Wintertime is action time in our County of Trails
December 20, 2022
With over 550 miles of immaculately maintained state-approved and user-funded snowmobile trails—which are also open to ATVs in most instances—Langlade County is a Mecca for snowmobile enthusiasts for decades. And its easy proximity to the Fox Valley, Milwaukee and points south make it the perfect setting for some frigid fun.
Trails are sponsored by the Langlade County Forestry Parks and Recreation Department and are developed and maintained by the 10 local snowmobile clubs. Detailed maps include parking areas, road names and city/town locations, intersection numbers, and pit stop locations for gas, food, drinks, libations, and lodging. Go to www.langladecounty.org for information on trail conditions and trail maps.
“We have just outstanding snowmobiling here, without all the traffic you may find farther north,” Cody Brauner, Langlade County snowmobile coordinator, said. “We have such a highly varied terrain here, everything from highlands and lowlands to farm fields. There is just a huge variety of trails here to enjoy.”
Trails are divided into Zone A, which covers largely wooded terrain, and Zone B, which features more agricultural areas in the Antigo flats. That distinction allows the county to open various sections as conditions allow, with the wooded areas often ready for riding a bit sooner in the season. The city of Antigo also allows access from in-town lodging, making it an ideal headquarters for a riding adventure.
“We have a group of great clubs that work with us to promote and maintain the trails,” Brauner said. “I can’t say enough about the good working relationship we have with the groups and the hard work they do year-round to maintain these trails.”
The Langlade County Snowmobile Council, organized in 1974, is made up of delegates of all area snowmobile clubs, including Antigo Sno-Drifters, Bryant Ridge Runners, Deerbrook Bridge Runners, Elcho Sno-Devils, Lily Sno-Birds, Northwoods Boulder Lake Snow Goers, 100 Mile Snow Safari, Phlox Winter Knights, Polar Blazers, and Tombstone-Pickerel Sno Club.
The Antigo Sno-Drifters snowmobile club was founded in 1966 and is responsible for approximately 100 miles of funded trails in the center of the county. To the north, the Bryant Ridge Runners and Deerbrook Bridge Runners maintain a mix of wooded and agricultural segments while the eastern portion of the county is the territory of the Northwoods Boulder Lake Club and Lily Sno-Birds, who operate a clubhouse just off Highway 55 at W4505 Turtle Lake Road that is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m. to close. It’s a great place to rendezvous and enjoy a sandwich, burger, brat, or maybe warm up with some chili.
The Elcho Sno-Devils monitor over 140 miles of snowmobile trails in the north-northwest third of the county, stretching into Oneida County while the Tombstone-Pickerel Sno Club, one of the largest in the state, covers a huge swath of northern and eastern Langlade and Forest counties.
The trails, which largely traverse private property, would not be possible without the support of landowners, Brauner stressed.
“Obviously, we wouldn’t have our trails without the support of our landowners. Without them, Langlade County’s Trails would be a small fraction of what they are today.” Brauner said. “The clubs do a great job fostering those relationships.”
Riders must do their part as well, the coordinator stressed. It is imperative that riders stay on marked trails, and respect other people’s property.
Get out that ATVUnlike many locations, ATVs are allowed on the Langlade County Snowmobile Trail System 10 days after the trails are open in their respective zones and the temperature is under 28 degrees Fahrenheit. That temperature requirement keeps the wheeled vehicles from damaging the trails during warmer wintertime weather and [potential thawing.
ATVs operating on Langlade County snowmobile trails require a Wisconsin public registration and are not allowed in the Nicolet National Forest. UTVs, commonly known as side-by-sides are not allowed on the Langlade County Snowmobile Trail System during the winter, due to their larger width and weight.
Lodging, DiningLanglade County lodging offers the rest you need after a long day of hitting the trails. Whether you are looking for woodland cottages, modern motels, or chain hotels, you'll find it in the County of Trails, many with direct trail access. Visit our Stay page to check out all the lodging options Langlade County has to offer.
To keep your taste buds satisfied, you will be able to find everything from fine dining to burgers, sandwiches, and homemade pizza with many options located right on the trails. Langlade County's dining options are on the Dine page.
Enjoy the rideLanglade County has an aggressive Snowmobile Patrol Program run by the Sheriff’s Department with help from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, which enforces Wisconsin Snowmobile Laws, such as, current registration, intoxicated use of a motorized vehicle, and the 55mph nighttime speed limit.
