Biking In Cook County

When you find yourself asking: “where are the best bike trails near me?” – wonder no further. These are the rides on every biker’s list. With no crowds and over 2,000 miles of potential rides, Cook County, Minnesota is a bike and biker’s paradise. From the paved Gitchi-Gami State Trail winding along the Lake Superior shore to white-knuckle single track to endless backcountry roads threading the Superior National Forest, these are bike trails you will never forget.

Four Seasons of Biking In Cook County, MN

No matter the season, there is always an opportunity to ride in Cook County, MN. From the famed Single-Track trails in the summer to the gravel roads and paved trails in the spring and fall to the pack-powder trails in the winter, biking is a year-round sport.

Biking - gravel road cycling in Cook County Minnesota — Endless gravel road cycling adventures opportunities.

Backcountry and Forest Service Roads

Numerous backcountry gravel roads and trails wind through the Superior National Forest and into some of the most breathtaking country ever to roll beneath your bike. Pick up an official Cook County Highway Map or the official Superior National Forest Visitor Map for a comprehensive list of all roads and bike trails nearby as well as bike rentals, gear, guided tours and more.

Contact our information center for trail updates and maps for the various gravel cycling routes in Cook County.

Visit Cook County Information Center

116 W. Hwy. 61
(218) 387-2524

The Visit Cook County Information Center offers a wide selection of maps, guides, and information about Cook County, MN. Staff are knowledgeable, friendly, and welcoming. Convenient location. Public restroom available.

Biking at Britton Peak rock garden descent — Biking on the Jackpot & High Climber Trail in Lutsen and Tofte

Single-Track Mountain Biking

There are two main hubs for single track mountain biking in Cook County, MN. The Britton Peak Trails in Tofte and the Pincushion Mountain Trails in Grand Marais.

Download a georeferenced PDF map of the Britton Peak Trails in Tofte for use in way-finding apps like Avenza.

Single-Track Trail Conditions

Superior Cycling Association (SCA)

Sawbill Trail

The Superior Cycling Association (SCA) was founded in 2010 to grow mountain and road biking opportunities in Cook County, Minnesota. Through partnerships with Visit Cook County, the National Forest Service, the International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA), Lifetime Fitness, and…

Biking: Gitchi Gami State Bicycle Trail - Fall River Bridge — Ride along the paved Gitchi-Gami Bike Trail

Paved Cycling on the Gitchi-Gami Trail

Cyclists of all abilities can find stunning views and a glorious bike trail that parallels Highway 61. Segments of the trail you won't want to miss:

Grand Marais to Cut Face Creek State Wayside. This 5-mile one-way segment was recently finished and features an ADA Accessible bridge with a waterfall viewing platform over the Fall River, located just outside of Grand Marais.
Lutsen to Schroeder. This 12-mile one-way segment passes through several waypoints, including Temperance River State Park. There are numerous trailheads along the way allowing riders to choose how far they want to ride. A new section connecting Ski Hill Road in Lutsen to the downtown Lutsen area is scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2024.

Learn more about the Gitchi-Gami Trail Association

2017 Norpin — Try participating in the Norpine Fat Bike Classic in January

Winter Fat Tire Biking

Biking is not just for summer anymore! Winter fat tire bikes gracefully float over every kind of terrain due to their build and they are very noticeable. As in very big tires. Make that fat tires. One of the fastest growing winter sports now has a prime presence in Cook County.

Fat bikes are built around frames with wide forks and stays to accommodate the wide rims and soft rubber for the tires. And those tires are made to ride on soft, unstable terrain, such as snow, rocks, bogs and mud. Cook County, Minnesota has all those ingredients, and the best snow bike trails nearby to suit your pedaling pleasure!

Besides being a new way to have fun, this sport can be enjoyed in any weather, and it takes you places you have never been to before! Think frozen lake shores, iced rivers, cold rocks, and soft snow. Lake Superior provides us with abundant snowfall, and Cook County’s mountainous topography and panorama provide for breathtaking trails and paths.

DOWNLOAD WINTER NORPINE DUAL USE BIKING MAP

VIEW WINTER TRAIL CONDITIONS