Pincushion Mountain Trails

Pincushion Mountain provides a spectacular view down the mountain to the town of Grand Marias and its harbor and lighthouse. Picnic tables and hiking trails make this a great stop for lunch on the way up the Gunflint Trail.

The Pincushion Mountain Singletrack Mountain Bike Trails begin from this trailhead. Click here for a map of these trails (on second page).

Pincushion Mountain Overlook

The Superior Hiking Trail access to the Pincushion Mountain Overlook was recently rerouted and is no longer shared with the cross country ski trail. Although there is more work to do when the snow melts, the trail is open for winter hiking and snowshoeing. Just under four miles roundtrip from the parking lots gets you to this beautiful overlook. View a map here.

At a Glance

Information Center:	Gunflint Ranger District Email \| Call \| Address \| Webpage

General Information

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 georeference pdf of the winter fat tire trails here.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Mountain Biking

There are about 6 miles of singletrack mountain bike trails starting from the trailhead at Pincushion. Hikers may be found on these trails, so be watchful for them. The trail intersects the Pincushion XC ski trail system. In dry conditions, some ski trails may be used by bikes, but they are not designed for bicycles. If you see that the ski trail surface is too soft and you might cause erosion, please use only the bike trails. Also, be aware that the mountain bike trail maps do not show the entire ski trail system, and it is very easy to lose your way on the ski trails.

Status:	Open
Status description:	All trails are open, subject to trail saturation in wet weather.
Usage:	Please help control erosion by not using mountain bike trails when wet or soft. Also, please stay on the trail; avoid 'widening' the trail.
Difficulty Level:	Easy to Difficult

Day Hiking

Hikers at Pincushion may use either the XC ski trails or mountain bike trails. If you are hiking the bike trails, keep alert for cyclists and yield the trail to them when you meet. If you are using the XC ski trail system, note that it is complex and it is easy to turned around.