It all combines to create a phenomenal riding experience.
“As a snowmobiler, you will get a firsthand look at nature's winter wonderland,” Brauner said. “Snowmobiling is a fun, healthful recreation for people of all ages. Nearly floating over the snow on a machine is a thrilling experience. Please enjoy your ride and respect our trails.”
December 20, 2022
Author:
Lisa Haefs
Source:
With over 550 miles of immaculately maintained state-approved and user-funded snowmobile trails—which are also open to ATVs in most instances—Langlade County is a Mecca for snowmobile enthusiasts for decades. And its easy proximity to the Fox Valley, Milwaukee and points south make it the perfect setting for some frigid fun.
Trails are sponsored by the Langlade County Forestry Parks and Recreation Department and are developed and maintained by the 10 local snowmobile clubs. Detailed maps include parking areas, road names and city/town locations, intersection numbers, and pit stop locations for gas, food, drinks, libations, and lodging. Go to www.langladecounty.org for information on trail conditions and trail maps.
“We have just outstanding snowmobiling here, without all the traffic you may find farther north,” Cody Brauner, Langlade County snowmobile coordinator, said. “We have such a highly varied terrain here, everything from highlands and lowlands to farm fields. There is just a huge variety of trails here to enjoy.”
Trails are divided into Zone A, which covers largely wooded terrain, and Zone B, which features more agricultural areas in the Antigo flats. That distinction allows the county to open various sections as conditions allow, with the wooded areas often ready for riding a bit sooner in the season. The city of Antigo also allows access from in-town lodging, making it an ideal headquarters for a riding adventure.
Volunteers are key
Langlade County has an excellent reputation on keeping the trails well-groomed and marked, and that’s due in no small part to the cadre of volunteers who make up the 10 snowmobile clubs that cover the region.
“We have a group of great clubs that work with us to promote and maintain the trails,” Brauner said. “I can’t say enough about the good working relationship we have with the groups and the hard work they do year-round to maintain these trails.”
The Langlade County Snowmobile Council, organized in 1974, is made up of delegates of all area snowmobile clubs, including Antigo Sno-Drifters, Bryant Ridge Runners, Deerbrook Bridge Runners, Elcho Sno-Devils, Lily Sno-Birds, Northwoods Boulder Lake Snow Goers, 100 Mile Snow Safari, Phlox Winter Knights, Polar Blazers, and Tombstone-Pickerel Sno Club.
The Antigo Sno-Drifters snowmobile club was founded in 1966 and is responsible for approximately 100 miles of funded trails in the center of the county. To the north, the Bryant Ridge Runners and Deerbrook Bridge Runners maintain a mix of wooded and agricultural segments while the eastern portion of the county is the territory of the Northwoods Boulder Lake Club and Lily Sno-Birds, who operate a clubhouse just off Highway 55 at W4505 Turtle Lake Road that is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m. to close. It’s a great place to rendezvous and enjoy a sandwich, burger, brat, or maybe warm up with some chili.
The Elcho Sno-Devils monitor over 140 miles of snowmobile trails in the north-northwest third of the county, stretching into Oneida County while the Tombstone-Pickerel Sno Club, one of the largest in the state, covers a huge swath of northern and eastern Langlade and Forest counties.
The trails, which largely traverse private property, would not be possible without the support of landowners, Brauner stressed.
“Obviously, we wouldn’t have our trails without the support of our landowners. Without them, Langlade County’s Trails would be a small fraction of what they are today.” Brauner said. “The clubs do a great job fostering those relationships.”
Riders must do their part as well, the coordinator stressed. It is imperative that riders stay on marked trails, and respect other people’s property.
Get out that ATV
ATVs operating on Langlade County snowmobile trails require a Wisconsin public registration and are not allowed in the Nicolet National Forest. UTVs, commonly known as side-by-sides are not allowed on the Langlade County Snowmobile Trail System during the winter, due to their larger width and weight.
Lodging, Dining
To keep your taste buds satisfied, you will be able to find everything from fine dining to burgers, sandwiches, and homemade pizza with many options located right on the trails. Langlade County's dining options are on the Dine page.
Enjoy the ride
It all combines to create a phenomenal riding experience.
“As a snowmobiler, you will get a firsthand look at nature's winter wonderland,” Brauner said. “Snowmobiling is a fun, healthful recreation for people of all ages. Nearly floating over the snow on a machine is a thrilling experience. Please enjoy your ride and respect our trails.”
