This is the Explore Minnesota Winter Trail Conditions Report as of Thursday, March 20, with information provided courtesy of the Department of Natural Resources, the Three Rivers Park District, communities and properties throughout Minnesota. This report is brought to you by Explore Minnesota Tourism.

In general, some cross-country ski and snowmobile trails remain in good to excellent condition in the far northern region of the state. Most trails in the remainder of the state are now either in poor condition or have been closed due to a lack of snow. Warm temperatures and additional snowfall are in the forecast for the entire state this weekend. Please remember that trail conditions can change rapidly–please call ahead for the most current conditions.

Please be aware that snowmobiles with studs are not allowed on most paved state and public trails. Also, all snowmobiles must obtain a $16 trail use permit. For further information, contact the Department of Natural Resources, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at 1-888-646-6367. You may order cross country ski passes and snowmobile trail stickers at 1-888-665-4236. To locate a license center in Minnesota to purchase ski passes and snowmobile stickers, check out www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/agents.html

Northeastern Region

Grand Marais/Gunflint Trail

All cross-country ski and snowmobile trails are reported to be in very good to excellent condition. The trails have a 12-18 inch base, and grooming continues. Up the Gunflint Trail, the Pincushion Mountain cross-country ski trails are in good to very good spring condition for classic and skate skiing. The trail base is averaging 8-12 inches, and the base is expected to last into April. Area snow depth is 29-39 inches. Further north, the Banadad and adjoining ski trails, remain in excellent condition, with a 14 inch base.

N of Lutsen

Cascade River State Park is covered in 18 inches of snow. The ski and snowmobile trails have an 8 inch groomed surface, and both are listed in good condition.

Two Harbors

Gooseberry Falls State Park currently has 8 inches of snow on the ground. The snowmobile trails have a 4 inch groomed surface, and are reported to be in fair condition. The ski trails have become very fast and icy, and are considered to be in poor condition. Wildlife sightings are common, and skiers report a lot of wolf tracks on the ski trails. Please note that the steps are very slippery.

Duluth/Grand Marais

The North Shore State Snowmobile Trail, running from Duluth to Grand Marais, has been groomed. The base ranges from 2-6 inches deep. Conditions are poor south of Finland, fair from Finland to Tofte, and good from Tofte to Grand Marais. Expect some bare spots, especially between Duluth and just north of Finland–please use caution while riding.

Carlton

Most sections of the Willard Munger State Trail are now in poor condition for snowmobiling, with a minimal base and lots of bare areas. One exception is the portion of the Munger Trail located within the Nemadji State Forest, which is listed in fair condition, with a 2 inch base. Expect some bare spots at the corners and along sections of the trail with a southern exposure. Just to the west, the ski trails running through Fond du Lac State Forest are groomed, and in very good condition, with a 6-8 inch base. Please note that there is logging activity north of Roger’s Lake. The snowmobile trail has been groomed, and conditions are reported to be fair. Some corners may be icy. At nearby Jay Cooke State Park, the ski trails and snowmobile trails are in fair condition, with a 4-5 inch base. The snowmobile trails have been groomed. Please note that recent warm temperatures have resulted in some very icy sections of trail. Please use caution, especially on the hills. Local snow depth is 8-12 inches.

Most other ski and snowmobile trails are either in poor condition or have been closed.

Northcentral/West Region

E of Hallock

The cross-country ski and snowmobile trails at Lake Bronson State Park are in fair condition, with a 2-3 inch base. The ski trails have recently been groomed. Roughly 8 inches of snow remains on the ground in this area.

SE of Roseau

The ski trails at Hayes Lake State Park have a 3 inch groomed surface, and are listed in fair condition. The snowmobile trails are in good condition, with a 5-7 inch groomed surface. Local snow depth is 9 inches.

NW of Thief River Falls

Old Mill State Park is covered in 1 foot of snow. The ski trails are in fair condition, with a 4 inch base. The snowmobile trails have a 2 inch base, and are also reported to be in fair condition. Both trails were recently groomed. The sliding hill is also open. 

Most other ski and snowmobile trails are either in poor condition or have been closed.

Twin Cities Greater Metropolitan Vicinity

All ski and snowmobile trails are either in poor condition or have been closed in this region of the state.

Southern Region

All ski and snowmobile trails are either in poor condition or have been closed in this region of the state.

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Posted by Chris Lawton / Winter Trails Report