15 Winter Recreation Opportunities on the Superior NF

Make the most of these winter months in the northland, go enjoy it! Luckily the Superior National Forest (NF) has opportunities for every skill level and ability, ranging from a day adventure to an overnight or multiple night trip into the winter landscape.

Recreation opportunities are also plenty and varied and can include skating on “wild ice” on one of the many frozen lakes or rivers, to snowmobiling on a short or long-distance trail system. The following list of 15 winter recreation opportunities can help visitors and community residents to connect and introduce or reintroduce adventures to the National Forest System lands and waterways of the Superior National Forest.

So, bring a sense of adventure, proper planning and gear, and a smile to try a new experience. Review 14 Winter Recreation Leave No Trace Tips, review the USFS BWCAW Trip Planning Guide’s Winter Wilderness Travel section on p. 11, and other Leave No Trace for winter recreation.

1. Cross Country or Nordic Skiing on Superior NF Groomed Trails

Cross-country or Nordic skiing is a winter-only way to glide through forest trails and lowlands or lands and get a good workout in! Superior NF recreation staff groom George Washington Pines, Bally Creek (Grant In Aid-ski pass required), Big Aspen, Bird Lake Trail, and Sturgeon River trails.

In addition to these trails groomed by Forest Service personnel, there are also skiing opportunities on trails groomed by partner groups that are not groomed trails located on other ownership within the Superior NF. Read all about these locations at: Superior NF Cross-Country Skiing

To help pay for trail maintenance, a Great Minnesota Ski Pass is required for skiers over 16 on State or Grant-In-Aid funded trails. Visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website for information on the Great Minnesota Ski Pass.

1. Snowmobile on Grant In Aid Trails

In addition to snowmobiling on lakes, there are lots of great trails on the Superior NF to snowmobile, made possible by partnerships with the MN Department of Natural Resources and local snowmobile clubs. The MN Department of Natural Resources requires a snowmobile trail pass for Grant-In-Aid and State trails to pay for maintenance. Trail pass information: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/snowmobile/trailpermit.html

Locations and maps at: Superior NF Snowmobiling

Note that many of these trails continue beyond the borders of the Superior NF. Visit the Minnesota Dept of Natural Resources website and the websites of area snowmobile clubs for complete trail maps.

Maintaining these trails is a year round task, so remember to do your part by riding responsibly and Tread Lightly!

1. Ice fish one of the Numerous Lakes

There are plenty of lakes and other waterways on the Superior NF to find one within travel distance of most towns or cities, and with fish species in season to try your luck with. The solitude and quiet out on the ice on a clear winter's day is inspiring, and the fish can be plentiful. Superior NF Ice Fishing

Licenses are required and remember to be prepared and check ice conditions! Leave No Trace by cleaning up and not disposing of any trash or leftover bait in the water. See the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources webpage for more information.

1. Fat Tire Bike at Norpine Trail System and Lookout Mountain Trail System

Fat tire biking is a fun way to explore forest trails and lakes and is allowed on portions of the Norpine Trail System, Lookout Mountain Trail System, portions of the Pincushion Mountain Trail System, and on the fat tire biking trails within the Hidden Valley Trail System on the Superior NF. Giants Ridge Resort also allows fat tires only when conditions warrant (hard packed trails) Fat Tire Biking - Giants Ridge.

Grooming and maintenance at developed trail systems is done in partnership with local ski and bike clubs. Remember to be a good trail rider by not rutting the trail during soft snow conditions, plan ahead and be prepared for your adventure, and keep to the side of the trail. Other fat tire biking opportunities include Superior NF roads. Superior National Forest - Bicycling and Winter fat bike riding | Minnesota DNR

1. Hire a Dog Mushing Guide to see the Superior NF by Dogsled

Just like hiring a guide for a summer recreation trip, dog mushing, or dog sledding is a fun way to cross lakes and non-cross country skiing trails by either riding on the sled or getting a thrill by steering the dog sled. Dog mushers must have an Outfitter-Guide license to operate in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) for hire. Within the BWCAW, portages are multiuse in the winter and mushers should be aware of other skiers, snowshoers, or winter campers. Mushers need to pick up self-issue day-use permits for winter use at entry points, Forest Service offices, or commercial cooperators. Remember to Leave No Trace with dog mushing as well! Clean up dog feces, as well as any straw used for bedding, or remains of dog feeding. See link above for a list of registered Outfitter-Guides.

Outside of the BWCAW, dog sledding usually takes place on unplowed National Forest System roads and is allowed on some, but not all, trails also used by snowmobiles. When using a multiple use trail also used by snowmobiles, mushers must show extreme caution as snowmobile operators have limited vision and hearing and may be travelling at speeds up to 50 mph. In addition to trail and unplowed road use, cross country dog sledding is also permitted and a fun way to go nature viewing or get to a special ice fishing or winter camping spot. Superior National Forest - Winter Sports:Mushing/Skijoring

1. Winter Camp in the BWCAW (self-issue permit required)

If you love camping in the summer, why not try it in the winter? Be advised, winter camping takes a lot more preparation and planning for safety due to the cold temperatures, lake ice, and other risks, but it is worth it!

Its best to go out with someone who has winter camped before. Like dog sledding, outfitter-guides permitted for the BWCAW can help introduce the sport in a safe manner. Make sure you read the USFS BWCAW Trip Planning Guide’s p. 11 on Winter Wilderness Recreation, do internet research, check ice conditions, and also check out the MN DNRs information on winter camping in the BWCAW.

