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TRAIL REPORTS
[ Please send your report to us! ]
 January
03, 2008
" Had a group up from Iowa to the cabin (new to
the north woods and deep snow, they were impressed). Rode the
Lutsen trails on 1/2/09 from
near Pike Lake. Very nice shape, as Chad said in his report, no trail
maps on the signs ( we picked some up in Grand Marais at Steve's
Sports ). I know these trails well, however if I didn't it would have
been tough to tell where to go. Rode up to
Trail Center Lodge via the
Gunflint snowmobile trail on 1/3/09.
Came back on the Expressway. Gunflint Trail
System was bumpy past the Brule River, everything else that we rode
was nice. We hit some unplowed roads and powder was over the hood most
of the way. Snow on the ground 24-30" now. "
See trailhead options; C,
M or K for planning this route. Report by
Jeff H., St. Michael, Minnesota. Send your report
to us!
January
03, 2008
" We Launched from the trailhead in
Cascade River State Park
1 mile west of Cascade Lodge off of HWY 61 in Lutsen @1pm. This is a
large parking area with plenty of room for trucks with 4 place
trailers. The wind was howling and snow was really starting to pile up
when we reached the turn off into the trailhead and onto the Deer
Trail. We headed north on the Deer Trail to the
Muehlberg Trail. Today
we wanted to cover all of the Lutsen area snowmobile trails east of
Lutsen MTN Ski Area, including the North Shore State Trail. We've
heard the trails were in bad shape. We found all trails were groomed
and in very nice shape.
Though we found no maps in the map boxes at kiosks, and the maps that
were supposed to be displayed at trail kiosks were; outdated, missing
or ripped in half... so make sure you always have a current trail map
with each person in your group. Maps are available at fuel stations
and visitor centers. We really appreciated that there were trail signs
along the trails with the trail name on them... we also thought the
area where the; Beaver Trail, Caribou Trail and the Lutsen Access
converge to be difficult to decipher. Someone needs to get out there
and replace the old maps on the kiosks and get some maps in the map
boxes. Read more and see
images. "
See trailhead options; M or
K for planning this route. Report by
Chad Jones / Editor snowmobiletrails.com -
Grand Marais, Minnesota. Send your report
to us!
January
02, 2008
" Area lakes chalk full of untracked powder! We Launched
from the Devil Track Lake / Old Cook County Runway
Access area. Bright sunshine, windy and single digits, We planned to go west down to the
Lutsen Ski Hill area, then we realized there was too much
untracked powder to rip up. Around the parking area there were
snowbanks with virgin powder the other side. We shredded,
jumped, carved and fell off in the area for a half an hour. Brushed
our sleds and goggles off and hit the lake surface. We made it half
way down the lake and decided trail riding in the near zero temps, was
not as rewarding as the powder we were riding right by. For about two
hours we carved the powder snow and drifts in the middle of the lake.
It didn't take long and we were sweating and covered with snow. I was
lucky enough to fall off my sled in a slush area and filled my boots
and gloves with some nice slush. Even though it was blustery and bitter cold
throwing the sleds around was the ticket today. Maybe tomorrow too.
Boots are on the dryer and getting all my gear
dry for tomorrow.
Read more and see
images. "
See trailhead option C for planning this route. Report by
Chad Jones / Editor snowmobiletrails.com -
Grand Marais, Minnesota. Send your report
to us!
December
31, 2008
" Launched from the Grand Portage Casino / Lodge at noon, minus 2°
and sunny... headed to Mineral Center via the Skyline Trail. Hit the
Cowboy Loop first, it was knee deep
powder, not groomed, which was very fun, heck... we rode it
twice. The Partridge Falls and Chevan's Road appeared to be rolled or
dragged, though both were in good shape. There was a lot of moose
tracks on the trails. Stopped at Partridge Falls,
to see the Pigeon River tumbling down. Attempted to take some pics,
but the camera was dead from the sub zero temps. We usually ride
the river west from this area... no tracks yet venturing upstream and
some dark areas, so we stayed off the river today. Even though
these trails were not groomed, only rolled or dragged, the surface was
very smooth with 4 or so inches of powder on top.
