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Trail Conditions
Blue Hills Trail CONDITIONS
A lot of rainy weather this summer. Anticipate somewhat soft trails for a while.
Grasses are mid-calf / knee high or taller. To find more hiker friendly trails, scroll down for mowing details. Bikers will find drier (more solid) conditions on much of the West Side trails.
Bring your bug juice, prepare for deer flies and check for ticks.
IMPORTANT UPDATES
snowfall
April 21: wet snow showers
grooming & MOWING
Mowing Report / Plans:
Trail mowing began June 18th. Click on this link for mowing updates.
weather forecast
The Blue Hills Trail Association (BHTA) started our summer trail mowing on June 18th. The map (below) shows the trails mowed as of June 18th. Mowing is accomplished in stages during the months of June/July/August. For an updated mowing report and map, visit our website and click on the 'Trail Conditions' link at the top of the page, then scroll down to the 'Mowing Report'.
Background Details:
- We have 22+ miles of trail that need mowing.
- Our crew of mowing volunteers usually mows a total of about 50 hours each summer.
- Prior to 2003, the Rusk County Forestry Department mowed the entire trail system. They were using a tractor with a deck mower -- and the tractor often created deep ruts that negatively impacted the goal of a smooth trail surface.
- In 2003, we (BHTA) purchased a trail mower to be towed behind an ATV so we could mow the softer trail segments. Even that was less than ideal, still leaving tire ruts that later needed repair.
- In 2014, we switched to mowing using a John Deere Gator on tracks. That's when we organized a trail crew to handle the mowing. Using tracks on the soft trail segments has greatly improved the trail surface when it's time to start wintertime grooming for skiing.
- At this time, the Rusk County Forestry Department mows the driest trail segments with their heavier equipment, this amounts to about 1/4 of the trails.
- The Blue Hills Trail Assn mows the remaining 3/4 of the trails using our 2020 Honda Pioneer (with tracks) pulling our AcrEase Trail Mower that cuts a 57" width.
- The 2003 mower was replaced in 2012 with an updated model; and in 2021 we replaced the 2012 engine with an upgraded Briggs & Stratton engine that is working well.
- Mowing typically begins in late June, and our goal is to complete the bulk of the mowing by mid August.
How to view images: To see larger versions of the thumbnail photos above, click on the thumbnail. If you want to save the image for yourself, simply right click the full size image to obtain the original. Higher quality images are available by contacting our website. To avoid copyright infringement, reprints must credit the Blue Hills Trail Association, Inc.
Image information: If you want to save any images from this blog post for yourself, simply right click the full size image to obtain the original. Higher quality images are available by contacting our website. To avoid copyright infringement, reprints must credit the Blue Hills Trail Association, Inc.
Additional Recent Posts
Each autumn, the Blue Hills Trail Association Inc coordinates a single work day to prepare the Blue Hills Trail for fall hunting, and especially the coming winter cross country ski season. After last winter's heavy snows, the past six months have been unusually wet, and after a couple days of more rain, this morning the work day crew was greeted by 1" of wet snow on the leaf tops. Thanks to a dry spell in July and August, the trails are nicely mowed and provide nice hiking even though very wet. Despite chilly temps near 40 degrees F, one of our best ever work day turnouts showed sixteen hardy souls ready to go at 9 a.m. After a brief planning session in the heated warming house, we split up into seven different groups and spent ~3 hours on trail work each (that's about 48 hours of total labor if you're counting). Today's accomplishments:
- Cleared the entire WestSide of downed trees and encroaching limbs
- Cleared 90% of the EastSide core loop of downed trees and encroaching limbs
- Identified some additional downed trees in need of chainsaw work
- Cleared the snowshoe trail of encroaching limbs, & identified downed trees that need chainsaw work
- Put a new roof (metal) on the men's pit toilet
- Washed the warming house windows
- Cleaned the cobwebs from the warming house furnace & turned it on for the day; it's set to go when the winter ski season arrives.
