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Bally Creek Ski Trails
A multiple short loop cross country ski trail system with several access points. The main access is a parking area off of FR 158 just short of Bear Track Camp.
The connector trail to the Norpine/Cascade State Park trails will be groomed to the access at Cook County 45 and ungroomed from Cook County 45 south to the Norpine/Cascade State Park trails. You will need to be prepared for backcountry ski condtions on the ungroomed portion of this trail.
Heavy snows will limit grooming some trails..
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | Current conditions can be found by looking on the Visit Cook County webpage. Note: Beginning December 2022, the Forest has taken over grooming and maintenance of the Bally Creek Ski Trail. We recognize this ski trail system is an important recreation trail area for the Tofte and Gunflint Ranger Districts. We are currently accessing the existing trail system and user needs for future management considerations, including allowing dogs and fat tire bikes. Visitors can submit a comment via the comment box in the parking area along FR 158. |
|---|---|
| Permit Info: | Purchase of the Great Minnesota Ski Pass is required. Funds from this pass go directly to maintenance and grooming of the trails. |
| Information Center: | Gunflint Ranger District Email | Call | Address | Webpage |
General Information
Directions:The main access is from the south. Get on County 7 either from Grand Marais or from MN61 south of Grand Marais. Take County 48 a very short distance to FR 18 Bally Creek Road. Take FR 158 to the large parking lot on the left side of the road, just short of the rental cabins. The small parking area with the arch over the trail is for cabin users only; if you find yourself there, please turn around and park in the main lot.
General Notes:
Georeferenced PDF (GeoPDF or Avenza) maps are digital maps made to download and use with geolocation wayfinding apps such as Avenza. Once downloaded into a phone or digital device, a wayfinding app can place a dot on the map right where you are, even without a cell or wifi connection.
Digital maps are not intended as primary sources of navigation. Always bring a hard copy map with you. Batteries will go dead, especially in cold weather.
Download a georeferenced pdf of the Bally Creek Ski Trails.
Parking:
The main public parking area and trailhead for the Bally Creek Ski Trails is a large lot just off of Forest Road 158. The road continues plowed for a short distance to provide access to rental cabins. Parking and trail access beyond the public lot is for the use of cabin residents only. Beyond the cabins, FR 158 is unplowed and the right of way is part of the ski trail system, so there is no access to the trails from the north.
Activities
XC Skiing/Snowshoeing
Groomed ski trails, mainly easy. There are variety of interconnected loops as well as a long trail connecting to Cascade State Park. The connecting segment is not groomed in some weather conditions; travel on it when it is not groomed is not recommended.