snowmobiling
Under a blanket of snow, the Chippewa National Forest becomes a land of unexplored adventures. Over 330 miles of snowmobile trails provide snowmobilers access to 1,500 lakes, scenic woodlands, and frozen wetlands. Trails connect to nearly 200 miles of routes surrounding the Forest. The Soo Line trail, an old railroad grade extending from Cass Lake to Moose Lake, is the longest motorized recreation trail in Minnesota. Snowmobilers may also travel on unplowed National Forest roads unless posted closed to recreational motor vehicle use. Cross-country travel off of Forest roads is prohibited. Snowmobiles must be operated in compliance with State and Federal laws and regulations.
A Chippewa National Forest map is helpful to
identify designated Forest roads and trails.
Maps for specific snowmobile trails are available from county offices,
the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and National Forest
offices.
ON THE RIGHT TRACK
Most snowmobile trails are grant-in-aid trails managed and maintained by snowmobile
clubs. The Grant-in-Aid Program is a
cooperative effort between the Minnesota DNR, local governments, local
snowmobile organizations, and private landowners. Funded through snowmobile
registration fees and gas taxes, the grant-in-aid program helps local groups
and clubs develop and maintain trails. Taconite, Heartland and the Paul Bunyan are state trails maintained
and groomed by the Minnesota DNR. Comments on trails can be directed to State
and local trail coordinators. Trails
cross Federal, State, and Tribal owned lands.
If you tread lightly on the environment, are courteous to others, respect
private property and obey the laws, you are contributing to the positive image
of snowmobiling. By driving safe,
smart and legal, you protect the future of your sport.
|
TRAIL NAME |
MILES |
GROOMED |
LINEAR |
DESCRIPTION |
|
Eagle Loop |
12 |
l |
l |
Connects the Soo Line trail to
the West Shore of Lake Winnie. |
|
Winnie |
28 |
l |
l |
Links the Soo Line trail to the
Dam on the South Shore of Lake Winnie. |
|
Soo Line |
49 |
l |
l |
Longest motorized recreation
trail going from Cass Lake, Minnesota to Moose Lake, Minnesota. |
|
Avenue of Pines |
26 |
l |
l |
Links the Squaw Lake trail to
the Winnie Dam Recreation area. |
|
Ditch Bank |
2 |
l |
l |
Trail goes from Deer River,
Minnesota to the Avenue of Pines. |
|
Pipe Line |
14 |
l |
l |
Connects the Soo Line to Lake
Winnie. |
|
Bowstring |
48 |
l |
l |
Trail goes from Marcell,
Minnesota to Squaw Lake, Minnesota. |
|
Cameron |
5 |
l |
l |
Connects the Marcell North
trail to the Taconite trail. |
|
Marcell North |
8.5 |
l |
l |
Trail goes from Marcell,
Minnesota to Big Fork, Minnesota. |
|
Marcell South |
8.5 |
l |
l |
Connects Marcell, Minnesota to
the Suomi snowmobile trail. |
|
Suomi |
8 |
l |
l |
This trail connects to the
Taconite trail in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. |
|
Spider Lake |
2.5 |
l |
l |
Connects to the Marcell South trail. |
|
Taconite Trail |
3 |
l |
l |
Trail goes from Grand Rapids,
Minnesota to Ely, Minnesota with three miles crossing the Chippewa National
Forest. |
|
Triville |
19 |
l |
l |
Connects Longville, Minnesota
to Federal Dam, Minnesota. |
|
Paul Bunyan |
20 |
l |
l |
A State trail going from
Brainerd to Bemidji, Minnesota. |
|
Eagle Country |
6.5 |
l |
l |
Connects Remer, Minnesota to
Outing, Minnesota. |
|
Lost Girl |
19 |
l |
l |
Trail goes from Longville,
Minnesota to Remer, Minnesota. |
|
Heartland |
10.5 |
l |
l |
A state trail from Park Rapids,
Minnesota to Cass Lake, Minnesota. |
|
Chipp Connector |
24 |
l |
l |
Connects Walker, Minnesota to
Longville, Minnesota. |
|
Sno Way |
8 |
l |
l |
Trail goes from Walker,
Minnesota to Pine River, Minnesota. |
|
Blue Ox Trail |
6 |
l |
l |
Trail goes from Bemidji,
Minnesota to International Falls, Minnesota with 6 miles crossing the Forest. |
|
Northland Trail |
6 |
l |
l |
Connects Bemidji, Minnesota to
Blackduck, Minnesota. |
Before you ride:
· Read your Minnesota snowmobile regulations.
· Read your owner's manual.
· Check your snowmobile and equipment.
· Wear a helmet, eye protection, and proper clothing.
· Find out about ice and snow conditions.
· Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
Obey all regulations:
The sense of freedom while riding a snowmobile over snow-covered land and frozen lakes can be exhilarating. Yet with that freedom comes responsibility. Drive your snowmobile safely and considerately and follow the Chippewa National Forest's off-road vehicle policy.
· Safety First
· Cross-country travel off of Forest roads and trails is prohibited.
· Snowmobiles may be used on unplowed Forest roads unless posted closed.
· Snowmobiles must be operated in compliance with State and Federal laws and regulations. For a copy of the Minnesota Snowmobile Safety Laws, Rules & Regulations contact the MN Department of Natural Resources at 1-888-MINNDNR.
· There are non-motorized trails throughout the Chippewa National Forest that are not for use by snowmobiles. These trails are posted closed to motorized use.
· Use of roads and trails posted closed comes with a maximum fine of $5,000 and or up to six months in jail.