Tuesday, February 26, 2019

MNTrails.org lists some classic nordic ski trails I'd like to try

I most like single track classic only trails in the woods. Recently I came across the mntrails.com listing — it had a few that I’d like to check out.

From their listing I picked out a few to visit, mostly classic or more scenic than average. See original page for links.

  • Afton  Afton State Park 19km 
    • A variety of groomed, classic loops with trail shelters overlooking the St.Croix River near Afton Alps Ski Resort. Heated Visitors center has parking and bathrooms. The park also has snowshoe trails and holds an annual candlelight ski. MN ski pass required.
  • Burnsville  Terrace Oaks Park 10.9km 
    • Beginner to expert. Groomed, classic ski trails along lakes and ponds through hills and woods. Chalet available.
  • Eagan  Lebanon Hills Regional Park 20km 
    • Beginner to advanced trails, groomed for classic and skate ski. Trails wind through the hilly, wooded countryside and around scenic lakes and ponds. Dakota County ski pass required.
  • Hastings  St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park 10.5km  
    • Beginner to intermediate, groomed, classic ski trails on the wild and scenic St. Croix River. 1.8km skate loop. MN ski pass required.
  • Maple Grove Elm Creek Park Reserve 18km 
    • Beginner to advanced, groomed, classic and skate trails. Some of the best ski trails in the metro area with fantastic night skiing on lighted trails and a 2.5 km loop with man-made snow. Elm Creek Chalet offers ski rentals, snack bar, and woodstove. Three Rivers Park District ski pass required.
  • Maplewood  Battle Creek Regional Park - West 13km 
    • Beginner to advanced, classic and skate ski trail. 4 km lit trail. MN ski pass required.
  • Marine on St. Croix  William O'Brien State Park 19km 
    • Multi-trail system, for all skill levels of classic and skate skiers with views of St. Croix River. Wetland Trail for beginners and Prairie Overlook for the more advanced. Heated trail center has a wood stove. Annual candlelight ski. MN ski pass required.
  • Saint Paul  Fort Snelling State Park 19km 
    • The park offers flat, classical trails. Most popular trail is the Pike Island Loop. It offers views of the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers. Visitor center open daily 8 am to 4 pm. MN ski pass required.
  • Savage  Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve 15km 
    • Some of the most exciting and challenging trails in the metro. Groomed, classic and skate trails. Snacks, rentals and wax available at trail head building. Three Rivers Park District ski pass required.
  • Stillwater Brown's Creek Nature Preserve 4.5km 
    • Beginner classic trails on moderate hills. MN ski pass required.
  • Stillwater  Pine Point Regional Park 7km 
    • Beginner to intermediate trails groomed for classic ski only. This small park near the end of the Gateway Trail has beautiful scenery with trails winding through large pine plantation, by small lakes and picturesque farms. MN ski pass required.
  • Vadnais Heights  Vadnais/Sucker Lakes 7.3km 
    • Beginner to advanced, classic-only trail on moderate hills through woods. MN ski pass required.
  • Victoria  Carver Park Reserve 18km 
    • Beginner to intermediate, groomed, classic and skate trails through hardwood forests and marshlands. Lowry Nature Center offers a warming place and has ski rentals on weekends. Three Rivers Park District ski pass required.
  • White Bear Lake  Tamarack Nature Center 8km 
    • Beginner to intermediate, classic-only trails through prairie, woodland, and marsh. Ski rentals available. 1 km practice loop. MN ski pass required.

Good snow is rare these days, but Feb 2019 is different.