WhiteRhino
November 10th, 2004, 01:10 PM
This is the location of the Great Lakes Fall run. The run is based out of the Blueberry Hills Campground (BB) which is located about 20 miles north of the Soo on Highway 17. BB is a nice campground with mature trees and all of the usual campground amenities. There are also a half dozen rooms available at reasonable rates. There is gas and food within a mile of the campground. And, a short drive into town to Canadian Tire will provide most auto parts and camping supplies.
Trails in this area offer mud, rocks, hills and logs. Sometimes all in one package. There are many roads that can be explored with a stock vehicle, but as soon as you leave a mapped "road", stock vehicles are likely to have problems. Although not as radical as the pay to play parks, there is plenty of challenge area. There are areas that have rocks from the size of basketballs to the size of motorhomes. Stream crossings are common. There are trails that will swallow 40" tires and there are trails that are very tight and twisty.
The scenery is outstanding. High cliffs, beaver dams and beutiful waterfalls are all around. In many areas, views of Lake Superior can be found. Moose have been seen by several people. There are always signs of bear, moose, deer and wolf. (scat and tracks)
The biggest problem for a first timer is knowing where to go. There is no way to explain in writing how to get to specific destinations. So, anyone wanting to go for the first time should arrange a meeting with some of the GL members who are familiar with the trails.
Things to keep in mind:
1) The area gets remote fast. There is no cell phone service and CB radios are the only form of communication. Which means if you get very far out, you are on your own. The OPP monitors ham radio transmissions.
2) Many trails are very tight and brushy. For those who want to keep a DD in show condition, this is not the place for you.
3) Most trail rides will last all day and often into the night. A breakdown may create an overnight stay. So, warm clothes, extra food and spare parts are a good idea.
4) In most cases, 33" tires, at least one locker and a winch are a good idea.
5) Since this is Canada, bugs are bad from spring to fall. Bug repellant with DEET is the only solution.
6) Maps are a must! Topo maps can be purchased at the north end of the Soo at the Trading Post which is on Hwy 17 at 4th line road on the east side of the highway.
7) This is one area where a properly sized spare is VERY IMPORTANT. (example: we were about 20 miles from the nearest pavement when a member drove over some sharp sticks and sliced the sidewalls of 2 of his 33" swampers. Without his spare and another borrowed, his day was done and he could not be reached by a trailer)
In summary, the appeal of Canada is the beautiful scenery and the remote areas that give a feeling of being out in the true wilderness.
Trails in this area offer mud, rocks, hills and logs. Sometimes all in one package. There are many roads that can be explored with a stock vehicle, but as soon as you leave a mapped "road", stock vehicles are likely to have problems. Although not as radical as the pay to play parks, there is plenty of challenge area. There are areas that have rocks from the size of basketballs to the size of motorhomes. Stream crossings are common. There are trails that will swallow 40" tires and there are trails that are very tight and twisty.
The scenery is outstanding. High cliffs, beaver dams and beutiful waterfalls are all around. In many areas, views of Lake Superior can be found. Moose have been seen by several people. There are always signs of bear, moose, deer and wolf. (scat and tracks)
The biggest problem for a first timer is knowing where to go. There is no way to explain in writing how to get to specific destinations. So, anyone wanting to go for the first time should arrange a meeting with some of the GL members who are familiar with the trails.
Things to keep in mind:
1) The area gets remote fast. There is no cell phone service and CB radios are the only form of communication. Which means if you get very far out, you are on your own. The OPP monitors ham radio transmissions.
2) Many trails are very tight and brushy. For those who want to keep a DD in show condition, this is not the place for you.
3) Most trail rides will last all day and often into the night. A breakdown may create an overnight stay. So, warm clothes, extra food and spare parts are a good idea.
4) In most cases, 33" tires, at least one locker and a winch are a good idea.
5) Since this is Canada, bugs are bad from spring to fall. Bug repellant with DEET is the only solution.
6) Maps are a must! Topo maps can be purchased at the north end of the Soo at the Trading Post which is on Hwy 17 at 4th line road on the east side of the highway.
7) This is one area where a properly sized spare is VERY IMPORTANT. (example: we were about 20 miles from the nearest pavement when a member drove over some sharp sticks and sliced the sidewalls of 2 of his 33" swampers. Without his spare and another borrowed, his day was done and he could not be reached by a trailer)
In summary, the appeal of Canada is the beautiful scenery and the remote areas that give a feeling of being out in the true wilderness.