Jay Cooke

[runnrgrl]

I am a newbie mountain biker who feels WAY more comfortable moving around on my road bike or my own two feet!! I have only been mountain biking a handful of times (the river bottoms and in Colorado.) However, I have a cabin about 1/2 way b/t Hinckley and Duluth so would like to try some trails in that area. I've heard Jay Cooke has some mountain biking trails...does anyone know what level they might be at or what they are like? Much thanks:)

[mtnbykr]

.... have a cabin about 1/2 way b/t Hinckley and Duluth so would like to try some trails in that area. I've heard Jay Cooke has some mountain biking trails...does anyone know what level they might be at or what they are like? Much thanks:)

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/jay_cooke/trails.html

http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/state_parks/spk00187_summer.pdf

if i remember right, the mtb trails in jay cooke are on the xc ski trails. look at the "summer" link. the locals ride alot more than that, but those trails are probably not legal. some are signed "no mtb".

the better riding is the hartley singletrack, spirit mtn on the race course and all the other kool trails in town. when you get up this way, post up and i'll help you find the good stuff....

kl

[jzipfel]

I do a lot of work up that way and have ridden in Jay Cooke many times. The rangers there have always told me that the Triangle and Oak trails were permitted for MTB.

There are a few good hills (kind of like a very short version of Murphy). The lower areas can stay wet and early in the year the ticks will cover you.

I usually ride from the campground, on the south side of Forbay Lake, Grealy Trail, on the paved trail to triangle do this loop then off to Oak. The other option that I have done since I have to stay in Cloquet for my client is to ride the ski hill.

[runnrgrl]

when you get up this way, post up and i'll help you find the good stuff....

kl

We'll be up for Memorial Day weekend and since I'm such a beginner and pretty unfamiliar with the area (at least when it comes to mtn. bike trails) I'm just nervous about finding something that's appropriate...would hate to get in too far over my head. Any ideas other than Jay Cooke would be very much appreciated!! I have not even the slightest idea of where to begin looking and how to judge what might areas to stay away from because they might be too difficult.

[jzipfel]

I don't think you will be in over yor head there. The path is cut wide with a dirt trail down the middle. There may be some hills yo have to walk though.

Also, since you will be there Memorial Day weekend, there will probably be a few hikers out there which may not be expecting to see MTB'rs. Be aware if you do go.