Birch Lake Pine Plantation Ski Trails
This is an groomed short group of trails near to Babbitt. The trails are easy to intermediate and provide a fun skiing experience close to a town through the state's oldest white pine plantation.
This trail system is partially within the first pine plantation on the Superior National Forest, covering 120 acres. The plantation was planted in 1915 and has been thinned out in recent years. While touring the area, you may see white paint on some of the trees. These mark out research plots to study growth of the trees which remained after the logging operation. The area east of Forest Road 131 is generally quite flat. Those areas west are more challenging but still relatively easy. Enjoy your ski through the red pine forest.
Specific Trail Information
Trail Number
Trail Type
General Information
Features
- Research Red Pine Plantation
- User Tracked
- Beginner to intermediate level
- Gentle rolling hills
- Maintained by volunteers
Safety
You have the responsibility to be adequately prepared for a trip in the wilderness with
- good footwear,
- ample water,
- emergency supplies, and
- sufficient time to make the trip.
You should be self sufficient: there is no cell phone coverage, and due to the nature of the trail, there is no easy way to get assistance in, nor any easy way to get people out in emergencies.
Travel
- A compass and accurate map are essential.
- Bring reliable maps. Maps can be purchased at some Forest Service offices, area businesses and outfitters, or directly from the map companies.
- If you get lost, don’t panic. Sit down, relax and think. Chances are that you will figure out your location in a few minutes.
- If you plan to use a Global Positioning System (GPS) for navigating, be sure you also bring a map and compass as a back up in case your GPS unit fails.
- Dress in layers and be prepared for every kind of weather situation.
Birch Lake Pine Plantation Ski Trails require a Great Minnesota Ski Pass. Funds from this pass go directly to maintenance and grooming of trails.
When visiting, please remember
- Trails are for non-motorized use only.
- Only use facilities that are provided.
Pets/Dogs
- Dogs are allowed on hiking trails, as long as they are kept on a leash. Unleashed dogs can pose a danger to your pet, the natural resources of the area, and other forest visitors.
- Do not allow them to interact with wildlife.
Address: 1393 Highway 169 Ely, MN 55731
Phone: (218) 365-7600
Hours: April 28 – September 30, Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, closed weekends. No BWCAW permit issuance and no retail sales products. (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: SM.FS.Superior_NF@usda.gov
Getting There
Parking
Parking lot at trailhead
Directions
From Babbit take St. Louis County Road 623 about 1 mile to the trailhead.
Additional Information
Operated By
USDA Forest Service
