Trail and Woods Report

Happy May Day! Wet conditions to kick off the month and the end of last month. Just under an inch of rain on Thursday and just over 2″ on Monday. Overall the rain was welcomed and has really brought the moss and grass on ski trails to life. With a little warmth to come, the woods should really “spring” to life. 

Spring is evident more each day with wildflowers and flora emerging from the forest flor. A great time of year to be in the woods and one of the best times for hiking and biking with no bugs etc. to take in the sounds of spring with birds, waterfowl and frogs echoing through the woods. 

The ice went off Little Sugarbush on April 16th and on nearby lakes. The loons have returned and the water is busy with a nice variety of waterfowl. The ice off is always a special time of year, marking the transitions of seasons from winter to spring. 

The trails are drying up and we are back in the woods doing trail work, focusing on the mountain bike trails. We are clearing sticks, branches and blowing out leafy areas but also cutting deadfall off the ski trail, cutting in to blocks and splitting for firewood for winter season 2025/26.. 

The mountain bike trails are open, click here for report. Nice to see folks out. this year so far.

A few wildflowers are emerging from the forest floor and and a few other signs of flora on the forest floor and the grounds slowly greening up.

Thanks everyone who supports the trails at Maplelag. We had a fun run to end the ski season. We appreciate you very much and can’t wait to have folks back on the trail for dirt season. Stay tuned for more updates.

Bloodroot flowers ready to emerge from the forest floor, May 1st, 2025. The woods should really start to come to life with warm weather moving in.
North end of Little Sugarbush lake, May 1st, 2025. Water tables and lake levels are above normal with recent rain and good moisture from winter snow.
Maplelag creek running good after 1.3″ of recent rainfall on April 28th, 2025.
Hepatica flowers blooming in full force today, April 26th, 2025.
Trumpeter swans on Kohlepp’s pond, April 23rd, 2025.
Evening scene along Mother North Star, April 21st, 2025.
Mossy ski trail, April 21st, 2025.
Busy beaver on a large oak tree. April 21s,t 2025. 
Group of trumpeter swans enjoying ice free Little Sugarbush lake, April 17th, 2025.
Bullhead lake ice free, April 13th, 2025.
Sunset over Little Sugarbush lake as seen in front of the new sauna, April 15th, 2025.
Edge of Little Sugarbush lake, April 13th, 2025.
Sunday night lightning, April 13th, 2025.