As many of you already know, Cuyuna is globally ranked for our incredible, red dirt, single track mountain bike trails. We're incredibly lucky to connect directly to them with trail options for beginners (we love Haul Road!) all the way to the advanced trails. We now have over 70+ miles! Crazy to think when we started building our cabins in 2018 we only had about 20 miles. A huge thank you to our small community, the trail volunteers and of course the trail builders for creating this outdoor paradise right here in Minnesota!
We have found some amazing hiking routes since living here for 7 years now. We love Fall, early Winter & Winter because it brings with it some of our favorite hiking (& skiing/snowshoeing) options. If you haven't explored the adventures we're about to share yet, save this blog for when you book your next Fall or Winter getaway with us at Cuyuna Cove!
1) Larson Lake Trail
One of the lesser known hikes in the Cuyuna area is actually a designated Winter groomed Cross Country Ski trail, only a 10 minute drive from Cuyuna Cove! We especially love this trail in Fall after the bugs are gone and often have the rolling hills, giant, towering pines and forest colors to ourselves. You can also bring your dog here in the Summer/Fall/Spring and it's a bit like a 'choose your own adventure' trail with about 7.2 miles (11.6km) of gorgeous trails to choose from! We'll drop a map below of all the routes. Keep your eyes peeled for deer, bald eagles, swans, beavers and more. The large pond and wildlife throughout is simply magical even after all the leaves drop and into November/December.
Don't forget to pack your cross country skis or skate skis for Winter! Dogs are not permitted on the groomed trails in Winter, however you can ski/walk and bring your pup on the paved Cuyuna trail right from your cabin at Cuyuna Cove.
Location:
21660 County Road 10
Aitkin MN 56444
Things to know before you go in Winter:
- Intermediate to difficult trails
- Groomed for classic and skate skiing
- A Great Minnesota Ski Pass is required for those ages 16+. Passes are available online and wherever DNR permits and licenses are sold.
- Fat biking is not allowed
- Check the trail conditions, here
- Review trail safety info, here
2) Walk to Yawkey Mine Lake
Not in any particular order, but walking to Yawkey Mine Lake is next on our list! Make coffee/tea in your cabin or Bungalow at Cuyuna Cove or head up the road to pick up a coffee to go from Red Raven. Then, throw on your coziest outdoor gear, bring your loved one and your pup and take a relaxing walk along this beautiful gravel road which leads to the lovely and oh-so-charming mine lake hidden in the woods.
The sun streaming through the trees in the morning (or evening at sunset) is lovely to soak in along with the cool, crisp air and an abundance of wildlife. We always also recommend packing an outdoor blanket so you can cozy up and sit by the lake taking in the sights, sounds and scent of the forest around you.
Location:
Take a right at the end of our driveway and head down our own private trail leading to Cuyuna Country State Rec Area. We made our own directional signs at the end of this trail to lead you in the right direction, but simply cross the paved trail and head up to the gravel road. There is only one way to go and you'll find Yawkey Mine Lake at the very end, tucked down below to your left in the forest.
Things to know before you go in Winter:
- Dog Friendly
- Can go year round
- With heavy snow, use your snowshoes in the Winter!
- Go at night with a head lamp, it's a blast to experience and look up at the stars
- Pack an outdoor blanket and have a picnic
3) Explore the Cuyuna Paved Trail all the way to Overlook Point & Paradise Point
Even though it's not a dirt trail, we fell in love with the Cuyuna Paved Trail. It is a completely different experience in every season and there is beauty everywhere you look. You will pass several stunning mine lakes while walking through oak and pine forests. Get lost in the beauty, the views, the sounds and smells. We also recommend taking breaks and sitting on a bench with views or walking down to the water.
When you get to the main Cuyuna Country State Rec parking area, also known as the Rally Center, keep going to walk up to Overlook Point for the most incredible views of the mine lakes, Crosby, Ironton and beyond! When you walk back down, turn left and stay left to soak in the beauty of Paradise Point where you will have water on all 3 sides surrounding you. We often get greeted by loons, beavers, bald eagles and endless wildlife here. It's a gorgeous spot to enjoy the sunset, too!
Location:
Take a right at the end of our driveway and head down our own private trail leading to Cuyuna Country State Rec Area. We made our own directional signs at the end of this trail to lead you in the right direction, but simply take a left onto the paved trail.
Things to know before you go in Winter:
- The paved trail is not groomed, which means it is dog friendly (unlike the groomed mountain bike trails where you cannot go on them with boots or a dog)
- Can go year round
- With heavy snow, use your snowshoes or rent HOK Skis from Red Raven or Cykel in the Winter! Jump on and off the paved trail to the groomed trails if you have hok skis on. It's a blast!
4) Milford Memorial Mine Memorial Park
We highly recommend taking the short 7 min drive from your cabin or bungalow at Cuyuna Cove and experiencing the natural beauty and incredible history of this tragic mining accident. Open year round, you can walk over the stunning bridge which displays the names of the men who lost their lives here.
The Milford Mine produced high manganese-content iron ore in Wolford Township, Minnesota and on February 5, 1924, it was the site of the Milford Mine Disaster, the worst mining accident in Minnesota history, when it was flooded by water from a nearby lake, killing 41 miners. Only seven men were able to climb to safety. You will be able to read the plaques, walk around the historic site, take in views of lake and nature surrounding this important site. Click here to learn more.
Location:
Take a right out of our driveway, head North on Hwy 6 for about 6 minutes. The entrance to the park and parking area will be on your left.
Things to know before you go in Winter:
- Open sunrise to sunset, year round
- Dog friendly
- 218-824-1067 to call Crow Wing County with any questions
5) Our Lesser Known 'secret' Cuyuna Hike
We love being able to sneak away and enjoy this walk. We hardly see anyone on it, it's close by and you can add in a steep incline for a great booty workout!
It's actually a snowmobile trail in the Winter so it's perfect in the Spring, Summer and Fall to go for a peaceful walk. You can park and head left to go up the big hill for incredible views (there is a hidden forest trail to your left... keep an eye out for it as you're walking on the main trail). Or, you can walk to the right for a couple of miles. You are just to the left of the Cuyuna Paved Trail, but for most of the walk, you cannot see that trail and they cannot see you.
You can go both ways to make the walk even longer and more vigorous with the incline option. We highly recommend going all the way up, it's so worth the views!
Location:
Drive into the Main Cuyuna Rally Center drive. Before you take your first right over the paved trail, park here. Or walk here from the main parking area. The trail is a snowmobile trail and you walk back and can go left or right.
Things to know before you go:
- No bikes allowed in Spring/Summer/Fall months
- Dog friendly
- Do not go in Winter when snowmobiles will be using this trail
- There is one area where mountain bikes cross over this trail, just keep an eye out
Also check out Crow Wing State Park and Pillsbury State Forest for incredible hiking just a little further of a drive. Be sure to stop at Sage on Laurel in Brainerd for lunch afterwards to fuel up!
Head to Iron Range Eatery to fuel up if you're exploring near Cuyuna Cove. Or, grab a pizza to go from Raffertys or make your own charcueterie board from the incredible Victual on Main St to enjoy back at your cabin.
