Goose Lake Trails question

[hockeynut]

Was up north last week and had a little chance to explore on the bike (though not near enough).

I went a mile or two on the North Country Trail (was staying on Woman Lake near Longville) and wished I could've/would've had the chance to go about 25 more.

My question though is about the Goose Lake trail system that is off of Hwy 5 between Longville and I think Hackensack. Is this open to Mountain Bikes? There were signs at some of the accesses that said "no motor vehicles" and some said "foot traffic only". There seemed to be a fair amount of interesting trails there (with ridiculous signage) but I didn't want to do too much once I saw the "foot traffic only" signs, so stayed off.

[fatbaldpop1]

Chippewa forest trails are open to mt. bikes more times than not. The signs normally say foot traffic welcome. I have gone to Forest Service office in Deer River (far East side of Chippewa) and they have given me the thumbs up in those areas, except for ski season.

[TrailPatrol]

There were signs at some of the accesses that said "no motor vehicles" and some said "foot traffic only". There seemed to be a fair amount of interesting trails there (with ridiculous signage) but I didn't want to do too much once I saw the "foot traffic only" signs, so stayed off.
Most of the "Foot Traffic Only" or "Foot Traffic Welcome" signs pre-date mountain biking. Bikes are allowed on all trails in the Chippewa that are not specifically posted "No Bicycles" or "No Mountain Biking." (I think there are two in the entire forest, both in scientific research areas.) If you have any doubts, contact the Walker Ranger Station of the US Forest Service, who manage that area. (218) 547-1044 The Chippewa has become more and more open to mountain biking as we have been working with them the past six years. Expect that next year trails in the Deer River area will start displaying official biking permission.

[hockeynut]

Thanks guys,

I thought that they were legal, but wanted to make sure before I went too far (plus was afraid of what would happen if a bear got a hold of me - it doesn't look like too many people use any of the trails in the Walker area, though I am probably wrong)

Sounds like next year I may have to see about a major Chippewa exploration vacation.

Zac

[fatbaldpop1]

Try to go after one of the major three summer holidays and there is a better chance that they have mowed and cleared the blowdown. Otherwise go in the fall b4 deer season. The trails are awesome and very primitive. they test your riding and concentration skills. Groomed Mt. Bike trails they are not, but to me that is an oxymoron (big word). The other thing to do is ask at the Ranger station in Walker where ATV's are allowed and go on some of those trails. They are normally very very sweet and challenging to ride if they are in the woods.