The snow machine has not let up and neither has the wind. Once the wind dies down and clubs get a chance to groom what Mother Nature has been dropping, the County trails from one end to the other are going to be fantastic. This weekend is shaping up to be a great one for the trails. The temps are going to be a little on the cold side, but if dressed warm you should not have any issues.
Even though we have received a foot of new snow in the past few days, keep in mind that there might still be a couple of washouts here and there. Clubs have done a great job in repairing them and marking.
Long Lake has been marked and please stay on the staked trail, as there have been several ice shacks that have been plowed to.
TRAIL INFORMATION:
Soldier Pond is reporting that they have been out grooming. Trail 73A has been rerouted at the Wallagrass stream, please use caution when going down Route 11. They still are reporting a few water holes but nothing major.
Eagle Lake is going to be in great shape for the weekend. Washburn has been out on their trail 105 and ITS 83 and reporting good conditions. There is going to be a logging operation in the Blackstone area which is trail 105, please use caution when coming into this area.
Portage Lakers have been out since the new snow and are reporting very good conditions. Please keep an eye out for their machine as they will be out every day.
Caribou is reporting that they will be out all weekend and are reporting good conditions. Trail 89 in Connor still has no connection with Caswell. Remember that there is an active logging operation on ITS 83N, in the Stockholm area.
Fort Kent is reporting good conditions.
Fort Fairfield is out and grooming, they are reporting good conditions. The culvert has been fixed on trail 116 and is now open. There is open water on 116 it is marked, please use caution.
Central Aroostook Snowmobile club will be out grooming everything starting Thursday night. They are planning on having everything done by the weekend.
Ashland will start grooming by noon on Thursday and plan to have everything done for the weekend. There is a logging operation North of Town on ITS85. Caution should be used as there a lot of deer in this area. ITS 85 South is open, and the bridge is now repaired and open at Scopan.
Allagash is reporting that they will have their trails all groomed for the weekend. They are reporting a logging operation on the Fall Brook Road on the way into Glazier loop trail, please use caution.
Frenchville has been out all day on Thursday and plan to groom throughout the weekend, reporting good conditions.
Red Arrow is reporting good conditions and plan on 24/7 grooming.
Chapman Ridge Runners are reporting good conditions, Trail 105 South is still closed due to a logging operation.
Aroostook River Snowmobile club is reporting very good conditions. They are reporting constant grooming and all their trails will be done before the weekend.
Easton is reporting trails are in good shape, and they will be grooming around the clock.
Madawaska is reporting that their trails will be in great shape for the weekend.
Presque Isle Snowmobile club is reporting that they will have everything open for the weekend. They are reporting good conditions.
Van Buren is reporting that they have been over everything and is in good shape.
Nordic Lakers has opened all their system and are reporting good conditions. Trail 81 has been rerouted on the Holmquist Farm, it has been marked. Please use caution as sledders will need to share about 1⁄2 mile of road with logging trucks.
Caswell is reporting that ITS 81 from Limestone intersection to Van Buren intersection has been opened and groomed. Trail 102 to trail 89 in the Connor area still has not been opened for the season, please seek alternate routes. The club is planning on opening this section of trail during the weekend, so please if you happen to follow the groomer tracks please lend a hand. There is a major logging operation in this area.
Limestone is reporting that they are out, and their system will be in good shape for the weekend.
SOUTHERN AROOSTOOK:
Oxbow is will be out before the weekend. One short section of 85 has a plowed road for a quarter mile. ITS 86 has no shared road other than a couple of crossings.
All Benedicta Snowgang trails including ITS83 Sherman/Whetstone Falls, ITS81 Sherman/ Benedicta/Mattawamkeag cutoff, and all club trails were groomed before the storm event going on Wednesday and Thursday, and will be groomed again for the weekend.
The Eastern Maine Snow Riders who cover the Wytopitlock/Macwahoc (3, 3A, and ITS110) area report that they are grooming but not all clubs have connected yet so reach out to local contacts before heading out. However, Molunkus Valley has been grooming consistently to lower Macwahoc on 3A as well as getting ready for the weekend sledders on trails.
Smoki-Haulers Snowsled Club in Oakfield report that the ITS 83 is in good condition with this last snow event. Trail markers were are being set as time allows.
Linneus Sno-Sports is out in their new groomer getting the trails ready for the weekend. ITS 83 and ITS 105 from Houlton are in great shape. Look for a reroute on ITS83 South coming out from Linneus. Also, ITS105 to Haynesville from the South is not open yet so be aware that if you use it you may be breaking trail.
Bowlin/Mattagamon/Shin Pond trails are in excellent condition with this last snow event.
Big Valley Snow Club is reporting good trail conditions in the Island Falls area ITS83 and ITS 112. There was a groomer break down on Wednesday, but it will be up and running soon to make everything good for the weekend. The exciting news is that they have built a bypass trail around Pleasant Lake on 60 for those who prefer not to cross water! Trails have been signed and are ready to travel.
Meduxnekeag Ramblers will have all trails groomed for the weekend. ITS105 by the Houlton border was not groomed last weekend as promised due to lack of snow but that shouldn’t be a problem this weekend. Watch for water spots on Club Trail 81 and use caution. The club is also hosting their Saturday breakfast at the clubhouse from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. On Tuesday January 15 they will also be hosting their Annual Pie Sale also at the clubhouse.
For those looking for opportunities to rent sleds, Shin Pond Village is now joined by Houlton Power Sports in Houlton as the Southern Aroostook sources for sled rentals.
Deer & moose are using all trails so please slow down and give them the right of way. Also, be aware that chasing or harassing these animals is against the law!
Please keep an eye out on the County’s Facebook pages for the latest updates on trail conditions.
ON THE SOCIAL SIDE:
Washburn Trail Runners clubhouse will be open Saturday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sunday, 7 a.m. to noon.
Fort Fairfield Club Breakfast Sunday at the Clubhouse Starting at 7 a.m.
Saint Francis Sno Angels will have their clubhouse open for lunches starting at 11 a.m. and will continue throughout the winter.
Season opener for RMR XC is going to be on Jan. 12 in Sherman. Gates open at 6 a.m.
For sledders who are interested, there is now Snowmobile storage available for Monthly accommodations in Caribou. Call 493-3311 FMI.
