Sweden and Washburn will be out as soon as the temps drop.
ITS 120: Allagash has been out on their section and is reporting a logging operation that should be completed within the next three weeks. Both Allagash and Eagle Lake have met at their turnaround and are reporting good conditions. Logging should have finished over the past weekend.
RT. 89: Caribou has gone as far as the Emond Road. They have not gone to the river as Madawaska Stream is not frozen. What has been groomed is marked. The river was checked and as of last Thursday still had open water. There are talks about moving this trail to avoid the river; this will be something for next year.
Rt. 100: Caswell has met up with Limestone and has made it to the intersection of trail 94. Van Buren has been out and reporting good conditions. The old 100 trail that meets up with Caribou’s trail 89 has been groomed — just remember that if you are coming from Caswell towards 89, the trail does not connect as the Madawaska River has open water.
Trail 71-D: The lake crossing has not been officially marked or checked. Sledders have been crossing for a week with no issues, and this will be the only trail connection to Libby’s Camps from the north this year. The trail that was used last year on the Oxbow Road is plowed and snowmobiles should stay off.
Trail 71-A: From Oxbow to Ashland on the west side of the Aroostook River, the river has been marked and has 6-plus inches of ice. Please stay where it is marked. Ashland will be out once the temps drop. This may be a better choice to travel between Oxbow and Ashland at this time. The route is different than last year so follow the new signs. All of the Oxbow local trails are rideable but like everyone else need more snow.
Easton will be out as soon as it cools down. Their fields took a big hit.
The Chapman Ridge Runners have been out. Trail 105 south of 74 is closed due to logging for two weeks, but should be open soon. They will be out as soon as it cools down.
Trail 81 in the New Sweden area has been opened. It is a little rough through the woods but definitely rideable. Watch for signs; there is a new trail access for North Star Variety.
Social side
St. Francis Sno Angels — Saturday meals at the clubhouse, 11-7.
Presque Isle — Friday night stew at the clubhouse.
Washburn Trailrunners — Clubhouse open Saturday 7-2 and Sunday 7-12.
Eagle Lake — Snow drag races Feb. 20 on the Convent Road.
Fort Fairfield Snowmobile Club — Breakfast at the clubhouse located on ITS 81 off the Strickland Road on Feb. 14.
Houlton — Breakfast every Saturday at the clubhouse, 6-9.
