Trail Conditions in Cook County

With 450 miles of snowmobile trails that wind through the wildest, most breathtaking scenery in Minnesota, the hardest part of riding in Cook County is deciding where to head first.

Every part of the area offers something special to snowmobilers — from wilderness and solitude to Lake Superior views. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like moose, fox, coyotes and wolves.

Looking for a wild ride? The C.J. Ramstad/North Shore State Trail winds for 146 rugged miles from Grand Marais to Duluth, threading through stunning backcountry. The North Shore State Trail connects with trails in Lutsen and Tofte and numerous other locations. The Gunflint Trail boasts some of the best lakes and trails around.

Our local club, the Cook County Snowmobile Club, is active all winter long, sponsoring rides, contests and other events throughout the season. Grooming is performed weekly on most trails and more often as needed. Cook County knows how to show snowmobilers a good time with friendly small-town hospitality. Rest, refuel and resupply at family businesses with countless lodging options, restaurants, fuel and repair services, groceries and other riding supplies. This is quite possibly the perfect snowmobile vacation.

Don’t forget to check MN snowmobile regulations for a safe and smooth visit.

*Trail grooming updates here*

Grand Marais & Gunflint Trails

The Cook County Ridge Riders Snowmobile Club welcomes you to the beautiful North Shore of Minnesota! Whether you are sledding with your pals or family, we have many miles of well-groomed trails that are sure to please any "sledder." Our trails are interconnected with many miles of state snowmobile trails. Be sure to be on the lookout for abundant wildlife that may cross your path including moose, wolves, coyotes and fox. We offer many winter activities and gatherings throughout the season. We offer many events throughout the season, our annual kick-off party (not to be missed) every December, three drag races a year, fun run, and the annual Trout Derby. The Cook County Ridge Riders is an organization that strives to be family-friendly. We are dedicated to snowmobiling and safe family fun. Be sure to check out our schedule of activities for winter fun! We look forward to seeing you! 

Click here for snowmobile trail map 

Current Trail Conditions/Notes: From The Cook County Ridge Riders Snowmobile Club: 1/29/2026: Grooming has been ongoing all week. This Saturday, Jan. 31st, is our Annual Fun Run, therefore...Friday PM the state trail up G & X to mid trail and all the up to Gunflint will be groomed. Remember, you can register at one of two locations: Skyport Lodge & Raven Rock Grill or Hungry Jack Lodge ... you can do so either Friday Jan 30th 4pm - 7pm OR Saturday Jan 31st 9am - Noon. *Scorecards must by turned in by 5pm Saturday to ANY of the participating lodges. Let's have some fun!

Groomer Schedule Routes 2026

• “G” = Gunflint Trail | “X” = Expressway
• Mid Trail Groomer Shack = HJ Rd | DT Groomer Shack = Devil Track/Meridian Rd

Mondays

• Mid Trail to G Trail down to Lullaby back to Mid Trail Groomer Shack
• State Trail G up to Lullaby on Lullaby Rd back to town
• DT Groomer Shack down Devil Track Lake to State Trail, X Trail up to Lullaby and back to DT Groomer Shack

Tuesdays

• Mid Trail G to X Trail, down to Lullaby, back up to Clearwater Spur Trail, Hungry Jack, Trail Center, back to Mid Trail Groomer Shack.

Wednesdays

• Maintenance/Repair Day

Thursdays

• Mid Trail Groomer Shack up to Gunflint Lake, to Poplar Haus/White Pine Lodge, back to Mid Trail Groomer Shack
• Sag down to Gunflint Lake & back up to Sag
• DT Groomer Shack to Blueberry Trail out to Arrowhead Road

Fridays

• Mid Trail Groomer Shack to G Trail to Lullaby & back to Mid Trail Groomer Shack
• DT Groomer Shack to G Trail to Swamper Trail up to top of Swamper Trail and Back to DT Groomer Shack
• X Trail up to Lullaby back to DT Groomer Shack
• State Trail (when green light is given by the State)

Saturdays

• Mid Trail Groomer Shack to X Trail to Lullaby and back to Mid Trail Groomer Shack

*Dates & Times are subject to change.

*If we get a significant amount of snow the day they are supposed to go out, they will wait til snowfall is over and then go out ASAP.

