100 mile trail markings
100 mile trail markings
I did a quick 112 miles Sunday morning going from Townsend to Wabeno and then taking the 100 miler out of Wabeno through Armstrong Creek and around to the grade down to Cavour past Roberts Lake, Windfall and back to the Valley Inn. Over all the trail conditions were excellent, and the changes in the trail routing in the Cavor area were a pleasant surprise! I just want to make a comment about the trail marking, I know it is a huge trail system and I think that those who ride it enough tend to over look things or take things for granted so to speak, as I do the same thing on the trails in the Townsend Lakewood area. There were two areas that come to mind one that I had mentioned last year and another where I wasn't sure if I had missed something or not. The place I mentioned last year is a Y intersection which is North of AC. The trail basically goes straight and there is a trail that goes off to the West on an angle, if you go straight I believe you are heading into Florence County and if you take the trail to the West that is the 100 which eventually ends up over on the grade coming out of Cavour. The trail markings at this intersection are not clear, there were two sleds stopped there trying to figure out where to go with their map out. I stopped because the first time I got to this point I had the same problem. I got them directed on the right direction and went on. The other place is along one of the forest roads, and I am not sure which one so this may be a mute point ( I really wasn't keeping track of the road names as I was following the orange diamond trail markers) Anyway I am pretty sure it is a North South road, which you follow for a long ways, several miles. Keep in mind that most of the road driving isn't that far a mile or two this is a stretch that goes for a long ways. Anyway when you are along the this road I think there was only one trail marker along the entire distance, and I wasn't sure if I had missed something somewhere. I kept going hoping I was correct to keep following the road and as luck would have it I was, however I can see where someone's first time on the system might consider the trail lost. Please don't take this in the wrong way, just want to point out where some signs would be nice.
Re: 100 mile trail markings
I have had the same feelings when driving down roads. It can sometimes seem like forever until you see another one of the those orange markers.
However, having snowmobiled quite a bit in other areas, I still believe the Forest County trails are the best I have ever been on. The trails are fun, there are plenty of places to stop (if you want), they are well marked, and the intersections contain intersection numbers. There is nothing more frustrating than sitting an intersection trying to figure out where you are on a map. Kudos to all for putting together such a great map and trail markings. No offense to Oconto county, but I find the Forest County trail map much easier to read.
With that said, it would be nice if the Forest County map could include GPS coordinates. These coordinates could be posted either at each (or some) of the intersections or at least along the sides of the map. With more and more people using GPS it really helps find where you are on a map.
However, having snowmobiled quite a bit in other areas, I still believe the Forest County trails are the best I have ever been on. The trails are fun, there are plenty of places to stop (if you want), they are well marked, and the intersections contain intersection numbers. There is nothing more frustrating than sitting an intersection trying to figure out where you are on a map. Kudos to all for putting together such a great map and trail markings. No offense to Oconto county, but I find the Forest County trail map much easier to read.
With that said, it would be nice if the Forest County map could include GPS coordinates. These coordinates could be posted either at each (or some) of the intersections or at least along the sides of the map. With more and more people using GPS it really helps find where you are on a map.
Re: 100 mile trail markings
I have to say Langlade County Trails and Maps are also very easy to follow. One exception would be near the town of Parrish where there are a lot of ATV trails. I think Langlade's intersections were numbered before Forest County. Not only do the marked intersections help us, but also emergency personnel to find your location. I enjoy riding in both counties.
Re: 100 mile trail markings
i think that you guys that are gps savy could be actively involved with coordinating the proper signage needed .
make the proper notes at the intersection and develop the info....no?
make the proper notes at the intersection and develop the info....no?
Re: 100 mile trail markings
It would be easy enough to record the coordinates at each of the intersections. Personally, I would be happy with the latitude and longitude numbers across the top and on the side of the map. Using that you can always figure out where you are at.
