Suomi/Finland Nordic Ski Trails
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A rolling course through a mixed hardwood forest weaving around eight lakes and ponds. Finns pronounce Suomi as “Soo-o-mi,” which means “Finland.” This region with its rolling hills, thick forests, and numerous lakes probably has more in common with Finland than just its name. For five years starting in 1905, loggers, many Finnish, worked to clear the area, taking the virgin pines out on tote roads using horses and steam-powered cables. In the 1930s, a Civilian Conservation Corps camp, which was established near the north parking lot, served as a center for trail building, fighting fires, and planting pines. Only in the 1970s did the area go non-motorized and now has more than 20 miles of tr...
© Copyright John Pukite Published by Falcon Publishing. All Rights Reserved. |
| Phone |
218-353-7521 |
| Fees |
MN Ski Pass required |
| Maps |
at trailhead with signs along trail |
| Level of Difficulty |
more to most difficult trails |
| Trail Description |
5.6K single tracked;
a figure eight system climbs to the halfway point providing a downhill return trail; the system features a trail across the northern portion of the Baptism River; trail has the advantage of being less frequented |
| Location & Directions |
From Hwy 61 at Illgen City (60 miles from Duluth), drive north on MN Hwy 1 to Finland, then west on County Road 7 for 1 mile to parking area that is shared with snowmobilers |
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Flathorn Gegoka Ski Trails
Near Silver Bay & Finland and about 7 miles from Isabella
A wilderness experience found in few other places. Trails wind around 2 pristine lakes (Flathorn and Gegoka) completely within the Superior National Forest. Tall red and white pines tower above you as you experience a true “away from it all” escape. |
| Amenities |
Outhouse & Trail Shelter |
| Fees |
MN Ski Pass required |
| Maps |
online and posted at trailhead and all intersections |
| Level of Difficulty |
easy, more & most difficult trails |
| Trail Description |
35K of groomed single-tracked trails
Enjoy remote, quiet cross country ski trails winding through 2,000 acres of Superior National Forest. The trails are groomed for classical skiing and offer an “off the beaten path” alternative to many of the trail systems found in other areas. Moderate elevation changes allow skiers of all ages and skill levels to enjoy the big pines of the "Isabella Pine Belt". Ski over the Little Isabella River on picturesque wooden footbridges. The area is off limits to snowmobiles so skiers can truly experience the quiet beauty of this remote area. |
| Location & Directions |
From Hwy 61 at Illgen City (60 miles from Duluth), drive 26 miles north on MN Hwy 1 past Finland and Isabella to Mitiwan Lake Rd (FR 177) and turn right. Travel .75 miles - parking is on the left. |
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