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.

*Local trail grooming will cease on March 31, 2023

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. Come join us for cookouts, club rides, our annual kick-off party (not to be missed), drag races, poker runs and 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 print out our schedule of activities as not to miss out on the winter fun! We look forward to seeing you! 

• Date: 3/22/2023
• Trail Base: 12" - 24"
• Average Depth Off the Trail: 24+"

Trail Conditions/Notes - 3/22/2023:  We have received a nice snowfall here in the Northland and it continues to come down out there.**Grooming will continue throughout next week**

The Snowmobile Club receives many calls this time of the year in regards to "when do the trails close". 

DNR: "Grant-in-aid snowmobile trails officially close April 1, when permits with private landowners expire. State trails remain open on public land while weather and snow conditions permit.  

Per our DNR officer and the state rules: Due to our area being primarily public land, our trails are rideable legally while weather and snow conditions permit. The only privately crossed land are a few spots in the west end of the county- so conservation officers just suggest being careful and following a map that shows ownership for the west end of Cook county- if riding in that area.

The State Trail: The last time it was groomed for the season was 3/23. (unsure if they have MN paid people maintaining this at all to close out the season, but our last day grooming for them was then). 

Ridge Riders Trails: Thursday, March 23: Mid-Trail to Gunflint groomed and Blueberry groomed.

X & G trail will continue to be groomed throughout this and next week for certain. 

They are all legally rideable after 4/1 due to being public land. 

• Yes, we are still grooming and will continue to do so up until the closing of the trails date: 4/1.
•  No, we are no longer grooming the State Trail; but unsure if the state may still maintain them to close out this season.
• Suggestion for those who want to ride from the Devil Track area. The trail from Grand Marais up to Devil Track area gets “iffy” this time of year. We recommend parking at Skyport Lodge if wanting to skip that lower section. 

Thank you everyone!

Happy trails! ❄️

Lutsen Trails

• Date: 3/4/2023
• Trail base: 8" - 24"
• Snowfall Last 24 Hours: 0"
• Snowfall Last 7 Days: 6" - 10"
• Average Depth Off the Trail: 36"
• Current Trail Conditions/Notes: 3/4/2023: From Steve Hahn, Lutsen Trailbreakers Snowmobile Club: The entire Lutsen trail system has been groomed! The massive drifting on the ridge of the Beaver trail has been cleared away and has been groomed . More snow is in the forecast. We will be grooming the entire trail system again early this week . Get out and enjoy the fantastic trail conditions. Please ride with care and respect other riders and property owners. As always tread lightly.
  
   

Tofte Trails

• Date: 3/11/2023
• Trail Base: 12" - 24"
• Average Depth Off the Trail: 20" - 35"
• Trail Conditions Update/Notes: 3/11/2023: From Superior Timberwolves Sportsman's Club: Lower trails leading to Holiday and Temperance showing spots of dirt and signs of ice. Upper trails are still in good shape. Ride on!

Grand Portage Trails

• Date: 3/18/2023
• Trail Base: 10" - 14"
• Average Depth off the trail: 28" - 34"

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

Current Trail Conditions: 3/18/2023

C.J. Ramstad/North Shore State Trail

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, this is an 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

• Date: 3/23/2023
• Trail Base: 10" - 16"
• Snowfall Last 7 Days: 3" - 6"
• Average Depth Off the Trail: 24" -  48"
• Trail Conditions Update/Notes: 3/23/2023: This last week the North Shore Area received 3"- 6" of fresh snow. Some areas the trail base may still be hard and icy. We are planning on grooming Thursday through Sunday, not every section will be groomed every night. Currently, trail conditions are good to very good.
• Notice: The south end of the Yukon GIA Snowmobile Trail was closed as of Monday February 27. This section is north of the Alger Grade Trailhead on the North Shore State Trails. This trail section that will be closed for the rest of the season is from the North Shore State Trail to the Brimson Trail. The reroute is on the Alger Spur GIA Snowmobile Trail (Bear Pit Road to Bailey Road) near Beaver Crossing on Hwy 3.
• For more North Shore State Trail info call 218-834-1430.

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.

Contact: Phone: (218) 834-1430. Email: info.dnr@state.mn.us. Contact hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

DNR Trail Conditions Here.