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. 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! 

Gunflint and Grand Marais Area Trails

• Date: 12/12/2024
• Trail Base: 
• Average Depth Off the Trail: 

Current Trail Conditions/Notes: From The Cook County Ridge Riders Snowmobile Club: 12/12/2024: This week all trails will have been rolled. G trail: all and all pretty nice / rideable / but there are open swamps and water holes. X trail: work is still being done from the continuous blown downs. Expect trees down & brush, and for maintenance being done on those trails. Forecasting better trail conditions next week. Ice on lakes is not safe. If you choose to come ride, ride at your own risk.

Regular Grooming Schedule

Lower Section:

• Mondays: GS to G north to Lullaby return on G trail to Meridian Rd to State Tr. and return to GS. (Approx. 35 miles, 8 hrs.)
• Tuesdays: GS to Devil Track to X to State Trail return X to Lullaby return X to DT to GS (Approx. 50 Miles, 10 hrs.)
• Wednesdays: Maintenance Day
• Thursdays: GS to G to Blueberry Rd to Arrowhead Rd and return to GS (Approx. 55 miles and 10-11hrs.)
• Fridays: GS to G north to Swamper through Swamper one way, then back out on G past Lullaby return on G trail to GS. (Approx. 40 miles, 9 hrs.)
• Friday Night State Trails: GS to G to State Tr. In & out of Grand Marais then to Caribou Tr. and return to GS CAN NOT leave before 10pm. (Approx. 50 miles 10-11 hrs.)
• Saturdays: GS to Devil Track to X to State Trail return X to Lullaby return X to DT to GS (Approx. 50 Miles, 10 hrs.)

Mid Trail Area:

• Tuesdays: Trail Center to G south to Lullaby in & out of Lullaby to G to Clearwater Spur back to G to Trail Center.  (Approx. 25 miles, 6 hrs.)
• Wednesdays: Trail Center to G to X down X to Lullaby turn around on G to HJ spur in & out, back on G then in & out of  Poplar Haus, Nor'wester and in & out to Trail Center. (Approx. 25 miles, 6hrs.)
• Wednesdays: maintenance day
• Thursdays: Trail Center up G to Gunflint Lake in and out and continue to Sag then return. (Approx. 60 miles, 12 hrs.)
• Saturday: Trail Center to G south to Lullaby in & out of Lullaby to G to Clearwater Spur back to G to Trail Center.
• Sunday: Trail Center to G to X down X to Lullaby turn around on G to HJ spur in & out back to Trail Center.

Lutsen Trails

• Date: 12/11/2024
• Trail base: 6"
• Average Depth Off the Trail: 18"

Current Trail Conditions/Notes: From Lutsen Trailbreakers Snowmobile Club: 12/11/2024: Our Groomer has been working hard since Monday, December 9th,2024. All Trails have been cleared of downed trees and compacted with our roller. Some logging is happening on the Beaver Trail. The Lutsen Access trail will be closed again for most of this season until the NEW bridge is set across the Poplar River. The snow base on trails averages 6 inches; up to 18 inches is on the ground off the trail. Early conditions exist, so use caution.

Tofte Trails

• Date: 
• Trail Base: 
• Average Depth Off the Trail: 

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

Grand Portage Trails

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• Average Depth off the Trail: 

Current Trail Conditions/Notes: From Grand Portage Lodge & Casino

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

Current Trail Conditions: 

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: 12/19/2024
• Current Trail Conditions/Notes: From the MN DNR: The North Shore State Trail is open. Snow totals are low and bare ground can been seen in places. The trail has not been groomed. Expect early season conditions and trees across the trail. Ride with caution.
• Trail Base: 0
• Depth: 5-19"
• Condition: Poor

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: For more North Shore State Trail info call 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.