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In winter, one of the best ways to observe the
natural beauty of the Lake Country Scenic Byway is to strap on a pair
of snowshoes and venture into a beautiful woodland setting. You’ll
observe wildlife and the special beauty winter brings to Byway country.
ITASCA STATE PARK TRAILS
Four different trail systems combine for up to 20
miles of snowshoeing trails through varied landscapes and offering wildlife
viewing opportunities. Lessons on selected dates.
WINTER WONDERLAND SKI TRAILS
20 km of trail system and forest area.
MAPLELAG TRAIL
53.0 km of trails. Trail runs through maple and basswood
forest and around several lakes. Located 20 miles NE of Detroit Lakes.
CHIPPEWA NATIONAL FOREST
The 1.6 million acres making up the Chippewa National
Forest were the first east of the Mississippi River to be preserved
as national forest. Today, 650,000 of its acres are actively managed
by the U.S. Forest Service for timber and recreation. The Chippewa is
home to a variety of wildlife including moose, deer, and otter. It also
has the largest concentration of bald eagles in the lower 48. There
are over 150 miles of trails designated for nonmotorized use as well
as an open backcountry policy. The adventurous can simply pick a path
through the forest. Here are some suggestions:
Cut Foot Sioux: 22-mile trail that follows the Continental
Divide through hardwood and pine forests. The Cut Foot is a loop with
numerous side trail options.
North Country Trail: 68-mile segment of the 3,200-mile
trail running from North Dakota to New York. This segmentis pure northwoods,
leading past lakes and wetlands and through pines and hardwoods.
Suomi Hills: 21-mile trail that passes through the
Lost Forty — a tract of virgin red and white pine forest left standing
as a result of a surveying error that showed the land to be under water.
For maps, directions, and other information check
out the Chippewa National Forest at: http://www.fs.us/r9/chippewa/
For more information also see birding, hiking,
forests or contact the local chamber of commerce:
Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber:
http://www.visitdetroitlakes.com
Park Rapids Area Chamber:
http://www.parkrapids.com
Leech Lake Area Chamber:
http://www.leech-lake.com
Itasca State Park:http://www.dnr.state.mn.us
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