Snowmobile Trail Conditions Report: The Forks, Maine January 2021
THE FORKS TRAIL REPORT 1/27/2021
We received about an inch of snow overnight and this morning. Every little bit helps and this will help some lubrication and cooling issues for those who have been out.
Groomers have not been out since we originally panned our system and won’t be out again until we get more snow. Unfortunately there is just not enough to work with and will only damage the equipment. We are keeping a very keen eye on a potential storm next week so let’s keep our fingers crossed.
ITS 86 We have a logging operation on the powerline that will continue another couple of weeks near Moxie. Traffic on ITS 86 will need to stay off the powerline and stay on the Troutdale Road from the Hodges Road to the bridge/dam. On the plus side they will be removing rocks and smoothing out what they can on the powerline section we normally use.
ITS 86/88 Logging at the Greenville/Rockwood intersection at the end of our system is now complete and fully open. Was panned and cut in some areas. They are some of the better areas of our system.
Any of our trails that are in the woods are less than ideal. Just not enough snow to work with. This includes ITS 87 south right at the Northern Outdoors intersection to Maine Lakeside Cabins intersection. The other section is in town The Forks, very rough and lots of rocks showing from just south of the Inn by the River back to the bridge by the Moxie Road/201. Passable but poor coverage.
Pleasant Pond trail is currently closed for logging.
Bald mountain trail has been panned to the breakneck ridge trail. Again, no outlet back to ITS 87 via Pleasant Pond Trail at the moment. Decent snow cover in that section.
Kennebec River Trail Use part of this trail to access ITS 87 from the Northern Outdoors. Go across Rt 201 and to the right. Follow the Kennebec River Trail for one mile. In one mile there is a sign that says “To ITS 87” – take a right at the sign, cross Rt 201 and follow the Divide Rd up the hill. This will connect to the main trail in about 1 mile. Otherwise, we do not recommend riding the Kennebec River Trail- has not been panned.
Please use caution, still treat this as early season riding conditions. Also, please take some time to support the trails you ride – by joining the club, or just by donating. Remember, ANY amount helps.
Ride right and Ride safe,
Ben Towle
Forks Area Trails Snowmobile Club
The Forks Maine Snowmobile Trail Map
Snowmobile trail maps, 91 octane ethanol-free gas, and great food are available at Northern Outdoors.
**PLEASE NOTE: gas is CASH ONLY and available 9:00am-5:00pm
Get Trail Reports First
Snowmobile trail reports direct to your inbox…
THE FORKS TRAILS UPDATE 1/18/2021
Well wish I had better news on the Forks area trails and better snowfall totals to report. Most of our system received between 4 and 5 inches. Just not enough to do much with. We panned our entire trail system, there is a silver lining. Mostly that this snow we have is very dense and will make for a great base.
Any of our trails that are in the woods are.. well…umm.. less than ideal. Just not enough snow to work with and hasn’t been cold enough to freeze up.
Where are those sections?… ITS 87 south right at the Northern Outdoors intersection to Maine Lakeside Cabins intersection. The other section is in town Forks, very rough and lots of rocks showing from just south of the Inn by the River back to the bridge by the Moxie road/201. Passable but poor coverage.
From what I have been told, points north and west from there are passable and improve considerably. ITS 87 south of Maine Lakeside Cabins to Bingham is rideable with caution, washouts, and exposed rocks but some decent sections.
ITS 86 to 88 was panned and cut in some areas where it allowed to fill in some low spots. Again use caution but they are some of the better areas of our system.
The River trail does not have enough snow and has not been touched. Avoid.
Pleasant Pond trail is currently closed for logging.
Bald mountain trail has been panned to the breakneck ridge trail. Again no outlet back to ITS 87 via Pleasant Pond trail at the moment. Decent snow cover in that section.
As a rider and a groomer, I won’t be taking my sled from here quite yet, but I certainly will be visiting my favorite establishments in the valley and would consider trailering north or west from here.
