Best Cross Country Skiing in Minnesota

Trying to find the best cross country skiing in Minnesota? Bivy has great hiking, biking, paddling, climbing, skiing, riding and more, with hand-curated trail maps, as well as detailed driving directions.

1

Wisconsin, Ashland County

02 :35 hrs
3.1 mi
10.80423 ft
Easy

Big Bay State Park is on Madeline Island, the largest of Lake Superior's 22 Apostle Islands. During winter, ferry service from Bayfield is available until the ferry is unable to break the ice on the lake. When ferry service is no longer available, an ice road or wind-sleds and passenger vans may be available to Madeline Island. This trail follows Lake Superior’s shoreline for its entire length. With the expansive lake to one side and beautiful woods to the other, the views are magnificent. The trail is flat and easy for any member of the family. The out-and-back nature of the trail allows you to turn around at any time.

2

Wisconsin, Superior

03 :46 hrs
9.2 mi
13.053986 ft
Expert

Located in the town of Superior, this trail system traverses the beautiful Superior Forest and has trails for skiers of all skill levels. All of the trails are wide and well-groomed for both classical and skate stride skiing. This trail has a spectacular view! It is better suited for advanced skiers as it is longer and more hilly with bypass side loops and more difficult terrain. This trail falls within a designated State Natural Area (SNA) valued for its unique biological resources and boreal forest. Part of the trail is shared with snowmobiles.

3

Wisconsin, Oneida County

01 :10 hrs
2.6 mi
22.379913 ft
Extreme

Minocqua Winter Park has over 6,500 acres of pristine terrain containing over 45 miles of groomed trails for skiers of all skill levels. Many other winter recreation activities are also available at Minocqua Winter Park. The VO2 Max is listed as one of the top ten trails in the United States by one popular source. This trail has been used as a race course for decades and has hosted the several well-known competitions. This trail has many twists and turns and includes some man-made obstacles to add to the intensity. It is narrow with trees very close on both sides to really test your skill.

4

Wisconsin, Adams County

00 :53 hrs
2.1 mi
3.5107727 ft
Moderate

The Van Kuren Trail meanders over rolling hills and winds through stands of oak and pine while affording views of numerous wetlands and the 23,000-acre Petenwell Flowage. There is a great variety of birds and other wildlife to be seen and some unique land features are explained by interpretive markers along the way. There is one especially steep grade about half a mile from the parking area and a few others throughout the track.

5

Minnesota, Cook County

03 :26 hrs
7.3 mi
54.376587 ft
Easy

This adventure explores the forests of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, one of the most visited wilderness areas in the United States. The paths are very well-maintained and the variety of landscapes make this a very pleasant route. This trail runs on the north shores of Flour Lake and follows an old logging trail. Wildlife in the area include moose, deer, bald eagles and wolves.

6

Wisconsin, Burnett County

00 :57 hrs
2.3 mi
11.233307 ft
Easy

The Timberland trail system is situated on 2400 wooded acres of Burnett County forest land and is ideally suited for cross-country skiing. From gentle rolling terrain to screaming hills, Timberland Hills offers fun and excitement for the beginning skier to the expert. All trails are two-way and are groomed for both classical and skate stride skiing. Timberland West is a lighted ski trail. It meanders through 500 acres of Barron County forest land. This is a beginner-type trail with gently rolling terrain and no large hills. During the ski season, the lights come on at dusk and stay on until 11:00 PM. It is also available as a beginner-level trail during daylight hours.

7

Wisconsin, Bayfield County

02 :25 hrs
5.2 mi
92.42352 ft
Easy

The Mt. Ashwabay trail system covers about 25 miles of classic and skate trails with a variety of options from beginner to expert. The trails are flanked by groves of maple, oak, and pine and tremendous panoramic vistas of the Apostle Island Chain and views of the Lake Superior Shoreline can be seen. The Jolly’s Long Loop consists of beginner terrain with gently rolling hills and gentle turns. All the trails are groomed and maintained very well.

8

Wisconsin, Oneida County

04 :37 hrs
11.2 mi
16.5654 ft
Hard

Minocqua Winter Park has over 6,500 acres of pristine terrain containing over 45 miles of groomed trails for skiers of all skill levels. Many other winter recreation activities are also available at Minocqua Winter Park. The Lake Marie trail is one of the long trails at the park and has a variety of rolling terrain that dips and turns in an interesting manner. This is one of the popular destination trails leading to the quaint and breath-taking Lake Marie.

9

Minnesota, Cook County

05 :34 hrs
4.9 mi
139.89816 ft
Moderate

The Superior Hiking Trail has been touted as one of the best hiking trails in America. In all is over 270 miles long and follows a rocky ridgeline on Minnesota's North Shore along Lake Superior. This part of the trail features great BWCA forest views and Brule River (at the end of the path, a short walk from parking lot). The forest that the path runs through is full of birch, aspen, pine, fir, and cedar. Wildlife in the area include moose, deer, bald eagles and wolves. Be apprised that if you bring a dog it must be kept on a leash.

10

Wisconsin, Superior

01 :25 hrs
3.5 mi
5.290573 ft
Moderate

Located in the town of Superior, this trail system traverses the beautiful Superior Forest and has trails for skiers of all skill levels. All of the trails are wide and well-groomed for both classical and skate stride skiing. This trail allows you to test yourself without having to commit to lots of distance or difficulty. It is a bit more advanced with flat open fields and gently rolling terrain. You will recognize this as the Green Trail at the trailhead.

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