Read more and see
images. "
See trailhead options;
D or L for planning this route. Report by
Chad Jones / Editor snowmobiletrails.com -
Grand Marais, Minnesota. Send your report
to us!
December
21, 2008
" My son and I left Two Harbors at 9:00 a.m. Rode the
North Shore Trail from Two Harbors to
County road 8 outside of Schroeder. Trail from Two Harbors to Finland
was nice. Good powder, some ruts. From Finland to County road 8, broke
trail ourselves. 16 to 20" powder. Took an hour to go 9 miles. It was
fun, though. Took county road 8 to Trestle Inn. Ate a burger (always
good), gassed up at Crooked Lake Resort, and headed back. Trail was
still good to Finland, but was well worn from there to Two Harbors ( 4
to 5:30 p.m.). Saw about 14 other Sledders the whole day. 162 miles
round trip."
See trailhead option
I
for planning this route. Report by Terry S., Robbinsdale, Minnesota. Send your report
to us!
December
21, 2008
" We rode the Gunflint Snowmobile Trail
System yesterday from Devil Track Lake, up to the Windigo Lodge,
Hungry Jack Lodge and Poplar Lake. The trail across Devil Track Lake
was hard to see with the heavy snow coming down. Some open water near
the shallows on the east end of Devil Track Lake on the way to the G
Trail, stay close to shore. While riding the Expressway we came upon a
man walking with his helmet in his hands. We stopped and made
contact with him. His sled became buried in slush in the Musquash
area, crossing a creek. Turned out to be a local guy and we gave him a
ride home. Others didn't even ask if he needed help and kept going.
When someone is walking on a snowmobile trail and carrying their
helmet, for gods sake stop and help! He was wet and very cold... After
dropping him off, we went on our way north up the Expressway. Little
bumpy but in better condition than the G Trail. We hit the spur to
Hungry Jack Lodge and stopped for fuel and to see how the new lodge
construction was going, as the historic lodge burned to the ground
this past spring. Poplar Lake and Hungry Jack Lake were full of
soft drifts and powder...exquisite. We were the only tracks on Poplar
Lake, and made the first trail off the lake to Windigo Lodge. Slush
under the snow near shore in many areas on most lakes this year. Had a
good lunch at Windigo; pizzas, and burgers and beer.
The snow was starting to pile
up on our way back to Devil Track Lake... we took the G Trail down to
the Pine Mountain Road, which was 16 plus inches of powder snow most
of the way. Trails were in pretty good shape, well worth the ride!
If you want powder...get up here. About 55 miles round trip. "
See trailhead options; B, C or
F for planning this route. Report by
Chad Jones / Editor snowmobiletrails.com -
Grand Marais, Minnesota. Send your report
to us!
December
20, 2008
" Rode most of the Grand Portage Trail System, OK early winter conditions, grooming is taking
place, few other riders. We started at the Mineral Center parking
area. Less snow here than; areas west / the Gunflint Snowmobile Trail
System. "
See trailhead option D
for planning this route. Report by
Chad Jones / Editor snowmobiletrails.com -
Grand Marais, Minnesota. Send your report
to us!
December
20, 2008
" We left Silver Bay, Saturday, Dec. 20 @ 10 am. The guys in town told
us the trails were pretty good, so that pumped us up even more. No one
else in the parking lot, we headed towards Finland via the
North Shore State Trail. There was snow
falling all day, and the trails were soft with 4-6" of fresh snow.
We'd heard the groomers had been out, but with all the fluff, hard to
tell. Riding was a little bumpy, the trails need more riders and to be
packed down. If we spun, it was easy to trench, so we took it easy for
the most part. We'd been out down by Duluth the weekend before, in
early season powder, and our gas mileage was of concern when the
powder filled trails are taking more gas to go through. We got up to
the Tomahawk, and went up that trail to get to the Trestle Inn. The
Tomahawk was a little rough, we met the groomer who was dragging a big
roller behind it, trying to pack down the trail. Only so much you can
do with over 12" of fluff. We could have used some wetter snow falls
earlier in the season so the trails could have some substance to the
base. Put about 85 miles on, just a quick blast."
