Oneida County snowmobile trails close

Less than a month after the Oneida County snowmobile trail system opened, warm weather has led to its closure. 

On Monday, the Oneida County forestry, land and recreation department issued a press release saying all trails, state and club funded, were to close Wednesday at 8 a.m.

“At this time, the closure is expected to be temporary and may reopen when/if weather and trail conditions improve,” the press release says. “The Oneida County Snowmobile Ordinance prohibits snowmobiles from operating on trails when closed.”

County forest director Jill Nemec said trail conditions are “deteriorating,” though the decision is temporary at this time. 

“Hopefully when conditions improve, we can open them back up,” she said. 

Vilas County’s trail system was opened up a little earlier to riders. 

According to county parks and recreation supervisor Todd Bierman on Wednesday, that trail system will close as well. 

“The Vilas County snowmobile trails and routes will temporarily close on March 2, 2025, at noon,” a press release Vilas County Forestry, Recreation and Land Department issued Wednesday says. “The warm weather and high traffic since the trails opened have taken its toll with a dirt/snow mix as well as many areas with bare ground and pavement.”

Iron County’s trails, according to a Facebook post Wednesday, were to close Thursday with potential to reopen depending on weather.

Trevor Greene may be reached via email at [email protected].