Mancelona Trail Report
Jordan Valley Trails Council
Updated: 12/08/10
Current Trail Conditions: Fair

Heavy lake effect snow last couple of days on parts of our trail system so the trails are getting better but need some nice heavy system snow to make them good. The groomers have been out trying to pack it down some. The North 10 trail had about a foot and a half of snow before the groomer packed it down to 4 or 5 inches on the trail today. The Valley was panned on Friday and has about 6 to 8 inches of non packed snow that people said today was a good ride, the groomer is scheduled to go over it tomorrow. The groomer out of Mancelona was out yesterday and again today doing what can be done with only lake effect snow. The trail north of the Valley towards East Jordan and Charlevoix has the least amount of snow and with the soft and wet spots between the Valley and EJ and low snow towards Charlevoix It would be hard to recommend that for a ride at this time. From M-66 East through the Valley and over towards Lakes of the North the riding is OK with still some bare spots along 131 with the wind blowing the snow off the trail. Compared to last weekend the trails are good but not as good as they will be if the weather holds in our favor.

Petoskey Snowmobile Club – 12/06
Current Trail Conditions: Fair

We have been getting some lake-effect snow over the last week. Some areas have accumulated almost a foot while other areas only have a couple inches. We have started doing a little "panning" to start packing down the snow and building a base. Riders are starting to get out there. No base to speak of yet. We need more snow across the entire trail system before we can really say we have a base.

We have to be careful about taking the groomers out when there is a lack of snow. The groomer tracks would only serve to chew up a lot of sand, sticks and rocks. It’s better to let a few snowmobiles pack it down a little bit first, then let it freeze.

Hi All, Still snowing, but it’s all LES snow and that doesn’t add up all that fast. There have been a few sled out, but very few. Possible storm forecasted for 12-09-10, but I’ll believe it when I see it.

Our On site Snowmobile rentals are ready to go for the season on December 1st, weather permitting. Plus we do have gift certificates available for that hard to buy for person. Get them an ATV, Snowmobile Rental or Lake Front room Gift Certificate. They will love it.

We are members of the Cycle Conservation Club of Michigan (Motorcycle and ORV Club), Baldwin Trailriders Snowmobile Club, Irons Area Tourist Association (ATV and Snowmobile Club), Wellston Area Recreation and Tourist Bureau (Snowmobile Club), Benzie-Manistee Snowbirds (Snowmobile Club), Lake County ORV Club and the Michigan Snowmobile Association. These are the local grooming clubs, in which we help support all of your favorite sports. When I go to an area, I always buy the new map for the season from the local snowmobile or ORV club. Trails may change and so do the maps. But I always spend my hard earned money, only with the businesses that support my sport. All those advertisers on the Snowmobile or ORV Club maps are the people, that help make those trails possible for all of us to ride. Just my two cents.

We have rooms available for this week and weekend. Gas is only $2.64 a gallon, so what are you waiting for? We are snowmobilers too, and know if there isn’t enough snow to ride, I don’t want to ride in the dirt either, so if you reserve a room and there isn’t enough snow to ride, just give us a call and cancel your room with no penalties. But if there is enough snow we expect you to keep your reservation. If you need a room in this area, just give us a call toll free at 877 745 4101 or from a cell phone call 231-745-4101, office hours are 8am until 10pm and if we don’t have a room, we will try our best to find you a room, so call soon to get your room reserved or they will be all gone. We do have some discounts at the casino and a few local restaurants to save you even more money.

Check out the WOLFCAM for the snow totals.

I CAN NOT SAY THIS ENOUGH, WEEKDAY RIDING IS THE BEST. SMOOTH TRAILS AND LESS TO NO TRAFFIC.

We are a pet friendly Resort, but you can’t leave your pet unattended in the room unless it’s in a cage or kennel while you are out riding. We love pets, but we love our carpet too.

Make sure you STOP when they see the groomers so they can move by. It’s really dangerous to have riders keep moving when the groomers pass. Make sure you wave and show your support. Also, please stay off the ribbon so it will set up, and the trails will stay smoother longer.

Here is a list of the snowmobile trails in this area, are you ready? The Baldwin trails, (146 miles) go west to Reed City and south from here to Newaygo, Irons trails wrap around Wolf Lake and then heads north, east and west for 122 miles and connects to Cadillac and Wellston trails, Cadillac trails connect into the Irons and Wellston trails all the way to Cadillac, then south to Leroy, they groom 124 miles, Wellston trails goes west to connect to Cadillac trails and south to the Irons Trails and west to Freesoil for 68 miles and north to the, Benzie/Manistee trail system. The Pere Marquette trail connects to The Baldwin trail and all the way to Evart and up to Leroy 144 miles, the south Pere Marquette trail goes to Grand Rapids, I think about 140 miles, then north the Benzie/Manistee trail goes all the way to the Maple City another 147 miles I think. Let’s total this up, 146 + 122 + 124 + 68 + 144 + 140 + 147 = 891 in groomed connecting trails just in this area alone and we are right in the middle of them. I know most of the groomer operators and their schedules, so if it’s bumpy one way, we know which way to go, to have smooth trails. I don’t know about you but that’s a ton of riding. Now there is more trails to get to, but that would be just over kill and this is not even counting the hundreds of miles of the two tracks and seasonal roads that you can ride. Why spent an extra $200 to $300 in fuel to get to Gaylord or the UP when we have fantastic riding right here.

Remember that the mid week riding is the best, less to no traffic, no lines at the gas pump and you don’t have to worry so much about the crazies coming up the trail at you.

There are over 890 miles of connecting groomed trails that run through this area and surrounding areas, so why would you want to go anywhere else? Plus miles and miles of two tracks and seasonal roads. We have two bedroom lake front rooms with full kitchens, living rooms with a sofa sleeper, (sleeps 6 – $99 a night), double lake front rooms with a queen and full beds and a kitchenette and dining table and chairs (sleeps 4 – $79 a night). Double motel rooms with two double beds and a mini fridge, (sleeps 4 – $53 a night) and single motel rooms with one full bed, (sleeps 2 – $39 a night) and our large Bunk House which has two bed rooms with queen bunk beds and a queen sofa sleeper, full kitchen, full living room, a breakfast bar and a fireplace (sleeps 10 – $ 149 a night). We have something for everyone.

Visit us at www.wolflakemotel.com or call toll free 877-745-4101 or from a cell call 231 745 4101, office hours are 8am until 10pm 7 days of the week. See ya soon on the trails.