Paved trail information

State law bans snowmobiles with studs from paved trails. Some state trails have paved surfaces. Wherever possible, parallel trails adjacent to the paved surface have been developed to accommodate snowmobiles with studs and in some cases, all snowmobiles. The following list provides information on where those parallel trails are available and where they are not. In many cases, nearby grant-in-aid trails connect the same communities as the state trails. Refer to a snowmobile map of the area for more detailed information or call the DNR Information Center for the most up-to-date information at 1-888-MINNDNR (1-888-646-6367).

Willard Munger

Snowmobiles with studs

• Hinckley to Moose Lake - no parallel trail available for snowmobiles with studded tracks.
• Moose Lake to Carlton/Wrenshall - parallel trail is available for use by snowmobiles with studs.
• Carlton to Duluth - No parallel trail exists between Carlton and Duluth, however studs will be allowed on a 6.5 mile paved section from Carlton to Mission Creek Road. Studded snowmobiles cannot travel between Duluth and Mission Creek Road.

Maps showing parallel trail information are available from the Moose Lake area office, (218) 485-5410.

Non-studded snowmobiles

• The paved surface from Hinckley to Duluth will be groomed for snowmobiles without studs.

Paul Bunyan - Baxter to Hackensack

Snowmobiles with studs

• A parallel trail has been established along two short sections of paved trail located just south of Nisswa and Pequot Lakes. These parallel trails will be groomed for studded snowmobile use. Non-studded snowmobiles can continue to follow the paved trail. Watch for signs which direct use. These parallel trails provide links with grant-in-aid trails and connections to service areas.

Non-studded snowmobiles

• The paved surface from Baxter to Hackensack will be groomed for snowmobiles without studs (except for the short sections described above).
• Maps showing parallel trail information are available from the Brainerd area office, (218) 833-8710.

Paul Bunyan - East Side of Lake Bemidji

Snowmobiles with studs

• Local snowmobile club will provide alternate route around paved trail on existing trails.

Non-studded snowmobiles

• Paved surface will be groomed for snowmobiles without studs.

Heartland

Snowmobiles with studs

• Park Rapids to Walker - An alternate trail will be open and groomed for studded and non-studded snowmobiles.

Non-studded snowmobiles

• No snowmobiling will be allowed on the paved surface. The paved trail is closed to all snowmobiles and will not be groomed.

Glacial Lakes

Snowmobiles with studs

• Willmar to New London - no parallel trail available, however a grant-in-aid trail connects Willmar to New London.

Non-studded snowmobiles

• Paved trail will be groomed for snowmobiles without studs.

Sakatah

Snowmobiles with studs

• No alternate route available, but studs are allowed on the asphalt trail between Faribault and Waterville.

Non-studded snowmobiles

• Paved trail will be groomed for snowmobiles without studs from Faribault to Mankato.

Douglas

Snowmobiles with studs

• All snowmobiles will run on parallel trail. Paved section will be groomed for cross country skiers. Some bridges will be shared by both.

Non-studded snowmobiles

• No snowmobiling will be allowed on the paved surface.

Root River

Snowmobiles with studs

• No parallel trail available except for a very short segment between Lanesboro and Whalan.

Non-studded snowmobiles

• Because the Root River Trail is predominately a non-motorized trail, snowmobiles are not allowed on the paved surface of the trail.

To order free copies of snowmobile regulations or statewide maps of snowmobile trails, e-mail the DNR Information Center at info@dnr.state.mn.us or call at (651) 296-6157 or (888) MINNDNR; TTY: (651) 296-5484 or (800) 657-3929.