Many thanks to today's volunteers: Sam Behrends, Mike Cragg, Roger Gray, Lori Gray, Janelle Gruetzmacher, Tyler Gruetzmacher, John Kann, Jenna Lisowe, Frank Lowry, Dave Olsen, Jan Paulsen, Tom Paulsen, Steve Poethke, Steve P, Jonathan Stanley, and John Ziemer.
Unbelievable! It keeps snowing, & snowing, & snowing! Accompanied by persistent cold temps (it hasn't been above freezing for 37 days; 28 of the past 31 days have been below zero), every snowfall adds to the last. Remember those mountainous snowbanks from your childhood winters? Don't let your kids forget this one. Once again, tip your hat to our groomers when you see them out working their magic. Conditions have been uniformly wonderful, our groomers have met this winter's challenges head on. And if you notice a huge divot next to the trail, that's one of our groomers working hard to push the margins. Even the most experienced groomer gets stuck periodically - then it's time to unhitch the grooming implement, extricate the snowmobile, back up to reconnect to the grooming implement, then off to create more corduroy and set more track. It requires continuous concentration, and lots of muscle - not as easy as it looks. The Birkie is just a few days away, invite your friends to ski the Hills while visiting the area. The beauty is contagious.
News Flash! Knowing he had a lot of work ahead of him, the infamous Blue Hills Bill set his anti-hibernation alarm for an early awakening today. Eager to get a start on things, he munched a quick breakfast, and started digging. With near-record deep snows, he dug & dug & dug... and dug & dug & dug... and just in the nick of time, he crawled out of his burrow at 7:25 this morning and delivered his annual prognostication to the awaiting crowd in downtown Bruce, WI. Read on...
Ice in early December,
Brought branches and trees crashing down;
Then snows like none could remember,
Polar winds making hardy folks frown.
Said Bill, "Time's a wastin' - Go play!
"Record snowfall's your ticket to fun;
Ski the Hills now, day after day,
No shadow! when snowbanks block sun!
Comments from the crowd
- 2/2: This winter won't last forever, bundle up the kids, we're heading to the Blue Hills Trail right away! --Bruce, WI
- 2/2: Bill says Spring's coming early! So what if it's cold now, this makes for easy waxing, mint conditions, great classic skiing. Time to get our kicks! --Rice Lake, WI
- 2/2: Thanks for the advice, Bill. So much snow, so little time... --Ladysmith, WI
- 2/2: Better ship some of this extra snow to our friends in Folsom, CA. --Sprinter Gypsy Camp, TX
The annual fall banquet for the Blue Hills Trail Association, Inc. (BHTA) was held Saturday, November 2nd at Lehman's Supper Club in Rice Lake. While bidding on the numerous silent auction items, the enthusiastic attendees enjoyed libations, great food, camaraderie, and a captivating wildlife presentation by DNR Naturalist - Chris Cold.
After a delicious buffet meal, master of ceremonies (Jerry Wilkes) turned the floor over to outgoing BHTA president Dick Pebler who summarized the many significant events impacting the Blue Hills Trail this past year, reporting the trails are in great shape as we head toward winter; and noting that fundraising this fall has been very successful. He was pleased to note that the Blue Hills Trail Association, Inc. remains financially solid. To honor just a few of our many volunteers, a special award was presented: Dick Pebler humbly passed along the "2 Busy 2 Pee" traveling trophy (a porcelain urinal) to Dave Olsen - honoring Dave's busy lifestyle. At that point, prizes valued at close to $7000 were distributed to the attendees -- including Dick Pebler winning the raffle for the Spring Street Sports $250 gift card, and Jeff Sirek winning the raffle for the New Moon $250 gift card. Our many donors graciously give back to their communities -- when the opportunity presents, be sure to offer them a sincere thank you. Pretty soon now, it'll be time to wax our skis!
It looked like March would go out as a lamb, but Mother Nature sure fooled us! It kept snowing and snowing and snowing - topped off by a record setting May 2nd snowstorm that dropped 18 inches in the Hills!