For winter camping in the BWCAW, camp on ice, in a sheltered bay or in a natural forest opening. Locate camp at least 200 feet from trails or summer campsites and out of sight of other groups. Make just one trail connecting the shoreline to camp. Also, bury human waste in snow 200 feet from water, campsites, summer trails and portages (pack out toilet paper and all personal waste items).

1. Enjoy a Fire after Cross country Skiing in the Oberg Warming House- Formally the Sawbill Guard Station Ranger Cabin.

The Sugarbush Ski Trail System offers 60 km of cross country or Nordic ski trails on the Tofte Ranger District. Ski trailheads are located at Britton Peak, the Moose Fence interpretive site, and Oberg Mountain.

Rest and warm up at the historic warming house located along the trail system near the Oberg and LeVeaux Mountain trails. The warming house is a historic Ranger Station cabin built around 1920 at Sawbill Lake. The one room structure was home and office for a Forest Service Ranger in the area. There is a woodstove and wood available to burn. Please do not overfill the stove and be careful with fire in the historic wooden structure.

A Great Minnesota Ski Pass is required to ski the Sugarbush Trail System. Pass information available at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website

Superior National Forest - Sugarbush (Britton, Moose Fence, Oberg) Ski Trails

1. Snowmobile on long distance trails like the CJ Ramstad North Shore State Trail, the David Dill Taconite State Trail, or the Arrowhead Trail

There are approximately 700 miles of groomed snowmobile trail within the Superior National Forest. These trails are maintained through partnerships with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, numerous local snowmobile clubs and the Superior National Forest. Additionally, there are trails that cross multiple land jurisdiction in northern Minnesota, including the

The 146-mile C.J. Ramstad/North Shore State Trail runs from Duluth to Grand Marais, crossing St. Louis, Lake, and Cook counties: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_trails/north_shore/index.html

The 165 mile David Dill/Taconite and Taconite State Trail from Grand Rapids to Ely and intersects with the David Dill/Arrowhead State Trail just west of Lake Vermillion. The David Dill/Taconite State Trail extends from the David Dill/Arrowhead State Trail to Ely.: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_trails/taconite/index.html

The 135-mile David Dill/Arrowhead State Trail extends from ten miles west of Tower at the intersection with the Taconite State Trail, to Ericsburg, ten miles south of International Fal: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_trails/arrowhead/index.html

1. Back country Ski in the BWCAW- Self issue Permit Required

Backcountry skiing provides access to BWCAW locations during snow and ice covered months. Conditions may determine the ski equipment to choose from including skis like Hok’s, metal-edge, skate, fish-scales, or skin skis. Use caution when accessing ice and portage conditions from changing ice and downed vegetation. Internet research, contacting local guides, and Superior NF ranger stations can help with trip planning, local routes and conditions.

This is one of the best times to experience true wilderness due to the least number of human visitors across the vast BWCAW. Superior National Forest - Winter Sports:XC Skiing/Snowshoeing

1. Drive for Pleasure- Encourage Safe Driving Practices and Have Winter Supplies

The Superior NF has hundreds of miles of National Forest System Roads, three nationally designated Scenic Byways and Drives, and a two-loop interpretive driving tour all waiting for you. Forest Maps are available by mail or at each Ranger District to help plan before you go as some areas have little to no cell reception. Remember to have necessary winter emergency supplies in your vehicle. Keep an eye out for wildlife as many Superior NF roads are corridors for more than just humans.

Superior National Forest - Scenic Driving

1. Skate in Early Winter (if Conditions Allow)

When winter comes with cold weather but low snow precipitation, area lakes can offer a window to “wild ice” skate. Remember to wait for at least 4 inches of solid, clear ice, wear a foam life jacket or other buoyant gear, and carry ice picks and make sure they are always accessible. Always make sure to leave an itinerary with a responsible person before heading out and check-in with them upon your safe return home. Learn more about ice travel at. Traveling on ice | Minnesota DNR

1. Visit one of the Communities Adjacent to the Superior National Forest

Spanning five administrative units or ranger districts and the Supervisor’s Office in Duluth, the Superior National Forest at 3 million acres is the largest national forest east of the Mississippi River and the eighth most visited national forest in the nation. Nestled among the trees and lives are some great northern towns worth exploring. Learn more: Superior National Forest - About the Area

1. Try a New Sport like-Snowshoeing or Skijoring

While watercrafts and hiking may be a go-to form of transportation in the summer months, winter recreation on the Superior NF allows the opportunity to try out other recreation sporting gear for your adventures. Snowshoeing can be done on groomed trails or for cross-country travel not on ski trails. There a wide variety of snowshoes available for rent and is similar to walking, making it fun for all ages and abilities.

Skijoring is an activity usually connected with a groomed cross-country ski trail. Dog pawprints and feces can destroy a groomed trail, so skijoring is not allowed on most ski trails. However, there are a few trails specifically designated for skijoring. Please help to demonstrate that skijoring and skiing can coexist by cleaning up after your dog and repairing damaged groomed ski tracks.

1. View Waterfalls in Winter Conditions (use Caution on Icy Trails)

Waterfalls are always fun to see but can be really special during the winter when ice formations add to the effect. Remember to use caution on icy trails and hold onto small children. Restrooms and facilities may be closed during winter months. Two nice waterfalls to view on the Superior NF include:

• Vermilion Falls (snowmobile access)
• Devil’s Cascade (BWCAW self-issue permit required, snowshoe or xc ski)

1. Just View Nature

Nature abounds on the Superior NF, located on the southern edge of the boreal forest biome. . Chose your transportation choice, grab some binoculars if you desire, plan ahead and prepare for your adventure, and go exploring! Read more about nature viewing: Superior National Forest - Nature & Science