See trailhead option; H
for planning this route. Report by Dick T., Duluth, Minnesota. Send your report
to us!
December
20, 2008
" Today Saturday the 20th we left Silver Bay and rode North on the
State trail. It has been packed, but not groomed. The off trail riding
was great! Rode to Finland, then turned and went south towards Two
Harbors. Again, the state trail was not groomed, but rideable. Saw
about a dozen sleds total all day."
See trailhead option H
for planning this route. Report by Scott S., Hastings, Minnesota. Send your report
to us!
April, 2008
" In Fairbanks, Alaska heading to the annual Arctic Man Ski and Sno-Go
Classic in
Summit Lake - Paxson, Alaska. " Read more...
Report by
Chad Jones / Editor snowmobiletrails.com -
Grand Marais, Minnesota. Send your report
to us!
TRAILHEADS - WHERE TO
LAUNCH
OPTION A - South Brule River Trailhead east
towards Grand Portage 15
miles up the Gunflint Trail / County Road 12 from downtown Grand Marais.
On the right hand side immediately after the South Brule River
bridge is a large unmarked parking lot and snowmobile trail heading north out of parking
area to main junction, then right / east towards Grand Portage.
For
dining and lodging
go to Grand Marais or up the
Gunflint Trail / County Road 12 would be best. Try this one, one
day and the one below the next... Get both maps needed for this route;
Gunflint Trail Map and
Grand Portage Snowmobile Trail Map.
From the parking area to Grand Portage Lodge / Casino about 47 miles
one way. Fuel, food and lodging available in Grand Portage.
OPTION B - South Brule River Trailhead
south towards Devil Track Lake 15
miles up the Gunflint Trail / County Road 12 from downtown Grand Marais.
On the right hand side immediately after the South Brule River
bridge is a large unmarked parking lot and snowmobile trail heading north out of parking
area to main junction, go left / south over pavement of Gunflint
Trail / County Road 12 and onto the Devil Track Lake area via the
Gunflint Snowmobile Trail. You can also try the Musquash Trail to
connect to the Expressway, which will hit the west end of Devil Track
Lake. Devil Track Lodge / The Landing Restaurant has lunch and dinner on the east
end of Devil Track Lake. Some days not open until 4pm, call
218.387.9414. Or check out the
dining and lodging Grand Marais. Get map needed for this route;
Gunflint Trail Map. From the parking
area to Devil Track Lake about 11 miles one way. Food and lodging
available on Devil Track Lake.
OPTION C - Devil Track Lake / Old Cook County Runway Access
area 4 miles up the Gunflint Trail / County Road 12 from downtown
Grand Marais, turn left at County
Road 8 / Devil Track Road and go 7 miles to Sky Port Lane / Devil Track
Lodge sign, turn left go 1/4 mile to old runway parking area on right.
Access trail system from Expressway Trail junction, at northwest end
of lake. From there you go north to Mid-Gunflint Trail, Musquash Trail,
Swamper Trail, Grand Portage Trails or the upper Gunflint System. Or
southwest to the North Shore State Trail. Devil Track Lodge / The Landing Restaurant has lunch and dinner on
the east end of Devil Track Lake. Some days not open until 4pm, call
218.387.9414. Or check out the
dining and lodging Grand Marais. Get map needed for this route;
Gunflint Trail Map and
Upper
Gunflint Trail System Map. From the parking area to Mid-Gunflint
Trail / Poplar Lake / Hungry Jack Lake about 25 miles one way. Food,
fuel and lodging available on Poplar Lake, lodging and fuel available
on Hungry Jack Lake. From Mid-Gunflint Trail area to Gunflint Lake add
16 miles one way. Food, Fuel and lodging is available on Gunflint
Lake. Add another 14 miles one way to the end of the Gunflint
Snowmobile Trail near Sag Lake.
Read story and see images about this trailhead and trails.