Re: 100 mile trail markings
[QUOTE=thinksnow;8930]I have to say Langlade County Trails and Maps are also very easy to follow. One exception would be near the town of Parrish where there are a lot of ATV trails. I think Langlade's intersections were numbered before Forest County. Not only do the marked intersections help us, but also emergency personnel to find your location. I enjoy riding in both counties.[/QUOTE]
I'm not sure that the trails near Pickerel are marked that well. Last year coming back from Eagle River we decided to go though Elcho and then east to Oconto county following the corridor trail going east. we lost the markers. It would be nice to see a marker for the corridor on the trail after each intersection so when you are traveling on unfamiliar trails you know that you are on the correct trail. This would be for all counties. The state map is a good tool to use if all the markers are there
I'm not sure that the trails near Pickerel are marked that well. Last year coming back from Eagle River we decided to go though Elcho and then east to Oconto county following the corridor trail going east. we lost the markers. It would be nice to see a marker for the corridor on the trail after each intersection so when you are traveling on unfamiliar trails you know that you are on the correct trail. This would be for all counties. The state map is a good tool to use if all the markers are there
Re: 100 mile trail markings
The Pickerel area can be confusing, especially to the south and west, because the signs there reference both the town of Pickerel and Pickerel Lake as Pickerel. When I was first snowmobiling in the area I made the mistake of arriving at the town when I meant to be at the lake (or vice versa) more than once.
Re: 100 mile trail markings
And we could of used a couple extra guys for this last trail brushing bee! 
Because we can do more than just brush, we can also sign. 
Last year my buddy Brian and I pounded over 40+ posts from Armstrong Creek to Benson Lake Rd. And there are still a couple of spots, that I'd like to put up some signs. Some chevrons in a couple of the sharp turns, and a couple winding trail signs. South of us, isn't too bad. :thumbup:
North could use some signs. Brian and I just didn't have the time this year, and at the time, the new route wasn't defined yet.
I'd really like to give Brian credit, because he helps me every year, even though he don't own a snowmobile! I let him use one of mine, when he gets the chance to come up, which hasn't happened yet this year.
This year, Brian and I worked the trail South one day, and a small group of us worked on the detour to the North two days later. But it was very cold that day, and we probably could spent another day or two, just on signing.
Things have just been so hectic this year. But if there's one thing I can't stand, it's a poorly marked trail.
That's also why I like to ride the trail, because it's a different perspective when you're on a sled (going faster) than when you're sitting in the groomer. Especially the corners. They have a tendency to come up on you a bit quicker!
But we'll get it done. It just takes more time with less people.
:thinksnow:
Because we can do more than just brush, we can also sign. Last year my buddy Brian and I pounded over 40+ posts from Armstrong Creek to Benson Lake Rd. And there are still a couple of spots, that I'd like to put up some signs. Some chevrons in a couple of the sharp turns, and a couple winding trail signs. South of us, isn't too bad. :thumbup:
North could use some signs. Brian and I just didn't have the time this year, and at the time, the new route wasn't defined yet.
I'd really like to give Brian credit, because he helps me every year, even though he don't own a snowmobile! I let him use one of mine, when he gets the chance to come up, which hasn't happened yet this year.
This year, Brian and I worked the trail South one day, and a small group of us worked on the detour to the North two days later. But it was very cold that day, and we probably could spent another day or two, just on signing.
Things have just been so hectic this year. But if there's one thing I can't stand, it's a poorly marked trail.
That's also why I like to ride the trail, because it's a different perspective when you're on a sled (going faster) than when you're sitting in the groomer. Especially the corners. They have a tendency to come up on you a bit quicker!
But we'll get it done. It just takes more time with less people.
:thinksnow:
Re: 100 mile trail markings
[QUOTE=Jim;8937]
That's also why I like to ride the trail, because it's a different perspective when you're on a sled (going faster) than when you're sitting in the groomer. Especially the corners. They have a tendency to come up on you a bit quicker!:thinksnow:[/QUOTE]
Yeah, like when you nearly led Paul and me off into the pickers that day back in March!
That's also why I like to ride the trail, because it's a different perspective when you're on a sled (going faster) than when you're sitting in the groomer. Especially the corners. They have a tendency to come up on you a bit quicker!
:thinksnow:[/QUOTE]Yeah, like when you nearly led Paul and me off into the pickers that day back in March!
Re: 100 mile trail markings
Let me know if you need or want help with the signing. I would love to help.