michigan trail closing

AmSnow has learned from our contacts at the Michigan Snowmobile Association that an important leg of one of the most traveled U.P. trails will be closed this winter. A papermaking conglomerate has bought a large tract of land, which the trail crosses, and is barring snowmobiling.

The route being closed is known as Trail 7. The trail leads from Chassel to Painesdale, in the Western U.P. and is a continuation from the L'Anse to Baraga trail, which leads to Chassel and then Painesdale.

The closing of this leg means that snowmobilers will have to detour about 20 miles south to just north of Sidnaw. Riders will then have to switch over to a different trail known as the "Bill Nichols Trail," and follow that back north about 25 miles to reach Houghton.

This trail closing, like many others, is an example, and call to action, for all snowmobile enthusiasts to stay active, or become involved in a club or association. There is negotiation power in numbers, and we snowmobilers must constantly be working to keep our trails open.

For more information on associations and clubs in your area visit the club section of our Web site and search for local clubs in our Industry Directory.