Trail Detail
Notes
The Balsam Branch trails are open to the public for no charge. When there is snow, tracks are set by Polk County Park and volunteers. The trailhead parking area is always well plowed. Toilet facilities are available at the nearby Kennedy Environmental center but no coffee shop or warming facility. Roughly 4K of lighted trails added in 2010.Trail Reports
2021-2022 season
Tuesday, March 15, 2022
Afternoon
posted: 2022-03-15 13:47:11
Firsthand: Classic [ Trails Open: All, ]
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Went out at noon today after it had warmed up and coverage was still good, with tracks icy in some places but the skate deck was just fine as an alternative. No wet spots and just one bare spot where I went. Thanks to the groomers and all those who helped make this a great season!
(David Wilford)
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Monday, March 14, 2022
Afternoon
posted: 2022-03-14 19:37:48
Firsthand: Classic [ Trails Open: All, ]
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With three inches of snow falling early this morning the coverage on the trails was good. Skate deck wasn't groomed and the classic tracks were covered in places but still visible and easy to go on. No wet spots, no icy patches either. With temps in the upper 30s and a calm wind it was a great day to ski. Hope to get out tomorrow one more time before it starts getting warmer.
(David Wilford)
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Sunday, March 13, 2022
Afternoon
posted: 2022-03-13 17:48:03
Firsthand: Classic [ Trails Open: Most, ]
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Tuesday, March 8, 2022
Afternoon
posted: 2022-03-08 20:28:21
Firsthand: Classic [ Trails Open: Most, ]
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Monday, March 7, 2022
Afternoon
posted: 2022-03-07 14:57:41
Grooming [ Trails Open: Most, ]
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The easier and intermediate trails have been groomed after our ice and snowstorm. The outer black loop is not groomed. There are a few sticks, and the trail gets soft in the sun, but the track is firm and the skate deck is quite firm. Get out early before it warms up and conditions should be good! The trees were delightful today, with the sun shining through the icy sparkling branches.
(Barry Tulkki)
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Saturday, February 26, 2022
Afternoon
posted: 2022-02-27 11:22:31
Firsthand: Classic [ Trails Open: All, ]
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Trails groomed since last snow. In good shape, but skate deck a little chewed up from all the skiers. Classic track on some hills wiped out by herringboning.. A few notes to those who have skied here in the past: The parking lot has been tripled in size since last year, so parking is easy. There is now a new trail for beginners. Flat, and a few K in length.
(Ralph Schwartz)
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Friday, February 25, 2022
Afternoon
posted: 2022-02-26 17:04:43
Firsthand: Classic [
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Thursday, February 24, 2022
Afternoon
posted: 2022-02-24 13:21:00
Firsthand: Classic [ Trails Open: All, ]
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Ended 1 PM. Perfectly formed tracks and beautiful corduroy, hardly used since most recent grooming. Skate deck feels a bit soft despite cold weather, so perhaps it was regroomed this morning. However my pole plants on the outer side of the track lane often found impenetrable ice just below the corduroy surface, and in places there was ice starting to poke through the bottom of the track. Hopefully more snow and grooming will further improve the classic experience!
(Wayne Federer)
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Wednesday, February 23, 2022
Morning
posted: 2022-02-23 14:43:24
Grooming [ Trails Open: All, ]
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All trails tracked and groomed this morning after our fresh snow from yesterday. They should be set up by later in the afternoon. All the debris from earlier in the week is covered over.
(Barry Tulkki)
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Sunday, February 20, 2022
Morning
posted: 2022-02-20 12:58:27
Firsthand: Classic [ Trails Open: All, ]
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Classic tracks were in great shape this morning. There is some debris on the tracks but not a significant amount. No bare spots. When I left at about 11am the warm weather started affecting the tracks. The areas in the sun were getting soft and sticky due to the warm weather.
(Michelle McArdle)
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