All trail segments on the most current map (A through V) were packed and tracked and the trails are in very good condition. Portions of the unplowed road were also double-tracked. The Gunflint Ranger District is grateful for all of the comments that have been submitted this winter. The loops on the northeast end (Bally Creek and Moose Rub loops) as well as the Connector Trail to Pike Lake Road were difficult to access this winter due to blowdown events, heavy snow, and late freeze-up on water crossings. We will be working towards maintaining and grooming these sections in the future, but for this season will continue to focus on providing a quality experience for our users on the currently groomed trails. Stay tuned next season for updates, and thanks for the support! The trail is seeing a fair amount of use and gets quite busy on weekends. Please be mindful that the parking lot could fill up while you're out, so leave room for other cars and grooming equipment. The truck and trailer usually take up the whole West side of the lot (same side as the kiosk/map) so keeping that side clear Monday-Friday would help a lot.

(Ryan Blaisdell)

All trail segments on the most current map (A through V) were packed and tracked and the trails are in very good condition. Portions of the unplowed road were also double-tracked. The Gunflint Ranger District is grateful for all of the comments that have been submitted this winter. The loops on the northeast end (Bally Creek and Moose Rub loops) as well as the Connector Trail to Pike Lake Road were difficult to access this winter due to blowdown events, heavy snow, and late freeze-up on water crossings. We will be working towards maintaining and grooming these sections in the future, but for this season will continue to focus on providing a quality experience for our users on the currently groomed trails. Stay tuned next season for updates, and thanks for the support! The trail is seeing a fair amount of use and gets quite busy on weekends. Please be mindful that the parking lot could fill up while you're out, so leave room for other cars and grooming equipment. The truck and trailer usually take up the whole West side of the lot (same side as the kiosk/map) so keeping that side clear Monday-Friday would help a lot.

Photos:

(Kris Rich)

Freshly groomed today. We skied Rabbit Run, Sunderling to H to F and back via Wildlife Pond and Oscar Loop, finding excellent conditions throughout the entire trail system. Thank you USFS!

(Ann Russ)

Single track trail through the woods, well groomed track and a sweet trail. Gently sloping uphill and down; super manageable. Excellent signage with maps at every junction. Quiet. Beautiful.

(Patrick Bryan)

The system was re-groomed today after heavy winds and light snow yesterday. Trail system is in good shape!

(Ryan Blaisdell)

All trail segments on the most current map (A through V) were rolled and tracked with the fresh powder from Monday's storm. Portions of the unplowed road were also double-tracked. There were a few down trees that were cleared so there might be some tree debris in a few select spots, but overall the trail conditions are great.

Photos:

(Kris Rich)

A warm weekend followed by an inch of rain and a return to cold temps has made grooming challenging. A small loop was retracked today (A-D-E-Q-O-N-A) with mixed results in places due to the ice and lack of fresh snow. Classic tracks for the rest of the trail seemed mostly intact from last week. Icy conditions with a dusting of snow will make for very fast trails, so exercise caution.

(Kris Rich)

All trail segments on the most current map (A through V) were rolled and tracked. Portions of the unplowed road were also double-tracked. Please be mindful that the parking lot could fill up while you're out, so leave room for other cars and grooming equipment. The truck and trailer usually takes up the whole West side of the lot (same side as the kiosk/map) so keeping it clear Monday-Friday would help a lot! FR 158/ Bally Creek Road is narrow in spots, so be cautious on turns. Cascade Connector has not been maintained.

(Chad LeFevere)

Skier tracked over a few inches of new snow over the weekend. Base under the powder was firm. Skier tracks were made over machine tracks so for the most part they were straight and true, not wobbly. Glide was good with blue kick wax. Connector down to Pike Lake road has been skier tracked but not machine groomed yet this year. Skiers have tracked the loops on the far side of Bally Creek pond. They are not on the new forest service maps so my guess is they are no longer being groomed regularly. But the new maps and consistent grooming of these trails are a big improvement over prior years. Parking lot was full on a Monday!

(Tim Nelson)

All trail segments on the most current map (A through V) were rolled and tracked. Portions of the unplowed road were also double-tracked. Windy conditions may impact some of the more open parts of the trail this weekend but the cold temps helped set tracks nicely. Please be mindful that the parking lot could fill up while you're out, so leave room for other cars and grooming equipment. The truck and trailer usually takes up the whole West side of the lot (same side as the kiosk/map) so keeping it clear Monday-Friday would help a lot! FR 158/ Bally Creek Road is narrow in spots, so be cautious on turns. Cascade Connector has still not been maintained.

(Kris Rich)