Off-trail in the UP!

[Nolimits]

I know most people won't give up there spots but I thought I'd ask. I hope to get there for the first time this winter. We plan on staying around the Twin Lakes area. I know there a alot of powerlines and logging roads to ride. But how do you know if it is private land or not. Is all private land posted with signs along the trail? I just don't want to take off down what I think is a logging rode and have it be on private property.

[blob]

There isn't any off trail riding near twin lakes I don't think there is any foolproof way to tell, but usually if the landowner doesn't want you there they will post it. There are plenty of powerlines and logging roads to keep you busy. We have never had any issues in that area. Johndee.com is a great resource for that area.

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[Nolimits]

I have been checking out JD for a little while now. There has been some talk about making sure to stay on trails and don't go on private property. So that is why I asked, I don't want to go out there for the first time and cause problems with going on private property. Since this is going to be my first trip we may stay on the trails and get a lay of the land and just get off here and there and get our feet wet.

[blob]

I think those posts on JD are referencing some areas south of twin lakes if I remember correctly. There is quite a bit of area between twin lakes and Mass City off trail 3 that is posted. If you want to ride north of the bridge, Keeweenaw Snow Expeditions is a guide group that is great to deal with. They will take you out for the day for a reasonable price. (at least I thought so about five years ago) Keep up with JD.com, and you will likely be able to hook up with someone when you go by looking at the ride board.

[Sxrlar]

To the south of Twin Lakes is the Copper Country State forest, you can ride their, but the only trail that runs close to it is 109, and it is not marked "State Forest". A lot of the land is owned by paper companies, who usually don't have a problem with sleds on their land. The problem is, you can go from paper company land to private property in a blink of an eye. Couple of words of advice, if you come to a closed gate, TURN AROUND, do not go around it, under it, or over it. Even if you see tracks going around it, just because someone else's tracks go around it, does not mean it is ok for you to go around it. It only means this, someone is tresspassing. If you see a posted no tresspassing sign, TURN AROUND.

Not trying to discourage you or anything like that, just be aware of your surroundings. The amount of people riding off trail in that area has doubled in the last 3-4 years, and I see sled tracks going into places that are clearly gated, or posted. If we all follow the "rules", we all will be able to continue to enjoy the luxury of off trail riding in the midwest.

Get a hold of Lenny on Johndee.com he has started an off trail business based out of Greenland, near Twin Lakes. http://northwoodsadventures.info/ that is probably your best bet to get started. If you contact him, tell him Skylar sent ya.

[Nolimits]

Thanks for the help. Since this is my first time out I think we will stick close to the trail and get a lay of the land. It would be fun to jump off the trail now and then though.

I hear ya on the closed gate deal, one track can turn into 20 tracks in a hurry. And it makes all snowmobiliers look bad.