Over 21,000 Miles Of Minnesota Snowmobile Trails Close March 31
As anyone who lives in the Northland knows, snow does not stop falling in April. In fact, there are predictions for another massive snowstorm to hit the area in the first week of April this year.
Regardless of the forecast or trail conditions, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reminds snowmobilers that over 21,000 miles of snowmobile trails will be closing at midnight on March 31.
The trails that will be closing are all the grant-in-aid trails located throughout the state. As of April 1, 2023, grant-in-aid permits with private landowners will have officially expired.
“We have had great snowmobiling this year. We are so appreciative of the many snowmobile club volunteers who made it possible by grooming Minnesota’s extensive system of grant-in-aid trails,” said Ann Pierce, director of the DNR’s Parks and Trails Division. “They worked long and hard this winter to keep trails in good riding condition for so many Minnesotans.”
The DNR notes that snowmobile trails will remain open on public land while weather and snow conditions permit. However, riders should be aware that trail grooming operations will cease when conditions are too warm to groom effectively.
With that in mind, late-season snowmobilers should keep safety in mind and be aware of changing conditions. As the snow recedes, rocks and other obstructions can become hazardous to trail users.
One helpful resource is the Minnesota DNR's Snow Depth and Groomed Trail Conditions page, which is updated by 2:00 p.m. every Thursday.
However, even if snow conditions are good, the DNR reminds snowmobilers not to ride on grant-in-aid trails that cross private land after March 31. Starting on April 1, riding these trails without the landowner’s permission is trespassing.
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