Good to fair conditions with about 10 inches of snow in the woods. Put down really nice track in flat open areas but still bumpy and less snow in the conifer areas. I have not had enough snow to pull a leveling drag but set a base with just snowmobile and tracked over that base with some success. Had to kick snow over ground in only two spots while grooming. Fresh 2.5 inches of snow and very scenic. Was able to track all except a ridge near Escanaba lake Outlet on red loop where snow was still too thin.

(Dan Jacoby, Wisconsin DNR)

This trail seldom closes so Escanaba be open for hiking until we set track. Monday December 11 most of trail was cleared of trees and branches. I should be able to clear the remainder, which is the loop around Pallette Lake before the end of this week. There is approximately 4-6 inches of snow in the woods and running the trail with a snowmobile while clearing will begin to pack a thin base. Due to the rocks and roots of the natural forest floor this trail will require several more significant snow events to have tracks set.
Expect to see some visual changes due to logging. Starting at the trailhead, there has been some cutting with some areas now fairly open. This is due to aspen management practice. There was some oak and hardwood thinning. There will be a different look but in my opinion the aspen was large, mature and falling onto the trail in many areas. I have had to cut many of these off the trail. I am confident the area will regenerate with a healthy forest, comprised of mostly the same tree species, although much younger trees. The area managed was approximately out to the first intersection of the short and longer loops.

(Dan Jacoby, Wisconsin DNR)