TrailPatrol
03-10-2003, 03:22 PM
This is taken, verbatim, from "CassCoMn.com" Cass County's Recreation and Tourism website, so I am not "spilling the beans" really. Well sorta not.
Perhaps the biggest challenge for mountain bikers is Cass County's 68-mile long portion of the transcontinental North Country National Scenic Trail. The most gorgeous segment of the trail runs through the Shingobee Recreation Area, south of Walker, but all of it is beautiful, scenic and wild. While the trail must be shared with hikers (appropriate care and riding etiquette is therefore required), it is off-limits to all motorized vehicles.
Worth mentioning in greater detail is the Shingobee Recreation Area, 6 miles southwest of Walker, which showcases a geologically unique geographic region south of Leech Lake. The area, characterized by steep glacial moraine, virgin white and red pine forests, land faults, the Shingobee River valley (known locally as our little Grand Canyon), diverse plant and animal life, and a terrific complex of hiking trails and nature areas, was believed to be created by a cataclysmic collapse of the giant glacier that covered and created Leech Lake (Minnesota's third largest lake) 10,000 years ago.
It is no wonder that some experienced backpackers and mountain bikers (another eligible trail activity) laud Cass County's portion of the National Trail for its rugged, natural beauty, and as one of the most scenic trails between the Rockies and the Appalachian Mountains. Although well removed from any signs of civilization with ample places for primitive, isolated camping and nature appreciation, intersecting rural roads and trails provide access to nearby modern conveniences and provisions. It is also , one of northcentral Minnesota's and the Chippewa National Forest's best kept secrets so don't expect to encounter many others on the trail. It is there to enjoy in splendid, natural isolation, displaying the area pretty much the way it has remained for thousands of years.
One way or another, you are either going to ride the Chippewa this summer, or wish you had!
Ride safe,
Hans
:banana:
The banana is cheering for the Chippewa!
Backcountry Trail Patrol
Chippewa Summer-2003
Perhaps the biggest challenge for mountain bikers is Cass County's 68-mile long portion of the transcontinental North Country National Scenic Trail. The most gorgeous segment of the trail runs through the Shingobee Recreation Area, south of Walker, but all of it is beautiful, scenic and wild. While the trail must be shared with hikers (appropriate care and riding etiquette is therefore required), it is off-limits to all motorized vehicles.
Worth mentioning in greater detail is the Shingobee Recreation Area, 6 miles southwest of Walker, which showcases a geologically unique geographic region south of Leech Lake. The area, characterized by steep glacial moraine, virgin white and red pine forests, land faults, the Shingobee River valley (known locally as our little Grand Canyon), diverse plant and animal life, and a terrific complex of hiking trails and nature areas, was believed to be created by a cataclysmic collapse of the giant glacier that covered and created Leech Lake (Minnesota's third largest lake) 10,000 years ago.
It is no wonder that some experienced backpackers and mountain bikers (another eligible trail activity) laud Cass County's portion of the National Trail for its rugged, natural beauty, and as one of the most scenic trails between the Rockies and the Appalachian Mountains. Although well removed from any signs of civilization with ample places for primitive, isolated camping and nature appreciation, intersecting rural roads and trails provide access to nearby modern conveniences and provisions. It is also , one of northcentral Minnesota's and the Chippewa National Forest's best kept secrets so don't expect to encounter many others on the trail. It is there to enjoy in splendid, natural isolation, displaying the area pretty much the way it has remained for thousands of years.
One way or another, you are either going to ride the Chippewa this summer, or wish you had!
Ride safe,
Hans
:banana:
The banana is cheering for the Chippewa!
Backcountry Trail Patrol
Chippewa Summer-2003