FIVE FAVOURITE TRAILS – OFSC District 16

by Karina Hunter

Planning to tour the Northshore via snowmobile this winter? Be sure to include my Five Favourite Trails of the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) District 16, also known as North Superior Snowmobile Association (NOSSA) in your travels. I’ve put this list together with a little help from those who know the trails best, the snowmobile club members who build and maintain them.  Members of White River Snowbank Riders, Manitou Sno-Drifters (Manitouwadge), Marathon Sno-Kickers, Lake Superior Family Sno-Goers (Terrace Bay), Nipigon  Bay Snowmobile Club, Hornepayne Snowmobile Club, Longlac Snowmobile Club, Nakina Snowmobile Club, Kenogamisis Snowmobile Club and Thunder Bay Adventure Trails Club work diligently year round maintaining these trails which cover an incredibly diverse landscape and though they are challenged with more mileage and fewer volunteers than southern snowmobile clubs of the OFSC, they continue to produce a first class snowmobiling experience for those who choose to travel to District 16. 

Countless hours of grooming are involved in maintaining one of the greatest trail systems in North America but there is much more to the work snowmobile clubs do than just winter trail maintenance.  Equally important  is the hard work that is done the other 7-8 months of the year during warmer months, brush cutting, more signage, bridge construction and repair are just a few of the tasks which are dealt with during spring, summer and fall over the thousands of km of trails which our clubs steward.  There is also the constant need for fundraising via poker runs, snow drags and other snowmobiling events and though the clubs could certainly use every penny, most choose to share the moneys raised through fundraising with non-profit organizations in their communities, something often overlooked by members of the general public. It is important to remember, as snowmobile tourism has slowed that these clubs play an important role in our communities that goes far beyond a simple tourist attraction. 

During the past 10 years, I have spent much time touring the trails of District 16 with large and small groups, writing about the scenic views which we enjoy along the way, and the experience never gets old.  There is always something new around the next corner and I’ve made many friendships through these shared adventures.  In no particular order, the following are my Five Favourite Trails of District 16:

1. D109 trail linking White River to trail D109A to Manitouwadge

D109 near White River.

Nominated by the Snow Bank Riders’ newest member, EDO James Bernardi “I like the terrain and the fact that much of it is old logging roads and provides some beautiful scenery”said Bernardi, I must agree, there are some spectacular heights along this stretch where it feels like you are on top of the world and can see forever

2.D110A from Manitouwadge – Marathon.

Bridge on D110A towards Marathon.

Spectacular views aren’t the only extraordinary things you’ll see on the D110A, one of the largest snowmobile-dedicated bridges of District 16 crosses the Pic River where the D110A runs parallel to Hwy 17.

3. D Trail West from Marathon– Terrace Bay

Suggested by Gordon Linfield, President of the Marathon Sno-Kickers another nomination with which I concur. The view of Lake Superior from mountain tops accessed by the D West is without compare. Gordon loves this trail because of the unique terrain and diverse wildlife regularly spotted on this trail. I have to add that the enormous icicles created along cliff sides on this trail are a must see for any who enjoy photography. 

4. D109A Manitouwadge – Hillsport

Just outside Manitouwadge on the back of Willy Smedt's sled (owner of www.bristolmotel.com wawa,ontario)

This trail has been opened up once again thanks to the bridges installed on Nama Creek in 2009, making it safer for snowmobilers and the Manitou-Sno Drifter’s groomer to use, it made my list of Favourite Five because after a decade of obstacles, it is finally complete! 

5. D Trail from Nipigon East to Schreiber

I absolutely love driving below the huge icicles along the D trail from Nipigon - Schreiber.

This trail is one of the most challenging stretches on the west loop of what was once known as the Superior Snow Challenge Loop.  The hills seem never ending, one climb after another will test your endurance but the views from the top of these heights are well worth the effort!

Ready to begin plannng your snowmobiling adventure through the wilds of District 16? Contact the NOSSA office at 1-800-526-7522; Administrative Assistant Chris Leduc can provide you with a map and important information regarding trail conditions, gas stops and accommodations providers.  This article was prepared for Canadian Trails SNowmobile & ATV Magazine, published by the Chronicle Journal.