The mountain bike trails at Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area in Crosby, Minn. are now opened for the 2015 season – a few weeks earlier than normal, thanks to a mild winter and less-than-average snowfall. This year, new trailhead amenities and three yurts add to the offerings greeting visitors, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
One of three yurts available for rent
Opened in 2011, the area features 25 miles of single-track mountain bike trails that wind through 800 acres of former mine land. The scenery is unique with deep-red soil, birch and aspen forests, and scenic vistas overlooking turquoise mine lakes – some stocked with trout.
“Thanks to the early spring and the tremendous effort of our volunteer work crew, the trails are in great shape and the riders are excited to get out there,” said Park Manager Steve Weber. “This is our fifth year, and it’s going to be a lot of fun showcasing the new trailhead improvements and three new yurts.”
Pump a tire, make an adjustment the Bike Tune Up Station is one of the amenities located at the trailhead.
During the summer of 2014, the new trailhead on Miner’s Mountain Road was constructed between Huntington Mine Lake and Pennington Mine Lake. The new facility added 96 more parking spaces, changing stations, a picnic shelter, vault toilet, new waterfront access to Huntington Mine Lake, and an improved boat access with clean-and-drain area on Pennington Mine Lake.
Also new to Cuyuna this year, are three yurts. Yurts are round camping tents set on wooden platforms and furnished with bunk beds, tables, chairs and a wood stove. The yurts, each of which will sleep up to seven people, were built on the west side of Yawkey Mine Lake and can be reserved year-round. They are located just northeast of the existing Portsmouth Campground, typically available from early May to October, which has 25 first-come, first-served campsites and a group camp with showers and flush toilets.
One group campsite and the three new yurts may be reserved in advance through the DNR’s reservation service at www.mndnr.gov/reservations or 866-857-2757.
Funding sources for development of the mountain bike trails included state bonding dollars, the Federal Transportation Enhancement Fund and the Parks and Trails Fund, created after voters approved the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment in November 2008. The Parks and Trails Fund receives 14.25 percent of the sales tax revenue and may only be spent to support parks and trails of regional or statewide significance.
More information about the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area, including a map, directions and a video tour of the trails, can be found on the DNR website at: www.mndnr.gov/state_parks/cuyuna_country. Information is also available by calling the DNR Information Center at 651-296-6157 or 888-646-6367 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