OPTION D - Mineral Center / Grand Portage
Trailhead Take Hwy 61 through Grand Marais 30 miles to left turn
onto County Road 17 then about 5 miles to trailhead on left side of road. Use caution - road is
rough, there are large frost heaves, you will go airborne if you drive
too fast or don't pay attention. This trailhead is marked "Trail
Center," on the Grand Portage Snowmobile Trail Map, we call it "Mineral
Center Trailhead" so it is not confused with Trail Center area on
the Gunflint Trail / County Road 12. Large parking area and trail signs. I suggest using the trails
east / west or north out of parking area. Food, fuel and lodging
available in Grand Portage off HWY 61 and near Lake Superior. Outpost Motel is on Hwy 61 and you'll drive right by it
8 miles after Grand Marais at mile marker 118.
See all lodging options. Get Grand
Portage Snowmobile Trail Map. From Mineral Center parking to Grand
Portage is about 5 miles one way. Another twist to this area is
Option L below, starting at the Grand Portage
Lodge and Casino trailhead and parking, which is about 5 miles one way
from the Grand Portage Lodge and Casino. Fuel and food is available in
Grand Portage by driving about a mile further on HWY 61 after the
Mineral Center Road. Read
story and see images about this trailhead and trails.
OPTION E - Otter Lake Road
Trailhead Take Hwy 61 through Grand Marais 18 miles to left turn
onto Arrowhead Trail / County Road 16, then 10 miles to unmarked Parking
Lot / Trailhead at intersection of Arrowhead Trail / County Road 16 and
Otter Lake Road. Large parking area and trail signs, with trails going
west towards Gunflint Snowmobile Trail System via Esther Lake Forest Road and east towards
Grand Portage Snowmobile Trail System. For dining; the Grand Portage
Lodge has good food. For lodging the Grand Portage Lodge / Casino has
rooms, or the Outpost Motel is on Hwy 61 and you'll drive right by it
8 miles after Grand Marais at mile marker 118.
See all lodging options. Get Grand
Portage Snowmobile Trail Map for trails going east from parking.
Get map for going west;
Gunflint Trail Map.
Dining and lodging in Grand Marais. About 20 miles to Grand
Portage one way and about 20 miles one way east to the Gunflint
Snowmobile Trail System. Closest food and fuel is in Grand Portage.
OPTION F - South Brule River Trailhead
north towards upper Gunflint Snowmobile Trail System 15
miles up the Gunflint Trail / County Road 12 from downtown Grand Marais.
On the right hand side immediately after the South Brule River
bridge is a large unmarked parking lot and snowmobile trail heading north out of parking
area to main junction, go left / south over pavement of Gunflint
Trail / County Road 12 and onto the "G" Trail south towards Devil Track
Lake area, or go north on "G" Trail or Swamper Trail. You can also try the Mushquash Trail to
connect to the Expressway, then go north or south. Many choices for
dining; south to Devil Track Lake, you can try the Landing Restaurant at Devil
Track Lodge, some days not open until 4pm, call 218.387.9414. or if you go north you can try Trail Center Lodge,
varied hours call 218.388.2214. There is also a Bistro @Gunflint Lodge or Gunflint Pines Resort
has a nice burger and pizza type menu. Or check out
dining Gunflint Trail. Get map needed for this route;
Gunflint Trail Map. Food, fuel and
lodging available on Poplar Lake, lodging and fuel available on Hungry
Jack Lake. From Mid-Gunflint Trail area to Gunflint Lake add 16 miles
one way. Food, Fuel and lodging is available on Gunflint Lake. Add
another 14 miles one way to the end of the Gunflint Snowmobile Trail
near Sag Lake.
OPTION G - Ontario Canada from Gunflint
Lake This trip takes some advance planning, but is a great ride. 45
miles up the Gunflint Trail / County Road 12 from downtown Grand Marais.
Turn right on South Gunflint Lake Road / County Road 50 and travel one half mile to
left turn into Public Water Access. Entrance to Ontario Snowmobile
Trail System is half way down lake on north side. Trail takes you to
Northern Light Resort, they have fuel and food and then onto
Kashabowie, they also have fuel and food. From there you can stay
overnight, travel on to Atikokan or head back to Gunflint Lake.
Gunflint Lake to Kashabowie is 63 miles. Kashabowie to Atikokan is 81
miles. Atikokan is a full service town. Special border requirements
apply. Check out permit info before
riding into Canada, a OFSC
trail permit is required. Go
to more details. You must possess a
RABC Permit
to enter Canada remotely, there are no stations on this route to stop
and check-in at.
