1. Snowmobile Laws and Regulations. All snowmobiling laws and regulations (Federal, State, and
Local) are enforced in our area. The following link will direct you to the DNR Michigan Snowmobile
Regulations Web Page:
http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10365_14824-32293--,00.html
2. M-123. M-123 is a State Highway and it is illegal to ride on the plowed portion of State Highways as per State Law. This includes the portion of M-123 that runs through Paradise. You may use the plowed portion of a State Highway only to proceed around obstacles, such as at the Tahquamenon Rivermouth bridge, riding with the flow of traffic against the far right side of the highway.
3. Chippewa County Roads. You may ride on the plowed portion of Chippewa County Roads, such as Whitefish Point Road (Starting at the blinking light in Paradise and heading north to Whitefish Point), when the unplowed portion of the right of way is impassable, as long as you ride on the far right hand side next to the plowed snowbank, with the flow of traffic, single file. The recommended speed limit is 30 mph.
4. Paradise Town Trail. The snowmobile trail through Paradise runs on the North side of M-123 West of Paradise to the trail head approximately 1/4 mile West of the intersection with Whitefish Point Road and on the West side of M-123 South of Paradise to the intersection with the Birch Hill Trail approximately 1 1/4 miles South. You must ride within the orange pole barrier of the trail on the unplowed portion of the right of way, and you must not exceed the posted speed limit of 15 MPH, as per Whitefish Township Ordinance #060100. These rules are enforced. Use extreme caution at driveways, as you are required to yield the right of way to vehicles pulling in and out of driveways.
5. School Buses. You must follow the same rules for school buses as if you were in you're vehicle. Stop for school buses loading and unloading as the children may have to cross the snowmobile trail or road you are riding on.
6. Driveways. Use extreme caution on plowed roads as it can be difficult at times to see vehicles pulling out of driveways and as the operator of a recreational vehicle you must stop and yield the right of way to these vehicles.
7. Maps. All maps, snowmobile and otherwise, are for general information, so please be cautious of items that may not be noted on the maps such as unmarked plowed roads. Property owners may plow roads into their property and, although the groomers are required to carry signs to put up at these crossings, some trails may not be groomed on a daily basis resulting in a delay of marking the crossing.
8. Paradise-Raco-Hulbert Trail. At times the portion of the Paradise-Raco-Hulbert Trail between Paradise and the Tahquamenon River may be impassable due to water holes. During these times we groom a temporary trail on the west side of M-123 between Paradise and the Tahquamenon River. Exercise caution at all driveways, yielding the right of way to vehicles, and do not ride on the plowed portion of the road.
9. Private Property. Although much of the land in our area is publicly owned by the Federal, State, and Local Governments or is part of the Commercial Forest Reserve (This allows public access on lands which are privately owned in exchange for a lower tax base and protection from liability), there is a large amount of private property, including the majority of the property on the Lake Superior and Whitefish Bay Shorelines. Not only is it illegal to operate a snowmobile within 100 feet of a residence, but riding near houses and other buildings can cause serious problems and damage. The noise of snowmobiles riding too close to a house can be very disturbing to the residents. Also all water and sewage in Whitefish Township and many other rural areas in the Upper Peninsula, is handled by individual wells and septics at each house and building. If you drive your snowmobile near a house or building, not only might you be trespassing, but you may be causing water and septic lines to freeze and/or break, which can be a great expense to repair. Another major concern of property owners along the shoreline is excessive erosion caused by snowmobilers trying to gain access on and off the lake. Be considerate, help protect the sport of snowmobiling by respecting the rights of property owners.
10. Litter. Do not litter. Come spring, flowers begin to blossom, trees bloom, birds return, animals come out of hibernation, and, all the litter shows up. It can be very unsightly and is damaging to the reputation of all snowmobilers.
11. Maintenance. Proper preventative maintenance and inspections of your snowmobile, especially the track and suspension components may not only save you money on repairs and make for a more pleasant riding experience, but helps keep the trails cleaner and safer. Broken snowmobile parts on the trails are a hazard to other riders and vehicles and makes for unsightly debris.
12. Be prepared. Make sure everyone in your group has a current trail map and has reviewed it. Check with the local businesses to see if they are aware of any changes or hazards that may have developed. Have a plan for what to do in case your group becomes separated. Stop and wait at intersections and road crossings for the rest of your group to help lessen the chance of becoming separated. In many groups a rule of thumb is that you are responsible for the person behind you. If you lose track of them stop and wait. At road crossings it is a good idea for the leader to get off their snowmobile and wave the remaining members of his group across the road after they have made a complete stop, as it can sometimes be difficult to see oncoming traffic while seated on your snowmobile with your helmet on.
13. Riding on Ice. Riding on ice can be very dangerous. If you find yourself riding on ice, please, exercise caution, as ice conditions can change by the hour. There are many hazards to watch for such as pressure cracks, ice moguls, and creeks and streams that create crevices, open water, and thin ice. These, among other hazards, can be difficult if not impossible to see, and can cause damage to your snowmobile and injury to yourself.
14. Accidents. Experience, speed, and alcohol are factors in many accidents. If your experience exceeds that of someone in your group it can be very easy to push them past their riding capabilities. Inexperienced riders may crash just trying to keep up with others in their group. Speed and/or alcohol factors in accidents are widely known, so please use common sense when riding. Don't forget, snowmobile violations do go against your drivers license.
15. Emergencies. Whitefish Township Emergency Services and the other Ambulance services in the area are well trained, equipped, and have the experience to handle extrication of injury victims from the woods and trails. You should not attempt to move an injured person. If you have any doubt about the condition of a person, whether involved in an accident or for other reasons, call 911 for help. That person can be checked by the local Emergency Services and has the option of refusing transport. Please note though, if there is reason to doubt a persons condition, then transport to a local hospital is recommended.
Please help support your right to ride by respecting others rights.
Thank you