9147-R2_MSA_September2025_Newsletter

“Which way do we go, George?” “You can’t get there from here.” By: Shanna Towle

O ne of the enduring dilemmas on the trails is deciding which direction to take. Should you trust the map in your hand, the app on your sled or phone, or the sign posted in front of you? The guiding principle is to follow the trail signs directly in front of you. Although maps and apps are incredibly useful, they can quickly become outdated—especially when unfore seen changes arise after their publication. Planning your mileage, fuel stops, and meal breaks is valuable, but the situation can shift once you’re actually out riding. It’s not uncommon to find yourself saying, “My map app shows the trail going left, but there aren’t any signs. I see tracks that way, but I have no idea if the trail is open.”This scenario is all too familiar to anyone who spends time on the trails.

Often, after meticulously plotting a route with designated stops for fuel, food, and rest, you set off—only to discover that the actual route looks nothing like your plan. A recent example comes from this past season with the ITS 120 Connec tor trail, which was rerouted due to major log ging operations in the area. The established route shown on the Northern Maine Snowmo bile Trails map was no longer accurate. Instead, the actual path, as recorded on my app while fol lowing trail signs, was significantly different.

It’s important to remember that trail maintenance and signage rely on dedicated volunteers, and sometimes signs are missed, removed, or knocked down. This situation underscores the critical importance of effective signage. No matter how care fully you plan or how closely you follow the posted markers, there’s always an element of uncertainty about where the trail will ultimately lead you. Another important point for trail riders is always to be prepared for the unexpected—whether it’s a broken-down snowmobile, a wild animal, or an obstacle blocking the trail. Ride according to your skill level and experience, keep to the right, and maintain a sensible speed. You never know what might be waiting just beyond the next curve or over the next hill.

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