Great Escapes Winter 2024 | Page 15

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favorite . And this area is only about a five-hour drive from the Twin Cities or Milwaukee , and not much longer from Chicago or Detroit .

Annual snowfall that averages more than 200 inches creates a riding season that starts on December 1 and can sometimes stretch into April . The best conditions are often during the longer and warmer days of March . But truly from the start of the season until the end , the local trails are scenic and well-groomed , and businesses are highly hospitable .

The variety of riding means that you won ’ t get bored . Arrow-straight rail trails contrast with running logging-roads and the tight , twisty trails that worm through the hardwood forests and cedar swamps . Trails lead over hills and through valleys , across streams and roiling rivers , provide access to waterfalls and majestic vistas , and lead you to great businesses who are delighted to serve snowmobilers .

Staying in the Gogebic area is very strategic because this is the hub for almost 2,000 miles of trails in the western Upper Peninsula and northeastern

Wisconsin area . You can head in any direction for a day trip , an over-nighter or a multi-day tour . Or enjoy a few miles with the kids on the local trail loops , like riding the perimeter of the Lake , not to mention enjoying a blast down the 18- mile length of Lake Gogebic itself .

One can ’ t miss local day trip is the ride to Bond Falls , just off Trail 3 between Bruce Crossing and Watersmeet . Six viewing locations along a 600-foot boardwalk allow a good look at this white water treat . There are more than 50 other beautiful waterfalls that dot the western U . P ., many accessible from trails . At night , look for the northern lights dancing in the sky .

A variety of quality lodging is available , ranging from resorts and motels to rental homes and cabins . The best resource is lakegogebicarea . com to check availability and find the ideal lodging . Snowmobiler dining favorites abound , with several selected as top pit stops by Snow Goer readers . Snowmobile sales , service and rentals are also available . Michigan trail permits are required and available from many local sources . Lake Gogebic grooming operators keep area trails in tip top shape , grooming 24 / 7 when weather and snow conditions permit , and providing accurate , up-to-the-minute trail reports at Facebook . com / Gogebicareagrooming . Please consider becoming a Gogebic Area Grooming sponsor , because the more you help , the better your riding conditions will be . Also , get the phone app at groomertracker . com – it also supports the club .

So , why drive further when the Lake Gogebic area has everything you need ? For trail reports and info , call 888 / 464- 3242 or visit LakeGogebicArea . com .

Keweenaw Peninsula

Michigan ’ s Keweenaw Peninsula is a true winter wonderland like no other .

Jutting up into Lake Superior like a shark fin atop the continental United States , the Keweenaw is perfectly positioned to capture copious amounts of lake effect snow . Its dense forests , rolling hills and sometimes rugged outcroppings get blanketed in a thick layer of snow early in the season . Reinforcing snowstorms follow and keep redecorating the landscape bright white through March and into April .

The average of 270 inches of annual snowfall and the diverse landscape are just the start of what makes the Keweenaw a dream snowmobiling destination . The rural backcountry is bisected by about 230 miles of expertly maintained snowmobile trails that take riders over tall bridges , past intriguing old mines , to stunning overlooks and through historic towns .

Riding in the Keweenaw often starts at the base of the irregularly shaped triangle , where famous routes like the Bill Nichols Trail take riders through the inviting Twin Lakes / Toivola area . Trail 3 then leads snowmobilers over tall trestle bridges on a scenic ride north toward the Houghton-Hancock area – which is the center of commerce for the region .

Once there , riders cross the amazing , two-level Portage Lake Lift Bridge that separates the two towns . Interestingly , sleds travel on the snow-covered and packed lower level while cars and trucks make the crossing directly overhead .

Once across the bridge , consider taking Trail 17 that bends slightly to the west and then north toward Calumet , where you ’ ll meet back up with Trail 3 . Or , back for this winter , you can stay out 3 straight out of Hancock and ride toward Dollar Bay : It ’ s reopened this year after being closed since 2018 .

Once you get a bit past the inviting little town of Phoenix , you ’ ve got a decision to make : Continue north of Trail 3 for the quickest way to Copper Harbor at the tip ; hang a left on Trail 151 / 130 for the tight and twisting route down to the quaint lakefront towns of Eagle River and Eagle Harbor ; or go further ahead for a while and then right on Trail 132 toward stunningly scenic Lac La Belle . There ’ s no wrong answer – you can easily ride to all of them in a full day of riding .

Eventually , though , you ’ ll definitely want to visit Copper Harbor up near the tip of the peninsula . It almost has the feel of a coastal village , with a high overlook on Brockway Mountain before winding down into town . And once there , don ’ t miss out on the spur trail to High Rock Bay for more dynamic Great Lakes scenery .

Throughout the region , you ’ ll find welcoming businesses that cater to snowmobilers , with all sorts of lodging choices , scrumptious food options , dealerships and friendly locals .

Make this the winter to finally knock the Keweenaw off of your “ must visit ” list , or to make that return trip you ’ ve been dreaming of . For information , go to visitkeweenaw . com .

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“ VOTED A TOP PITSTOP BY SNOW GOER MAGAZINE READERS ” www . gogebiclodge . com

GREAT SNOWMOBILING FUN ON LAKE GOGEBIC IN MICHIGANS U . P .

• Cottages

• Bar & Dining Room

• Heated Garage

• Satellite TV

• Sauna

• 6 New Ultra-Modern Chalets

• Premium Unleaded Gas / Amsoil Products

• Snowmobiling ( On Trail # 1 )

• Open Daily for Breakfast , Lunch & Dinner

Host : Brian Berquist • ( 906 ) 842-3321

N9600 Highway 64 • Marenisco , MI 49947 • 8 miles North of US 2 on M-64

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