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 are the trail numbers to know, the permit and season dates, and a warm 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 to Snowmobile in Iron County, Michigan
About 250 miles of groomed, marked trail follow old railroad beds, wind through the woods and cross the lakes. They connect Iron River, Crystal Falls and Amasa, and run on north toward the Sidnaw and Kenton country.
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
Iron County Snowmobile Trails: Railroad Grades, Woods and Lakes
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: stay on the marked trail, and watch for slush, open water near inlets and holes left by ice fishermen.
Read The Map
Iron County Snowmobile Trail Numbers to Know
Learn a handful of numbers and you can find your way across the 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, the Chippewa Trail, links Iron River and Crystal Falls, then keeps going east toward Sagola.
- Trail 15 heads north out of Iron River into the Ottawa National Forest, and it runs south too.
- Trail 116 runs past Chicaugon Lake and Gaastra and ties Trails 16 and 2 together. Young's sits right off it, with lunch at FireBrick Bar & Grill.
- Trails 18, 111 and 113 branch out of Crystal Falls, and 113 runs south to Alpha. Trail 107 covers the northwest corner.
Before You Ride
Iron County Snowmobile Trail Conditions and Maps
The groomers go out when there's enough snow on the ground, and not before. For the latest, call the Iron Range Trail Club's trail line at 906-265-7152 or check its trails page. Follow the orange trail signs, and carry a paper map: your phone can lose its signal back in the woods.
Local Help
Iron County Snowmobile Clubs: Iron River and Crystal Falls
Michigan's trails are groomed by nearly 70 local clubs, paid for by the trail permits and registrations riders buy. These two 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 for a trail update.
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. In winter, watch for the antique sleds of the Relic Ride.
Chippewa Sno-KatsSeason & Permits
Michigan Snowmobile Season, Trail Permit and Rules (2026–27)
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. From out of state, bring your home-state or provincial registration.
Young Riders
Ages 12–16 need a safety certificate to ride without an adult or cross a road. Under 12 need an adult with them and can't cross a road at all.
Free Snowmobiling Weekend
Ride without a permit one weekend each winter. The 2027 dates haven't been announced: see our free weekends guide.
Helmets and lights.
Every driver and passenger wears a DOT-approved helmet, and the
headlight and taillight stay on at all times.
Questions
Snowmobiling in Iron County: Common Questions
When does snowmobile season open in Iron County, Michigan?
State trails are open December 1 to March 31, and the clubs start grooming once there's enough snow.
How much is a Michigan snowmobile trail permit for 2026–27?
$65. It's good from October 1 to September 30, and you can buy it online or from a license agent or dealer.
How many miles of snowmobile trail are in Iron County?
About 250 miles of groomed, marked trail, kept up by the Iron Range Trail Club around Iron River and the Chippewa Sno-Kats around Crystal Falls.
How do I check Iron County snowmobile trail conditions?
Call the Iron Range Trail Club at 906-265-7152 for a trail update, or check the club's trails page and our snow and trail report.
Where can I park a trailer to ride from Crystal Falls?
At the Chippewa Sno-Kats trailhead, 9 Superior Avenue, which has trailer parking, a map sign and portable toilets.
Do out-of-state riders need Michigan registration?
No. Bring your home-state or provincial registration, and buy a Michigan trail permit.
When is Michigan's 2027 Free Snowmobiling Weekend?
The dates haven't been announced yet. Watch our free weekends guide.
Start Planning
Plan Your Iron County, Michigan Snowmobile Trip
Pick your route on the trail map and check the conditions before you load the trailer. Then book a warm room close to the trail for the end of the day. Off the sled, there's Ski Brule, ice fishing and plenty more to do in winter.
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.