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Pedaling a fat tire bike is hard work, but also a lot of fun. File photo
There is always something to do outdoors in the State Parks along the North Shore. This year’s snowfall has not set records, but that does not stop people from enjoying the great outdoors in the north country. The fat-tire trail conditions at Split Rock Lighthouse and Cascade River State Parks are in great mid-season form, packed and firm, and the summer crowds are gone, so now is the perfect time to explore these Minnesota State Parks.
Fat-tire bikes are an off-road bicycle with oversized tires, designed for low ground pressure to allow riding on soft, unstable terrain, such as snow, sand, and mud. The wide tires can be used with low-inflation pressures to allow for a smooth ride over rough obstacles. The sport is growing in popularity and more trails are accommodating this new outdoor winter sport.
At Split Rock Lighthouse State Park north of Duluth, 8.2 miles of fat-tire biking is available on multi-use trails where fat-tire bikers, hikers and snowshoers can all enjoy the same designated, packed trails. The trails are family-friendly and offer a great first-time experience for beginners. The trails meander through the park, follow the shoreline of Lake Superior, and offer amazing views along the way. A valid Minnsota State Park Pass is required and parking can be found in the park at either the Trail Center or the Pebble Beach parking lots.
At Cascade River State Park, a partnership with the Norpine Ski Association has permitted 11 miles of new fat-tire bike trails (also see Facebook Norpine Ski Association) on select cross-country skiing trails. A generous accommodation has been made alongside the ski trails so that fat-bikers can also use the trail. These trails are some of the most scenic along the Sawtooth Mountains. These multiple-use trails are experimental and may provide an avenue to maintain and grow outdoor winter activities and trail grooming – please be courteous when using the groomed trails. Fatbike trail users are asked to consider buying a Great Minnesota State Ski Pass to help support trail grooming efforts. The trails can be accessed from several trailheads along Highway 61 and County Road 45 near the town of Lutsen. Call Cascade River State Park to learn more about winter activities at the park.
There is still plenty of winter left to try fat-tire biking. If you don’t own a fat-tire bicycle, several bicycle shops in Duluth, the surrounding area, and along the North Shore rent them. Additionally, hotels and other lodging facilities are catching onto this sport and can often help bikers find the best trails in the area. Make a plan to visit the North Shore this winter and find out why so many people return year after year.
More information about these trails is available by calling or emailing Split Rock Lighthouse State Park or Cascade River State Park.
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
Phone: 218-595-7625 Email: SplitRockLthouse. StatePark@state.mn.us
Cascade River State Park Phone: 218-387-6000
Email: CascadeRiver. StatePark@state.mn.us
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