Recent comments from the logbook in the warming house
- 3/25: Great night for a ski. Love how late the sun is out. Thanks for such great trails. The skate lane was fast fast fast. --Bruce, WI
- 3/28: Wow! Skate trail is amazing. Thank you to BHTA for a wonderful ski season. March 28 & the sky is blue, the sun is shining & the skiing is fast. --Rice Lake, WI
- 3/29: Snowshoeing - Awesome. --Australia
- 4/1: Fantastic crust skiing on Westside & over & onto Audie Flowage, & also on Florida Loop. Early morning skiing is fast & almost effortless. Edge control is borderline in some places & the steeper donwhills are exhiliratingly fast. No fooling! --Ladysmith, WI
- 4/10: The snow cover extends unbroken at least 2 km from the warming house, & undoubtedly beyond. --Ladysmith, WI
- 4/12: With the new snow one can ski anywhere! --Ladysmith, WI
- 4/13: Another day's pilgrammage to the Blue Hills. Today I skied the entire Westside with side trips to Audie Lake & from Letter K north. I recommend it to anyone that wants to leave the beaten track. --Ladysmith, WI
- 4/17: The heavy wet snow that fell 3 days ago provided a new surface which this morning's colder temperatures transformed into a firm crust. Skating over it was fantastic, so much better than what I expected to find. --Ladysmith, WI
- 4/19: Getting Out There for a classic ski. AMAZING. --Rice Lake, WI
- 4/24: Eastside crust ski was wonderfully fast on the ski over to the Westside & to Audie Lake. Saw very large paw prints in the snow (wolf?). The return ski was slower in the soft snow in the sun. All in all a wonderful spring ski. --Eau Claire, WI
- 4/25: It ain't over 'til it's over! Skied much of the Eastside on an unbroken crust covered with a centimeter of new snow, which decorated the twigs & branches of all the hilltop trees - until the sun melted it. --Ladysmith, WI
A generous snowfall one week ago (February 22nd) initially created 'too soft' conditions despite abundant grooming. Several days later, sunshine and freeze thaw cycles created an icy glaze, 'too hard'. With the immaculate grooming performed yesterday (Feb. 28), the trails were 'just right'. Goldilocks is pleased. Should be a great weekend in the Hills, give those skis another go-around!
Recent comments from the logbook in the warming house
- 2/18: Loved it! --Cadott, WI
- 2/18: Enjoyed snowshoe trail. --Eau Claire, WI
- 2/18: Me & my honey. --Rio de Janero, Brazil
- 2/18: Nice day, good snow. --Hudson, FL
- 2/18: Loved the snowshoe trail! Beautiful 38 degree day! Thank you for the warm welcome. --Hudson, WI
- 2/20: Best conditions I've skied this winter. Right up there with the Methow Valley in Washington State. --Sumner, WA
- 2/21: Super grooming! --Madison, WI
- 2/23: Avoiding Birkie crowd in Hayward. It's just us & the groomer! --Minneapolis, MN
- 2/23: Silence of the North - it's deafening! --Ladysmith, WI
- 2/23: Ahhhh! The Blue Hills Trail - where the grooming is swoon worthy. Where every skier can imagine they've won the Birkie! Thanks to the groomers. --Ladysmith, WI
- 2/23: I'm so blessed! Wonderful trails - This IS the Life :-) 3 hours of solitude & beauty. --Chetek, WI
- 2/23: We are so Lucky to have such Great trails! Thanks to ALL involved! --Ladysmith, WI
- 2/23: The trails are great! Thanks so much for all your hard work! --Madison, WI
- 2/25: Skate deck firming up nicely. My last Midwest ski for year :-( Back to the Cascade concrete. Hope the snow here holds out thru March. --Sumner, WA
- 2/26: "Spring skiing" is here! Cool nights, mild days, soft breezes, & fresh corduroy in the Hills - thanks again groomers!!!--Ladysmith, WI
- 2/26: Great skiing today! It's good to get back here! --Barron, WI
- 2/26: Excellent classic tracks! The conditions don't get any better. --Exeland, WI
- 2/26: The speed on the skate deck sped up nicely after the sun went down. Nice post Birkie ski. --Bruce, WI
- 2/28: Waiting all year for a ski like today's! Totally under control when screaming fast coming around the curve at the bottom of Rut Road. Yeeee Hawww! --Ladysmith, WI
The infamous Blue Hills Bill crawled out of his burrow this morning and delivered his annual prognostication to the awaiting crowd in downtown Bruce, Wisconsin. Read on...
