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How to Go Mountain Biking and Fat Biking at Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area

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Mountain biking on the Timber Shaft Trail
Biking // Central Minnesota // Article

How to Go Mountain Biking and Fat Biking at Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area

By Brian Fanelli

While it was once known for its iron ore mines, Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area is now a top-rated mountain biking destination in Minnesota — one that's been recognized as a silver-level ride center by the International Mountain Biking Association. Here is how you can shred the red in Central Minnesota

A couple goes mountain biking in Cuyuna during the fall

Mountain biking in Cuyuna during the fall / Roy Son

What kind of mountain bike trails can be found in the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area?

Cuyuna is home to more than 50 miles of flowing, mixed-difficulty singletrack trails, and has gained a reputation as one of the best mountain bike networks in the entire country.

Several loops of singletrack were carved into the rocky, post-industrial terrain, circling the pit mines-turned-lakes, winding through woods and over steep hills. Elevated areas offer outstanding views of the landscape’s many lakes. Some are natural; others are former pit mines filled with water over time.

Mountain biker, Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area

Hugging the curves at Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area

How difficult are Cuyuna's trails?

Trails at Cuyuna cater to all skill levels, from beginner-friendly trails like Galloping Goose to the more advanced trails in Yawkey Trail Unit - link opens in new tab..

Yawkey is where you'll find some of the most popular and talked-about trails at Cuyuna, including the aptly named Bobsled Trail. It starts with a short but steep climb up the ridge overlooking Yawkey Mine Lake, then heads into the woods for a breakneck-paced, berm-filled, adrenaline-fueled rocket ride back down to the bottom. After a run down this trail, you won’t have any doubts about how Bobsled earned its name.

White-knuckled trails like Bobsled are outliers, though, according to Crosby resident and co-owner of Red Raven Bike Shop & Cafe - link opens in new tab., Patrick Stoffel. “I’d say about 80 percent of the trail system is pretty family-friendly, and there isn’t really any way to accidentally ride a skill level you’re not ready for. It’s pretty clearly marked."

Two riders winter fat biking at Cuyuna

With 25 miles of groomed winter fat biking trails, Cuyuna is the Midwest's next big adventure destination / Cuyuna.com

What are Cuyuna's trails like in the winter? 

More than 50 miles of Cuyuna’s mixed-difficulty singletrack trails are “groomed” for winter fat biking. If it’s your first time riding a fat bike on groomed trails, check out the beginner-friendly Galloping Goose Trail - link opens in new tab. before testing your skills elsewhere. Formerly known as “Easy Street,” this 6-mile loop around Huntington Mine Lake is the perfect introduction for riders still getting familiar with the sport.

More advanced riders often prefer the higher-difficulty trails found in the aforementioned Yawkey Trail Unit, including the fan favorite, Bobsled. One of the most popular and talked-about trails at Cuyuna, Bobsled starts with a short but steep climb up the ridge overlooking Yawkey Mine Lake. 

Stop to take in the view from the top, then follow the trail into the woods for a breakneck-paced, berm-filled, adrenaline-fueled rocket ride back down to the bottom. Ride this trail with a fresh layer of snow on the ground, and you won’t have any doubts about how Bobsled earned its name. 

Kayaks Cuyuna State Recreation Area Mine Pit Lake

Three kayaks line up on the shore of a Cuyuna pit lake / Don Checots

What else can you do in the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area?

Locals point to Pennington Mine Lake as a good starting point for paddling Cuyuna’s pristine lakes. It connects to Arco Mine Lake for a three- to four-hour trip. Bring your own board, or have a rental delivered straight to the lake by PowerPaddle SUP - link opens in new tab..

Not only are the old mining lakes beautiful, they're also prime fishing waters. You'll find bass, walleye, crappies and sunnies, and some of the lakes are also stocked with trout. Local fishing guides can help anglers find their way around the lakes and to the fish. Guides are worth the money; many also know the history and old mining lore of every lake they fish.

Cuyuna's lakes are also popular with scuba divers. Since the lakes are spring-fed, the water is clear enough to give divers 40 feet of visibility. Old trucks and bits of mining equipment line the bottoms of the lakes waiting to be discovered by divers. Divers can go deep and swim over cliffs, as many of the mine lakes are 200 feet deep. The Minnesota School of Diving - link opens in new tab. in Brainerd organizes scuba trips in the mine lakes.

Interior of Red Raven bike shop and cafe

Red Raven is Cuyuna's one-stop shop for bike rentals, service and cafe fare / Pinkbike

What are some restaurants, bars and cafes near Cuyuna? 

Like nearly everything in Crosby, the town's bars and restaurants have been completely revitalized by the mountain bike trails. But Crosby is a town that prides itself on history, and all of its businesses — new and old — work to strike a balance between new-school sensibilities and gritty old-school charm.

In refurbished red-brick storefronts across downtown, places like Cuyuna Brewing Co.Red Raven Bike Shop & Cafe and the farm-to-table Iron Range Eatery have injected new life into the town's dining options. Nothing tastes better after a long day of riding than a perfectly balanced Yawkey Ale from Cuyuna Brewing, and there's no better place to rest your legs than the patio at Iron Range Eatery.  

Meanwhile, long-standing businesses like North Country Cafe and Spalding House Bar continue to serve up old-school tastes and traditions that never go out of style. These are places where you can fuel up in the morning with the biggest pancakes you've ever seen and wind down in the evening with a stiff drink and a meat raffle. They've been here since before the trails, and they'll almost certainly outlive us all. But until then, there's nothing like pulling up a barstool at these venerable Crosby institutions and biting into the town's history.

Couple relaxes in front of True North Basecamp

Relaxing outside of the cabins at True North Basecamp / Micah Kvidt

Where can I stay near Cuyuna?

One of the more eye-catching places to stay in town is True North Basecamp, which has made a splash online with its endlessly Instagrammable “north woods industrial” rental cabins. Each of the six, 275-square-foot cabins at True North has one full- and three twin-sized beds, high-speed internet access, integrated USB charging ports and temperature control for year-round comfort—the perfect blend of wilderness and Wi-Fi.

For a more rustic stay, book one of three Minnesota DNR yurts overlooking Yakwey Mine Lake. Built from a Spartan template of insulated canvas tents, wood floors and woodstoves,  these yurts can be considered as rustic camping lite—similar to a true backcountry experience, but with bunk beds, shelter and a wood stove to smooth out some of the more intimidating aspects of tent camping.

Find out more about biking in Minnesota

Brian Fanelli

Brian Fanelli is a Minneapolis-based writer. You can reliably find him browsing the sci-fi shelves in a local bookstore or biking one of Minnesota's spectacular trails.