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: 3/27/2026:  We groomed all of our trail systems for our final time this season.  We hope you get out to enjoy them this weekend and we’ll see ya next season!

Lutsen Trails

Current Trail Conditions/Notes From The Lutsen Trail Breakers Snowmobile Club: 3/24/2026: All trails are open. Snow conditions are changing throughout the day. Every trail that is within one mile of Lake Superior, plan on thin snow conditions with possible water flowing across the trail. There is a small section of the Beaver trail that has an active logging operation going on. Watch for water in that trail segment. The logger moved some snow back onto the trail, but there might be a mile of challenging trail in that area. Grooming operators are reminding riders to keep right as you ride to spread the traffic out on the trail. Don’t cut the corners or ride right down the middle as this will ruin the trail. Grooming will continue until April 1 as weather permits.

Grand Portage Trails

• Trail Conditions: 3/17/2026
  •  Good
  • Snow Depth: 34" - 40 "
  • Trail Base: 14" -  16"

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

Current Trail Conditions & Grooming Dates: From Grand Portage Lodge & Casino: 3/17/2026: Another week! (Bob Vogel)

C.J. Ramstad/North Shore State Trail

• Date: 4/2/2026
• Condition: Fair to Poor
• Current Trail Conditions/Notes: From the MN DNR: 4/2/2026: Snow conditions along the North Shore State Trail as of Thursday, April 2, 2026: The trail between Duluth and Finland has bare ground over a majority of the trail. Riding is advised in Finland and north to Grand Marais. Snow in the woods is between 10 to 19 inches. The trail is not groomed and is in poor condition. Grant-in-aid trails closed April 1. Snow is expected this weekend. No grooming will occur this weekend. Expect a bumpy ride, soft snow, slush and ice on the trail, bare spots, and spring riding conditions. Ride safe.
• 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.