With colder temperatures and fresh snow in the forecast, trails conditions around the region should be improving.
Silent sport trails in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in the Washburn and Great Divide ranger districts open.
“The Nicolet side of the forest, the trails are in very poor shape. They have very little snow cover. We have a few trails up in the Northern part of the west zone that have much better conditions that range more from the fair to good category is how we would describe it,” said West Zone Recreation Program Manager Chad Jacobson.
Your best bets are in the Northwestern portions of the forest towards Iron, Ashland, and Bayfield counties. You can find the latest trail condition on the CNNF website. Conditions are updated every Friday.
If you do plan to head out to the forest this winter, there are some changes.
The normal warming huts found at the Valhalla Recreation Area, the Wintergreen Trail, and the Anvil Lake Recreation Area are closed this year due to COVID-19 precautions.
Instead, there will be some fire rings and firewood available outdoors for people to build a warming fire.
“You know, we want everyone to recreate responsibly. Try to stay as local as possible when choosing a site to visit this year,” said Jacobson. “The forest is urging our visitors to take the precautions that are recommended by the CDC and follow all the local and state guidelines for social distancing and face coverings and things like that.”
With colder temperatures closer to usually Wisconsin winters in the forest, Jacobson also reminds people to plan ahead and bring the appropriate gear.