OPTION H - Silver Bay up the shore towards Grand
Marais 55
miles up the North Shore
Drive from Duluth, on the lakeside a few minutes after Silver Bay,
stay / park at Silver Bay
AmericInn.
Spur Trail right out of parking area to State
Trail System. Go east / right onto State
Trail System. You'll need two maps
you can download from our maps page, the
Central North Shore Area Map has Silver Bay and east to the
Cook
County / Grand Marais Lower Gunflint Trail and connection to
State Trail and
Gunflint Trail System. You can also
pick-up good printed maps at many places on the North Shore; Holiday, SuperAmerica, visitor centers, etc...
Silver Bay lodging and dining. This route is about 60 miles one
way. Food, fuel and lodging available in the Silver Bay area, Lutsen
area or in downtown Grand Marais. If you're looking for a long day
ride this is a great route, this is our favorite one. We start in
Grand Marais and ride to the
AmericInn Silver Bay...they have a pool and waterslide, very nice
after a day on the trail. Don't forget the swimsuit!
OPTION
I - Starting
in / near Two Harbors
From Hwy 61, drive north on County Road 2 about 8 1/2 miles
to parking and State
Trail System access or ride the 9.6 mile Two Harbors Corridor Trail, which has a trailhead and parking just east of town on Hwy 61.
Trail takes the rider from town to the State Trail. From there you have many
trails to choose from. We suggest staying at the
Two
Harbors AmericInn, they welcome Sledders and have a trail leaving
the parking lot to the spur trail and onto the State Trail System. You can also
pick-up good printed maps at many places on the North Shore; Holiday, SuperAmerica, visitor centers, etc...
Two Harbors lodging and dining. Food and fuel available in many
places in Two Harbors.
OPTION
J - Starting in downtown Grand Marais
Head east, up the shore to the Gunflint
Trail / County Road 12 and HWY 61 intersection. [ note the new location
for the Gunflint Trail / County Road 12 is now near the east end of
town, by the Chevy dealer. ] The 6 mile spur to the trail system is on
the east / right hand side of Gunflint Trail / County Road 12. You can also
pick-up good printed maps at many places in Grand Marais; Holiday, SuperAmerica, visitor centers, etc...
Grand Marais is a small town that rolls up the sidewalks pretty
early... plan your dinner before 8pm; after 8 we suggest The Birch Terrace across from
the Rec. Park off of 7th Ave W and HWY 61, The Birch Terrace Lounge has a late night
pizza and full beverage menu... Or the Howling Wolf Saloon, which you
probably passed on your way into town, from downtown it is up the hill
a mile and a half on HWY 61 on the left / lake side. The Wolf serves
until 10PM! Get map needed for this route;
Gunflint Trail Map and
Upper
Gunflint Trail System Map. Or if you're going down the shore
you'll need: the
Central North Shore Area Map has Silver Bay and east to the
Cook
County / Grand Marais Lower Gunflint Trail and connection to
State Trail and
Gunflint Trail System.
OPTION
K - Snowmobile / Ski / Snowboard - Starting from Lutsen Mountains Ski
Hill Area
This is a great place to stay and play, if some of
your party would like to ski or snowboard while others snowmobile. If
you are only using the Ski Hill Road area as a trailhead or if you have a large trailer please use the
large gravel parking area about a mile and half up the
Ski Hill Road / County Road 5, turn right / east after the
Mountain Inn.
This parking lot fills on weekends. If you only have a small trailer
and are staying on the Ski Hill you may be able to park at your lodging establishment. From the
parking area or any lodging establishment head south / down the Ski Hill
Road to the Mountain Access Spur which
will be on the left side of the Ski Hill Road as you go downhill. This
spur will take you to the Lutsen Access
Spur, which will take you to fuel / food / coffee shop if you go right
to Lutsen. Once in Lutsen you can pick-up the
Fox Trail from the fuel station. If you
go left on the Lutsen Access Spur it
will take you to the North Shore State
Snowmobile Trail or to the Caribou or
Beaver Trails. There are many great places to dine and relax
on / near the Lutsen Ski Hill. Papa Charlie's is our favorite place to
dine and watch live entertainment. It is at the very top turn-around
of the Ski Hill Road / County Road 5, about 3/4 of a mile farther
uphill from the Mountain Inn. The Cook County Snowmobile Club map has
the Ski Hill Road / County Road 5 mismarked as County Road 36.
