Voyageurs National Park Winter Trail Conditions Report
INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minnesota: All of Voyageurs National Park’s 110 miles of snowmobile trails and over 10 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails are now open and ready for visitors to enjoy. Winter trail conditions in the park are exceptional. Travel along the lake trails offers snowmobilers a ride through a national park with opportunities to view wildlife and scenic grandeur. Skiers will see numerous animal tracks and signs of wildlife as they travel through the forests.
Snowmobile Trails - see trail status list at end
Hazardous pressure ridges are still active creating standing water above the ice in some locations along the ridges. Snowmobilers must continue to use extreme caution and only cross the pressure ridges at designated crossings along the staked route. Slow travel speeds are highly recommended. Crews are grooming trails and will continue to do so as ice and snow conditions allow.
Outstanding scenery is one of the reasons why Voyageurs National Park was established. Please enjoy the scenery as you ride and follow the snowmobile speed limit of 45 mph on frozen lake surfaces and 25 mph on all overland portages. Speed limit signs are posted at trailheads and overland portages.
Ice Roads - see trail status list at end
The new 9-mile long Kabetogama Lake Ice Road is open for two way traffic and is being enjoyed by park visitors. The road follows a route along the south shore of Kabetogama Lake between the Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center and the Ash River Visitor Center.
The Rainy Lake Ice Road is open to Cranberry Bay and around Dryweed Island.
To reduce hazards to snowmobile users, all ice blocks are to be immediately chopped up, submerged, or hauled to land. Placement of equipment or any type of structure must be greater than 50’ off the center of all ice roads and snowmobile trails. Written authorization from the park is required for individuals to plow any lake surfaces within the park.
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Snowshoe Trails - see trail status list at end
The Sullivan Bay snowshoe trail is now open and tracked. This trail is located along the Ash River Visitor Center entrance road. Travel about two miles in on the entrance road and look for the snowshoe sign on your right that marks the trail.
The Blind Ash Bay snowshoe trail near the Ash River Visitor Center and the Oberholtzer snowshoe trail near the Rainy Lake Visitor Center are open, but not tracked.
Snowshoes are available for loan at the Rainy Lake Visitor near International Falls, Arrowhead Lodge in Kabetogama, and Ash Trail Lodge in Ash River. Take advantage of this opportunity to try this fun winter activity.
Cross-Country Ski Trails - see trail status list at end
The park has packed and tracked the Black Bay Ski Trails and the Tilson Connector Trail near the Rainy Lake Visitor Center as well as the Echo Bay Trail system in Kabetogama. All trails are in good condition.
The Rainy Lake Visitor Center near International Falls has adult-sized skis available for rent and children’s skis available for loan during business hours. The visitor center is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00am to 4:30pm.
Regular weekly winter trail conditions reports are available on our website at www.nps.gov/voya.
Snowmobile Trails
International Falls to Kettle Falls (Purple Trail) – Open & Staked
Rainy Lake/Black Bay to Kabetogama Lake to Ash River (Green Trail) – Open & Staked
Ash River to Crane Lake (Green Trail) – Open & Staked
Chain of Lakes (Dashed Black Trail) – Open & Staked
Ash River to Kettle Falls (Yellow Trail) – Open & Staked
East Namakan Lake to Sand Point Lake (Blue Trail) – Open & Staked
Ice Roads
Rainy Lake Ice Road – Open to Cranberry Bay and loop around Dryweed Island
Kabetogama Lake Ice Road – Open between the Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center Boat Launch and the Ash River Visitor Center Boat Launch
Ski Trails
Echo Bay Ski Trail – Open, Packed & Tracked
Black Bay Ski Trail– Open, Packed & Tracked
Tilson Connector Trail– Open, Packed & Tracked
KabAsh Trail– Open
Snowshoe Trails
Blind Ash Bay Trail – Open
Sullivan Bay Trail – Open and tracked
Oberholtzer Trail – Open