|
|
Snow. Cook County is rich in snow. And rich in trails used by those who like to get out and play in the snow. Whether you are cross country skier, fat tire bike rider, snow shoer, or snowmobiler, there is more than enough of the white stuff to go around with most of the trails groomed and ready for action.
Norpine trail report
The Deeryard Loop, Pioneer Loops (other than the State Park, which wasn’t groomed) Cascade Connector, Hall/Massie Loop, Caribou to Lutsen and Whiteside’s/Deertrack trails have all been rolled, and many have been rolled and groomed. Trail reports give the ski trails “very good” conditions.
For up-to-date information on the Norpine trails go to www.norpinetrails.org.
Pincushion Trails
As of January 19, there was a base of 8 to 16 inches and all of the Green trails had been groomed and tracked. Pincushion offers 25 kilometers of fine cross country skiing for all levels of skier.
George Washington Pines
At 3.3 kilometers, this is a great trail for beginners. This trail is also open to skijoring— where a dog pulls a skier—but be sure to clean up if your dog has an “accident”.
Snowshoers are also welcome on the George Washing Pines trail. No ski pass is required to use the trail system at George Washington Pines.
Bally Creek Ski Trail
This is a multi-short loop cross country trail system with several access points. As of January 16, not all of the trails had been groomed. Still, part of the fun of skiing is breaking your own trail.
Banadad Trail
The last report said that all of the east end trails were open and groomed. There is 27 kilometers of single track through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area and 14 kilometers of trails taking off from the eastern end of the system. The Banadad hosts the longest ski trail in the BWCAW and just might be the longest wilderness track trail in the USA. A Minnesota ski pass is required.
Upper Gunflint Trail
With 40 miles of groomed trails and lots of snow, skiing is excellent. The upper Gunflint ski trail system is maintained by the Gunflint Lake Trails Group and requires an Upper Gunflint Trail pass which can be purchased Gunflint Pines, Heston’s Lodge or Gunflint Lodge & Outfitter.
Central Gunflint Ski Trail report
Golden Eagle Lodge reports the ski trails are in great shape. If you want the latest information about the trail, call Golden Eagle Lodge (218) 388-2203 or Bearskin Lodge at 218-388-2292. A central Gunflint ski pass is required.
Snowmobile trails
Cook County has more than 450 miles of snowmobile trails, with the C.J. Ramstad/North Shore State Trail winding through the wildly scenic trail running from Grand Marais to Duluth, connecting with trails in Lutsen, Tofte and other locations. The Gunflint Trail is also a hub of snowmobiling. Trails are cared for and groomed by the Cook County Snowmobile Club-Ridge Riders. Grooming is done weekly and sometimes more often if needed.
Grand Portage Lodge and Casino offers a wide arrangement of snowmobile trails in the Grand Portage Forest. Call the lodge front desk (218-475-2401) for a full report.
Fat Tire Bike conditions
All of the following Fat Tire Bike trails have been groomed: Caribou to Cascade Road, Hall Loop, Massie Loop, and Lutsen Mountains to Ski Hill Road Loop.
Leave a Reply