Where snowmobiles run free

By CONNIE STAFFORD

There is one specific segment of the population that either lives in or visits northern Michigan who are likely to stand at the window cheering snowfall as if they were at some competitive event. Those people are snowmobilers.

There are 73 miles of groomed trail in Alpena County alone and from here snowmobilers can go just about anywhere. Two main snowmobile trails come into the Alpena area and have staging areas where people may park their vehicles and ride — one behind Stanson

Floor Covering and Furniture on M-32; one at US-23 North near where the railroad used to cross.

Another parking area is located on Indian Reserve Road before the state forest campground.

From the staging area at Stanson’s, riders can travel trail No. 4 to Hillman and on to Traverse City; the north staging area takes riders on trail No. 992 to Posen and Mackinaw City and from the staging area on Indian Reserve Road, trail No. 461 links with No. 468 to travel around Devil’s Lake, a 10-mile loop. Trail maps are available which show how all the trails link.

Recently, the City of Alpena’s municipal council waived for a one-year trial restriction against entering city limits for a connecting route between the west and north route. This route travels Bagley Street and Genschaw Road. In the next year or two the city will begin to examine routes into the city, specifically to the Alpena Marc development which was requested of the city.

Bob Eller of the Snowdrifters Snowmobile Club said there is more trail being developed that will allow snowmobilers from Wilson, Long Rapids and Maple Ridge townships to get to the northern county trail.

“We’re working on a trail system that will be down Herron Road, all the way across Long Rapids Road, up to Fitzpatrick Road over to Graham Road, goes through state land, comes out on Wikaryasz Road, over to Kasubowski Road and Maple Lane, and you’re back on the trail (No. 4),” Eller said.

He said people can actually use this route now, but it’s not marked and it’s not groomed as of yet.

The adventurous also can travel south along the shoulder of the Herron Road, link up with the westbound trail No. 4 to Hillman, through Atlanta, Canada Creek to Millersburg, and from there take the No. 992 back to Alpena.

“You’d have about a 120-mile ride,” Eller said.

This length of snowmobile ride is common, with groups often leaving directly from the snowmobile clubhouse on Werth Road at Indian Reserve Road.

Jerry Janeski, another snowmobile club member, said travel is not a hardship, either in negotiating the trail system or in the company they keep.

“When you’re on a groomed trail it’s like driving on Chisholm Street,” Janeski said. “We have a lot of good friends and we go every weekend (when there is good snow).”

Eller agreed, saying most trails are 16 feet to 20 feet wide and are groomed by the Snowdrifters under contract with the Department of Natural Resources and are kept in reasonably good condition. Work on the trails is done by volunteers.

An added attraction for trail riding is the winter scenery.

“You get out in the middle of the woods. You can see (Jack) Matthias’ elk herd right up against his fence along our trail (near Hillman) and we can go out to Atlanta along some two-tracks looking for wild elk. I think it’s just the camaraderie of a bunch of people who enjoy the same thing,” Eller said.

The uniqueness of the Alpena trail system is that it is extremely variable. Some of the trail is straight and flat, following former railroad grade, and some is hilly and winds through woods.

He added many local snowmobilers and visitors may not realize riders can leave any of the club’s designated parking lots and travel to Minnesota and never leave a groomed trail.

Think the Straits of Mackinac is a problem. Not so.

“Mackinac Bridge officials will take you across. You get on the Mackinaw (City) side and go to the tourist bureau, pick up the phone and tell them you have four sleds. They come across with a truck and a big trailer ... he takes you across, takes you to a trail on the other side and away you go,” Eller said. The charge for this service he estimated at $10 a sled.

Trail riders find that necessities, like gas, food and lodging, are convenient all along the route. No need to pack a sandwich. Stop at small local restaurants adjacent to the trails for refreshments.

Those who are new to the sport may want to join the Snowdrifters to soak up the experience of seasoned snowmobilers. Others may want to just be around those like themselves who enjoy winter riding. Dues are $30 a year for a family; $15 for a single person. The club meets once a month, 11 months of the year. For more information, access their Web site at www.alpenasnowdrifters.org.