GFP News - December 14, 2012
- Snowmobile Trail System Introduces New Interactive Map
- Registration for 16th Annual Mickelson Trail Trek is Open
Snowmobile Trail System Introduces New Interactive Map
PIERRE, S.D. -- Trail conditions and routes will be easier than ever for snowmobilers to view thanks to a new interactive trail map.
In addition to trail conditions, the interactive map pinpoints businesses, restrooms and parking areas along the state snowmobile trail system.
"By clicking on the trails, snowmobilers can view current trail conditions, and eventually pictures," said state snowmobile trail coordinator, Tony Schmitt. "The best part is, the map can be downloaded to your smart phone."
The trail map works with the GPS technology in smart phones to show snowmobilers their location on the trail.
Snowmobile Trails in the Black Hills are scheduled to open Saturday, Dec. 15, but trail officials are waiting for snow.
"The Black Hills has seen minimal snowfall so far," said Black Hills Trail supervisor, Shannon Percy. "Grooming operations will be on hold until we see additional accumulations."
Trails in eastern South Dakota opened Dec. 1, and while there was significant snow over the weekend, bare spots remain on the trails.
"Even though several inches of snow fell in some areas in Eastern South Dakota, the high winds left many areas along the trail system without snow, and the majority of the eastern trails have not been groomed," said Schmitt.
The interactive trail map is available on the Game, Fish and Parks' website (http://gfp.sd.gov/to-do/snowmobile/map.aspx) as well as on the SDGFP Outdoors mobile app for Android and Apple devices.
Trail condition updates are also posted to Twitter accounts dedicated to both the Black Hills and the East River trails (www.twitter.com/SDsnowBHills and www.twitter.com/SDsnowEast).
For more information about snowmobiling in South Dakota, visit www.gfp.sd.gov, or call 605-584-3896 for Black Hills trails information, or 605-773-3391 for East River trails.
Registration for 16th Annual Mickelson Trail Trek is Open
PIERRE, S.D. -- Registration is open for the 16th Annual Mickelson Trail Trek, and bicyclists can sign up online at www.mickelsontrail.com
South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks officials encourage bicyclists to register early to ensure spots in the Trek, which will be held Sept. 20-22, 2013.
The annual supported ride highlights the George S. Mickelson Trail as it winds through the heart of the Black Hills, from Edgemont to Lead/Deadwood. More bicyclists are drawn to the Trek each year. The ride is open to everyone 14-years-old or older.
Riders on the Trail Trek will cover the entire 109 miles of the trail over three days, from Friday, Sept. 20, through Sunday, Sept. 22, 2013.
Registration before July 1, with merchandise, is $180, without merchandise, $150. Registration after July 1 is $180, but merchandise is not available. The registration fee for the three-day ride includes a trail pass, shuttle service, refreshments, one meal and snacks during each day's ride. Riders are responsible for accommodations and mechanical support.
Pre-registration is required and may be completed online by visiting www.mickelsontrail.com and following the "Trail Trek" link. The registration cutoff is Sept. 1, 2013. For more information on the Mickelson Trail or the three-day Mickelson Trail Trek, visit www.mickelsontrail.com or contact the Black Hills Trails office at 605-584-3896.