Read story and see images about this trailhead and trails.
OPTION L - Grand Portage
Lodge and Casino Trailhead Take Hwy 61 through Grand Marais 31
miles to right turn
to Grand Portage Lodge / Casino / Trading Post. Notice fuel is quite a
bit cheaper here. Parking and launch is down in the larger back lot of
the Lodge / Casino. Trail proceeds north out of the northwest corner
of the parking area. Area is under video surveillance. Lodging, food
and fuel is available here. The restaurant in the lodge has good food,
especially after a day of sledding!
See all lodging options. Get Grand
Portage Snowmobile Trail Map. Another twist to this area is
Option D above, starting at Mineral Center
trailhead and parking, which is about 5 miles one way from the Grand
Portage Lodge and Casino. Read
story and see images about this trailhead and trails.
OPTION M - Cascade River State Park / Cascade
Lodge and Deer Trail Trailhead One mile west of
Cascade Lodge and
in the Cascade River State Park the trailhead access the
deer trail
right out of the parking area. You will see a brown trail access sign
from both directions of HWY 61 indicating the Trailhead. There is a
spur trail to / from Cascade Lodge to the trailhead and deer trail
access, so lodging at Cascade Lodge is very convenient to this
trailhead and snowmobile trail system. There is also a restaurant
adjacent to Cascade Lodge. If you pass by the trailhead coming from
the Duluth direction there is room to turn around at Cascade Lodge and
Restaurant. Cascade River State Park is a 1/4 mile further up the
shore from Cascade Lodge. Consider stopping at the Park, the Cascade
River runs into Lake Superior here and there are hiking and snowshoe
trails along the river.
See all lodging options. Get
Lutsen Area Snowmobile Trail Map.
Read story and see images about
this trailhead and trails.
The
trailheads and routes above are a selected few of the numerous places
you can launch from. Most lodging establishments have a spur trail nearby, where you can pick-up the main trail systems
from.
SNOWMOBILE
TRAIL SYSTEMS
North Shore State Snowmobile Trail
From Duluth to Grand Marais, Minnesota the 153
mile long
North Shore State Snowmobile Trail system traverses St.
Louis, Lake and Cook Counties of Northeastern Minnesota, along the
vistas overlooking Lake Superior. The trail system winds its way
through forests and nearby Lake Superior scenic overlooks.
(Requires MN "State Trail" Snowmobile Permit Sticker, this is an
addition to the regular registration.)
More Local North Shore Snowmobile Trails
Duluth Cross Town Trail - West Section 33
miles West area of Duluth, Minnesota
Duluth Cross Town Trail - East Section 12
miles East area of Duluth, Minnesota
Taft Trail North out of Duluth, Minnesota
Pequaywan - Hoyt Lakes Trail 43 miles North out of
Duluth, Minnesota
Two Harbors Corridor Trail 12 miles East end
of Two Harbors, Minnesota
Gooseberry Spur 14 miles
Located at Hwy 61 and Gooseberry State Park
Red Dot Trail 37.5 miles East end of Beaver Bay,
Minnesota
Tettegouche Trail 12 miles and Sawtooth Trail 14
miles East of Silver Bay, Minnesota
Moose Walk Trail 20 miles North of Silver
Bay, Minnesota
Tomahawk Trail 85.5 miles North of Little
Marais, Minnesota
Lutsen Trail System 60 miles Between Tofte,
Minnesota and Cascade River State Park
The X Trail North of Cascade River State
Park and leads to the Gunflint Trail System
Grand Marais Downtown Spur Trail 6 miles
Gunflint 'G Trail' Snowmobile Trail System 125 miles
Grand Portage Trail System Over 100
miles of loops, great scenery and well groomed trails.
Ontario Snowmobile Trails from the
Gunflint
Trail / Gunflint Lake / Sag Lake area.
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