If you’re seeking a true mountain-snowshoe experience, this is it. 2.7 miles. 193 feet of elevation. You’ll do it all: meander through our tall green trees, travel around our clear blue (frozen) lakes, and explore many of our snow-covered red dirt trails.

This isn’t a trail for beginners—this is a lot of climbing and there is a variety of terrain to cover, but if you’re up for it, it offers some of the most scenic views of Cuyuna in wintertime—including a spectacular view of the mine-turned-rainbow-trout-lake—Manuel Mine Lake—from the top of Manuel Drive. While you’re up there, see if you can spot see if you can spot Red Rider Resort!

There’s so much to explore in Cuyuna on your snowshoes, you don’t have to stop after Yawkey—for a more backcountry snowshoe experience, try the 8-mile Cruser’s Kettle.

Snowshoeing on the mountain bike trails is highly encouraged—especially after a fresh snowfall—as it helps groom the trails for winter fat biking. Snowshoers are asked to walk in the same direction of the trails (one-way, one direction) and if they encounter a fat bike, to please step aside to allow the biker to pass. Remember to dress in layers, pack proper hydration, and plan your route ahead of time.

Know before you go:

• Skis or snowshoes are required on the singletrack—winter hiking is prohibited by the Minnesota DNR. (Winter hiking is allowed on the paved Cuyuna Lakes State Trail.)
• Dogs are not allowed on groomed trails
• Review important CCRSA rules and information

Trail entry point:
Yawkey Unit parking lot
23759 Yawkey Road, Crosby, MN 56441

Skiing
Skiing is allowed, although trails are not groomed for skiing—and skiing is going to be more difficult unless you have short, backcountry skis. For the best singletrack skiing experience, we recommend Altai Skis—you can rent them at Cykel in Ironton.

Traditional Nordic skiing would be much more enjoyable at one of the local cross-country ski areas or neighboring state parks. Many offer both classic and skate-style groomed trails, and each offer unique scenic views and varying difficulty.(See: Northland Arboretum, French Rapids, Larson lake, Wolf Lake, Mille Lacs Kathio State Park, or Savanna Portage State Park.)

WARNING ⚠: Please read the safety warnings on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area Trail Map by clicking here.