Gaylord Area Trails Conditions – 12/14 – Alpine Snowmobile Trails
Trail Report: In the interest of providing a good report, I made the sacrifice of taking the afternoon off and going for a ride. I did the whole North Branch Loop Trails 4/404 and thought it was in the best shape I have seen in a long time. After stopping in town to top off my tank, I headed down 7/4 along Old 27. It was actually in pretty good shape. I decided to ride all the way down to Mancelona Road before heading home and check out the lake. It looks like almost no one has been on the lake. Very few sled tracks and only a handful of shanties out by the State Park. Knowing how die hard some of the local fishermen are, I would have to conclude that the ice is still not safe enough to ride on. I would stay off for now.
There have been some changes in the local trail system. The biggest change I have seen is where trails 7 and 4 split at Old 27 and Mancelona Road. The changes are well marked, so please follow the signs.
Many have asked me where the best place is to park your trailer when riding in Gaylord. If you are coming from out of town, I would use the DNR Trailhead on Old 27 just North of I-75 Exit 279. There is a large plowed lot, full service restaurant right there, and within a very short distance you have fast food, three gas stations, dealers for all four sled brands, and a snowmobile parts, accessories and clothing store.
Happy Sledding!