7:00am Saturday Update: The big storm delivered! My final tally was 17 inches at the ilsnow storm center in Indian Lake, NY. Saw a report of 20 inches for Piseco. We got snow, FINALLY!!!
With nearly no trail base, narrow woods trails have plenty of rocks and mud under the new blanket of snow, which will show after the first snowmobiles make a pass over them.
For the love of all things good, DO NOT RIDE THE LAKES!
Your best options for any early snowmobile riding would be seasonal road networks like Perkins Clearing and Moose River Plains.
DEC has told me the gates into Moose River Plains have been opened. Just park at the old lady’s pay lot near the end of Cedar River Road and ride into Moose River Plains from there.
The south end of Perkins Clearing Road and into Mud Lake Road is plowed for logging and closed for snowmobiling this winter. There will be a bypass trail. Your best bet though would be to park at Mason Lake parking lot and attack Perkins Clearing from the north end.
With low hanging trees from heavy snow, grooming crews will have their hands full in prepping snowmobile trails for riding. We don’t go from zero to hero overnight, just because we got a big snow. It’s a process. Most actual grooming would be limited to seasonal roads this weekend.
Set realistic expectations. Then you can spin off your first miles of the season and leave satisfied.
For the ilsnow nation,
Darrin
This report is brought to you by Charlie Johns Store and Speculator Department Store. Two great stores, One Great Snow Town! Groceries, deli/hot foods, hardware, gifts and more. They have it all.
