TOWER- While the lack of snow meant no group snowshoeing or cross-county ski outings through early January, members of the Vermilion Area Activity Club just continued hiking, some weekends on snow-dusted trails, and then some Wednesday evenings around the Tower Ski Trail’s lighted loop.
The group, organized on Facebook, boasts 236 members, though usually around a dozen or so show up for the weekly organized hikes. The hikes are recreational and designed for those of all abilities, including seasoned athletes and recreational walkers.
“Our primary focus will be getting together to enjoy the great outdoors through activities,” group organizers write on their Facebook page.
The group’s first real winter activity will be a snowshoeing get-together on Tower’s Pine Ridges Trail at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 14. The route will follow the outer loop of this new trail system, which is relatively level and very suitable for snowshoeing. Pets are welcome to come along also. This new trail is well marked, with new maps installed at the trailhead and at trail intersections.
The Pine Ridges Trail is located on the north side of Tower, just past Vermilion Senior Living off of Birch St. N.
The ski trails are now off-limits for hiking and snowshoeing, to get a solid base ready for cross-country ski grooming.
Group member Aaron Kania said once there is enough snow for grooming, dogs are not allowed on the ski trails because they can damage the ski tracks. The city did mow the trails this summer, making them a nice dog-friendly hiking option.
The Pine Ridges Trail is a great alternative for winter hiking and snowshoeing options with dogs this winter, he said. Group members hope to keep a snowshoe trail open on the lower loop this winter. The Ancient Cedars Trail, accessible off the Mesabi Trail in Tower, is also suitable for snowshoeing, though poles are recommended for the steeper sections.