Suffering delusions,
from weather confusion,
To his doctor did go
Blue Hills Bill;
For temperature tricks,
Doc offered a fix,
"You must swallow
this nasty big pill."
Shadow not missing,
Bill was heard hissing,
"Climate change means
it's time to adapt;
With snow in the Hills,
delay not your thrills,
Ski like crazy
'til you are tapped!"
Comments from the crowd
- 2/2: I'm not wasting any time, heading to the Blue Hills right away! --Bruce, WI
- 2/2: Ski now or forever hold your skis. --Rice Lake, WI
- 2/2: Thanks for the advice, Bill. Carpe diem! --Ladysmith, WI
The Blue Hills Trail Association Inc pursued an aggressive agenda for trail work this summer. Now in mid August, we feel we've reached most of our goals. Many thanks to the Rusk County Forestry Department, the Wisconsin DNR, and the Rusk County Wildlife Restoration Association (WRA) for their help.
When enjoying these trails while hiking/hunting/skiing this fall and winter, take a moment to consider the work that goes into taming mother nature. The past couple days I gained a new appreciation of the difficult task of mowing our trail system. Club member Steve P operated the skidsteer-mower donated by the WRA, and I cleared debris ahead of him while scouting for hidden rocks. A few hours after starting the mowing, Steve's skidsteer slipped off a steep embankment and was stuck in a perilous spot. After Steve cautiously exited the machine, we phoned for help and were rescued by one of our highly skilled local DNR dozer operators. Three hours after the skidsteer left the trail, we were back in action.
Mowing continued into the next day. Thanks to the drying conditions this summer, we felt fortunate to reach our goal of negotiating and mowing about ten typically soft muddy wet sections on the most distant trails of the Eastside. As we were completing the final hour of mowing operations, we found one of the many hidden rocks the Blue Hills has to offer. The head of the bolt securing the mower blade was sheared off, the blade went flying like a piece of shrapnel -- and fortunately humans and equipment survived without significant injury. Hard work, but enjoyable time in the Hills.
As stated earlier, I have a much greater appreciation for those that have mowed these trails the past 30 years. And I'm excited about the other trail work that was accomplished this summer. A lot of dozing of eroded areas was performed in July, then seeded within the past couple weeks. Grass has sprouted, those newly greened trail sections look inviting, and should provide good bird hunting habitat in addition to improvements that will enhance our winter cross country skiing.Thanks to the following for help with summer trail maintenance/improvement:
- Rusk County Forestry - major culvert planning, provision of the culvert, tree clearing in anticipation of mowing, mowing of the Westside trails and portions of the Eastside trails, and provision of grass seed.
- DNR (Ladysmith Center) - planning and dozing of multiple trail segments to enhance erosion control, dozing for insertion of the culvert, guidance with placement of the culvert silt fence, and rescue operation of the immobilized skidsteer mower.
- Blue Hills Trail Assn Inc. - $300 fee for DNR culvert permit, gas for mowing operations.
- Rands Trucking (Ladysmith) - two rolls of silt fence (donated).
- BHTA members Frank Lowry, Jan Paulsen and Tom Paulsen (bridge repair); Tom Paulsen and Jonathan Stanley (trail inspection); John Carr, Tom Paulsen, Jerry Schneider (install silt fence around new culvert and spread grass seed); Dan Bale and Tom Paulsen (spread grass seed); John Ziemer (donated use of his ATV); Dan Bale (use of his truck); Steve P and Tom Paulsen (mowing); Steve P and Jerry Schneider (clearing of the Westside Trails); Dan Bartels (mowing).
- Ladysmith Driftbusters Snowmobile Club member Tom Haasl - instructions in use of the WRA skidsteer mower.
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