Enjoy 0.9-miles around Yawkey Mine Lake and through a magical pine forest (we recommend going in the late afternoon to experience a breathtaking Cuyuna sunset cascading through the trees). With the addition of lower Bobsled trail, this route offers a bit more climbing than our beginner route, with views of large boulders and an overburden hill. (Yawkey Intermediate+ Snowshoe will take you all the way to the top!)

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.