Minnesota state forest trail planning

The DNR is considering a number of measures to improve trail sustainability and enhance user experiences for both motorized and non-motorized uses including:

  • Close unsustainable trails where impacts cannot be avoided or mitigated.
  • Connect trails to other destinations, local communities, and existing trails.
  • Provide a variety of experience levels.
  • Avoid ecologically sensitive areas.
  • Address major safety concerns and user conflicts.
  • Identify and evaluate potential new trail opportunities.

The trail system changes will not include changing forest-wide motor vehicle use classifications. 

State forest trail designations (e.g., allowing motorized use, creating hunter walking trails, etc.), whether new designations or revisions, must be made by a Commissioner's Order published in the State Register. 

Current state forest motor vehicle use classifications

Project description

Common terms in forest trail planning

State forest classification and trail route designation

In 2012, the DNR began reviewing all state forest trail systems to identify measures to improve trail sustainability and enhance user experiences for both motorized and non-motorized uses.

In 2008, the DNR completed a forest-by-forest review of Minnesota state forests to determine their appropriate classification with regard to off-highway vehicle (OHV) use. Road and trail access was also evaluated for a variety of both motorized and non-motorized recreational activities.

2008 forest classification and trail route designation information

Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest
Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest
Zumbro Bottoms Management Unit map
Counties: Goodhue, Wabasha
Forest classification: Limited

Comment period ended September 10, 2020.

Contact: [email protected]
Parks and Trails Division
500 Lafayette Rd. St. Paul, MN 55155

Solana State Forest

Open house

Wednesday, October 16 from 6 - 8 p.m.
Aitkin High School
306 Second Street NW, Aitkin, MN

Solana State Forest
Solana State Forest map
County: Aitkin
Forest classification: Limited

Contact: [email protected]
Parks and Trails Division
500 Lafayette Rd. St. Paul, MN 55155

Cloquet Valley and Riverlands State Forests

Open house

Tuesday, September 24 from 6 - 8 p.m.
Pike Lake Elementary School
5682 Martin Road, Duluth, MN

Cloquet Valley State Forest
Cloquet Valley State Forest map
Riverlands State Forest (Map not available yet)
Counties: St. Louis, Carlton
Forest classification: Mixed

Contact: [email protected]
Parks and Trails Division
500 Lafayette Rd. St. Paul, MN 55155

Beltrami Island State Forest
Beltrami Island State Forest
Counties: Beltrami, Lake of the Woods, Roseau
Classification: Managed

Maps

Chengwatana State Forest
Chengwatana State Forest
County: Pine
Classification: Limited

General C.C. Andrews State Forest
General C.C. Andrews State Forest
County: Pine
Classification: Limited

Huntersville and Lyons state forests
Huntersville State Forest
Lyons State Forest
County: Wadena
Classification: Limited

Comment period ended Mar. 13, 2019.

Kabetogama State Forest
Kabetogama State Forest
Counties: Koochiching and St. Louis
Classification: Managed

Comment period ended Oct. 11, 2018.

Nemadji State Forest
Nemadji State Forest
County: Pine
Classification: Limited

North St. Louis and Lake counties
State forests:

Counties: St. Louis and Lake
Classifications: Closed/limited/managed

Project documents:

Comment period ended Oct. 11, 2018.

Rum River State Forest
Rum River State Forest
County: Mille Lacs
Classification: Limited

St. Croix State Forest
St. Croix State Forest
County: Pine
Classification: Limited

More information

For more information about trail designation in state forests, contact:

Molly Lou Pintok
Parks and Trails Division
651-259-5095
[email protected]

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