*If we have heavy snowmobile traffic, we will go out more.

*Sometimes things break/breakdowns happen and we have to alter the schedule to accommodate for that.

This Year's Event Calendar

• Jan 31: Annual FUN RUN! Register at Hungry Jack Lodge or Skyport Lodge 
• Feb 14: Drag Races at Hungry Jack Lodge 11AM, 372 Hungry Jack Rd, Gunflint Trail
• Mar 7: Drag Races at Poplar Haus 11AM, 7890 Gunflint Trail, Gunflint Trail
• Mar 14: Annual Trout Derby - West Bearskin Lake 9AM

Lutsen Trails

Current Trail Conditions/Notes: From Lutsen Trailbreakers Snowmobile Club: 1/12/2026: Conditions are improving as the snow gets deeper. All of our Trails have now been rolled and Groomed. The Snow remains good, even though these warmups. The base has gotten deeper. All Trails are in Great condition until you get very close to Lake Superior. All facilities are accessible without too much hassle. Snow remains thin down by the lake.

Schroeder/Tofte Trails

Current Trail Conditions /Notes: From Superior Timberwolves Sportsman's Club: 

Grand Portage Trails

• Trail Conditions: 1/22/2026
  •  Good
  • Snow Depth: 14" - 16 "
  • Trail Base: 8" -  10"

Grand Portage Lodge & Casino - Information available at Lodge Front Desk; 218-475-2401

Current Trail Conditions & Grooming Dates: From Grand Portage Lodge & Casino

C.J. Ramstad/North Shore State Trail

• Date: 1/29/2026
• Trail Base: 4" - 6"
• Snow depth: 6" - 21"
• Condition: Fair to Good
• Current Trail Conditions/Notes: From the MN DNR: 1/29/2026: Artic temperatures have dominated the region allowing only a dusting of snow to fall. The trail from Silver Bay to Grand Marais has been groomed this week. The trail from Duluth to Two Harbors was not groomed this week.
• Detailed Trail Conditions Here
• Maps and more info Here
• Interactive snowmobile trail map
• Snowmobile trails GPS data

The C.J. Ramstad/North Shore State Trail is a 146 mile natural surface trail from Duluth to Grand Marais. The trail runs through St. Louis, Lake and Cook counties in northeastern Minnesota, winding its way through the forests on the ridgeline overlooking Lake Superior. The trail provides access to some of the most rugged and beautiful scenery in Minnesota. In winter, the trail connects with hundreds of miles of snowmobile club trails and many communities in the area.

About C.J. Ramstad: Known as "Mr. Snowmobiling," C.J. Ramstad (1945-2007) was a passionate, highly respected journalist and photographer in the off-road community. For nearly 40 years he dedicated his life to the promotion, preservation and enjoyment of Minnesota snowmobiling and off-road riding. His tireless efforts ensured that trails, and the access they provided, were open for all to enjoy. Ramstad often declared the North Shore State Trail a "treasure," and a favorite among the many he traveled.

Requires MN "State Trail" Snowmobile Permit Sticker in addition to the regular registration. You are required to have this permit only if you are riding the designated MN State Trail System or a Grant-In-Aid Trail. This includes the Gunflint Snowmobile Trail System and the Expressway Trail near Devil Track Lake. Grand Portage Trail system does not require this permit. See more information about Minnesota State Snowmobile Trail permit requirements and how to purchase Here

Getting to The C.J. Ramstad/North Shore State Trail:

• Duluth: From I35, take the 21st Ave. east exit to Woodland Ave. Turn right on Woodland Ave, follow to the Martin Rd., turn right. Parking is half mile down on the right.
• Normanna Road: From Duluth take Cty. 37 north to Cty. 44, turn right, proceed for 1.2 miles, right on Cty. 38, lot is 1 mile east on left.
• Two Harbors: From Hwy. 61 go north on Cty. 2 for 7 miles, right on Twp. 25, lot on right.
• Beaver Bay: From Hwy. 61 go north on Cty. 4 which turns into Forest Highway 11, 9.5 miles on right.
• Finland: From Highway 61, take Highway 1 to Finland, turn right on County Road 7, trail is one and one half miles on the right.
• Lutsen From Hwy. 61 take County Road 4 north for six miles, lot on right.