Local ATV trails open

By RICHARD JENKINS

rjenkins@yourdailyglobe.com

Hurley — Iron County’s summer recreation season got underway Thursday as the county’s ATV/UTV trails opened at 7 a.m.

Although the trails have dried enough from the spring thaw to allow them to open, according to the Iron County Forestry and Parks Department, spring riding conditions may still exist on many trails.

Riders may encounter soft spots on the trail system, according to a post on the department’s Facebook page.

“Please use caution when riding, especially on Trail 6 in the areas west of Whitecap Mountain,” the post reads. “Remember to ride safe, ride right and use caution when out on the trails.”

In Gogebic County, the trails operated by the Gogebic Range Trail Authority are open and generally in good conditions.

The authority is asking riders to tread lightly in the areas where a few soft spots are left.

The Powers Road multi-use recreational trails are rated in very good condition, according to GRTA president Steve Hamilton, and the rail-trail route from Hurley to Marenisco is in good condition.

Hamilton reminded riders the Mud Creek Bridge is closed and its illegal to operate a motorized wheeled vehicle in a navigable waterway.

He also reminded riders snowmobile trails are only open to ORV use if they are specifically signed as such.

“The GRTA is an all volunteer organization with tremendous trail building and expansion experience, but the current membership is quite fatigued after last winter’s record grooming,” Hamilton said in an email. “The same folks who operate the snow program operate the dirt program and if local riders or businesses want to see improvements to the trail or want to see a trail map come to life, we need your volunteer support.”

Trails in Vilas County remain closed due to frost and saturated soil, according to parks and recreation administrator Dale Mayo. The Vilas trail system is scheduled to open at 8 a.m. May 24.