Winter grooming of bike trails at Pincushion under trial period

The USDA Forest Service Gunflint Ranger District, in collaboration with the North Superior Ski & Run Club and the Superior Cycling Association have drafted a plan to allow grooming of single track mountain bike trails at Pincushion Mountain for a one-year trial period during this winter.  Grooming of the Pincushion single track bike trails during the trial period will allow for the use of fat tire bikes.

Pincushion is a favorite destination for visitors to the North Shore as well as local residents.  And while there is much enthusiasm and excitement about the prospect of winter fat biking on the single track bike trails at Pincushion, preserving the integrity of the cross country ski trails at Pincushion is paramount, according to the Forest Service.

A plan has been drafted outlining several standards for trail maintenance and rider etiquette designed to minimize the impact on existing skiing opportunities on the Pincushion Trail network.  Included in this plan are an inventory of single track bike trails that will be open to winter use, a grooming schedule and signage requirements.

The Forest Service notes that the success of the trial period is entirely dependent on fat tire biker compliance.  Fat tire bikes will only be permitted on single track trails with the exception of a portion of the East Overlook ski trail where dogs are also allowed.  Reports of fat bike use on any other ski trails could result in closing the single track bike trails to winter fat bike use, says the US Forest Service.

If the trial period is successful the Forest Service will consider an extension of this trial period for future years at Pincushion Mountain. 

For more information contact Cathy Quinn at the Gunflint Ranger Station at 218-387-3240.