Old Railroad Beds
The old rail lines are the long haul. They run wide and gentle, and they're the way to cover ground between towns.
906-214-2308
906-265-9100
40 E Adams St
Iron River, MI 49935
Michigan Snowmobile Trails in Iron County — Maps & Permits
Iron County • Michigan
Iron County has about 250 miles of groomed snowmobile trail, running through the woods and across frozen lakes from Iron River to Crystal Falls and beyond. Here you'll find the trail numbers to know, the permit and season dates, and a place to stay.
250 MILES
Of groomed, marked trail across the county
DEC. 1
State trails open, and they run through March 31
$65
Michigan trail permit, good Oct. 1 – Sept. 30
70 IN.
Of snow in an average winter, and over 100 in the big ones
Start With The Trails
Where Do You Snowmobile in Iron County?
Around 70 inches of snow comes down in an average winter, and more in the big ones. It lands on about 250 miles of groomed, marked trail that follows old railroad beds, winds through the woods and crosses the lakes, connecting Iron River, Crystal Falls and Amasa and running on toward the Sidnaw and Kenton country to the north.
Two local clubs keep it all groomed. The Iron Range Trail Club looks after 148 miles around Iron River, and the Chippewa Sno-Kats groom more than 100 miles around Crystal Falls.
From here the trails tie into the rest of the Upper Peninsula, so you can spend a weekend on the local loops or point the sled out for a long day ride.
DNR Interactive Trail MapStay In Iron County
Where to Stay for Snowmobiling in Iron County
Know The Terrain
What Is Riding in Iron County Like?
This is forest, lake and river country. Most days you'll ride a mix of three kinds of trail.
Northwoods Trails
These run narrower and twist through spruce, pine and hardwoods. Keep right, and watch the corners for oncoming sleds and groomers.
Lake Crossings
Some routes cut straight across frozen lakes. Ice is never guaranteed, so stay on the marked trail and check the local reports before you head out.
Read The Map
Iron County Trail Numbers to Know
Learn a handful of numbers and you can find your way across the whole county. Every one is signed along the trail.
- Trail 2 comes in from the west through Iron River and Caspian, then follows the Brule River southeast toward Alpha.
- Trail 16 links Iron River and Crystal Falls, then keeps going east of Crystal Falls.
- Trail 15 heads north out of Iron River into the national forest.
- Trails 18, 111 and 113 branch out of Crystal Falls. Trail 113 runs south to Alpha.
Before You Ride
Check Conditions and Carry a Map
The groomers go out when there's enough snow on the ground, and not before. Check the trail report before you head out, and follow the orange trail signs. Carry a paper map too, since your phone can lose its signal back in the woods.
Local Help
The Clubs That Groom Iron County's Trails
Every mile you ride in Michigan is groomed by volunteer clubs, and the trail permits and registrations riders buy pay for the work. These two clubs cover Iron County.
Iron River
Iron Range Trail Club
The club runs its own groomers with volunteer operators and keeps up 148 miles of trail around Iron River. Call 906-265-7152.
Iron Range Trail ClubCrystal Falls
Chippewa Sno-Kats
The Sno-Kats groom more than 100 miles around Crystal Falls. Their trailhead at 9 Superior Avenue has trailer parking, a map sign and portable toilets all year.
Sno-Kats Groomer ReportSeason & Permits
Snowmobile Season and Permit Rules
Every sled on a state trail needs a permit, and the price went up for 2026–27. Buy it before you trailer north and you're set for the whole season.
Trail Season
December 1 – March 31. The groomers go out when there's enough snow.
Trail Permit
$65, good October 1 – September 30. Buy it online or from a license agent or dealer.
Registration
Michigan sleds register with the Secretary of State. If you're from out of state, bring a valid home-state registration.
Young Riders
Ages 12–16 need a safety certificate to ride without an adult or cross a road. Riders under 12 need direct adult supervision.
Helmets and lights.
Every driver and passenger wears a DOT-approved helmet, and the
headlight and taillight stay on at all times. Dates for the 2027
Free Snowmobiling Weekend haven't been announced yet.
Start Planning
Start Planning Your Iron County Snowmobile Trip
Pick your route on the trail map, and check the snow report before you load the trailer. Then book a warm room in Iron River or Crystal Falls for the end of the day.
Winter and tagged amasa michigan, crystal falls michigan, Gaastra Michigan, iron county, Iron County Trails, iron river michigan, michigan snowmobiling, snowmobile trails, snowmobiling, upper peninsula michigan.
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Rewarding Places to Stay in Michigan
AmericInn
by Wyndham
Chicaugon
Lake Inn
906-265-9244
1700 County Road 424
Gaastra, MI 49917
Lakeshore Motel
Ice Lake
906-265-3611
1257 W Ice Lake Rd
Iron River, MI 49935
Pioneer
Lodge
800-362-7853
373 Brule Mountain Rd
Iron River, MI 49935
Ski Brule
Village
800-DO-BRULE
906-265-4957
397 Brule Mountain Rd
Iron River, MI 49935
Tall
Pines
906-822-7713
1968 US 141 Highway
Amasa, MI 49903
Iron County Michigan Visitors Guide
Iron County is one of the Upper Peninsula’s best kept secrets. From camping to fishing, hunting to canoeing, mountain biking to forest bathing – no matter your interests, the great outdoors and clear crisp air await you here.