LATE BREAKING UPDATE: Zones 2, 3, and 4 closed immediately --- Lincoln County snowmobile trails now open, with limited exceptions

LATE BREAKING UPDATE as of 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026:
Lincoln County Forest Administrator Lucas Williams announced that "due to rapidly deteriorating trail conditions, Lincoln County’s funded snowmobile trails (County Administrated Trails) in Zone 2, Zone 3, and Zone 4 will close effective immediately Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026."

"Lincoln County’s funded snowmobile trails (County Administrated Trails) in Zone 1 will remain open," he said. "Winter ATV trails in Zone 1 will remain closed until 5:00 pm on Friday, Jan. 12, 2026. Be advised that winter ATV use on trails is not permitted when the temperature is above 28°F.

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The following article will appear in the Jan. 8 print edition of the Merrill Foto News; however, after the newspaper had been printed, but before it could be delivered by USPS,  changing conditions resulted in the above update:

Lincoln County’s funded snowmobile trails in Zones 1, 2, and 3 opened at 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, with Zone 4 following on Monday, Jan. 5, according to County Forest Administrator Lucas Williams.
Trails in Zone 1, Zone 2, and Zone 3 opened as scheduled Jan. 2. Zone 4, which was initially closed due to trees leaning over the trails from last week’s snowstorm, opened Monday after snowmobile clubs cleared the debris.
Trail F in Zone 2 between intersections 56 and 57 is closed for the season.
Winter ATV trails in Zones 1, 2, and 3 remain closed until 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 12. Winter ATV trails in Zone 4 will open at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13. All trails are closed to winter ATV use when temperatures exceed 28 degrees.
“Please be aware that trails are in early-season condition, with some rough or icy patches in spots,” Williams said. “You may also encounter some remaining debris, such as branches or leaning trees, from last week’s storm as cleanup continues.”

Williams asked riders to follow all trail closure signs, stay on marked routes, and respect private property.
“Our trail system exists thanks to the generosity of local landowners, and your cooperation helps keep these trails open for everyone to enjoy,” he said.
Local snowmobile clubs are reminding riders to stay off lakes and rivers unless a trail has been clearly marked.
“Local snowmobile clubs have dedicated significant time and effort to brushing, signing, and grooming the trails,” Williams said. “Without the ongoing work of these clubs, our trail network would not be possible.”
Williams encouraged riders to thank volunteers, consider joining a club, and support local businesses that sponsor snowmobile clubs.
For current trail conditions, visit co.lincoln.wi.us or call the Trail Hotline at 715.539.1033.