Mountain Bike at Cuyuna Country

As avid mountain bikers for 35 years, my husband and I travel far and wide to get our mountain biking fix. We have experienced some of the most beautiful and challenging trails in the United States and Canada—but we always come home with a deep appreciation for our own mountain biking paradise, Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area in north-central Minnesota.

Drawing mountain bikers from across Minnesota and the nation, Cuyuna has more than 30 trails stretching nearly 60 miles. Known for its red, iron-rich soil, Cuyuna offers well-designed “flow” trails with varying terrain for all skill levels. As we are now in our mid-60s, these trails are perfectly suited for our riding style.

A recent day trip to Cuyuna began with a warmup ride on the easy-rated Haul Road trail to the Yawkey Unit, one of several clusters of trails within the system. A short way up the trail, we turned to grind up Winze, a very difficult black-diamond-rated trail. Attempting to keep our wheels grounded on the tabletop jumps that more daring bikers soar across, we found the long downhills and bermed curves exhilarating.

Back on Haul Road, we stopped to catch our breath near Manuel Mine Lake, one of several small mine lakes that dot the area. Then, back on our trek, we pedaled to the top of Bobsled, rated more difficult, where we tackled steep climbs and marveled at the lush green forest. The ride back down lived up to the trail’s name, with high-banked S-curves built for speed.

Our next destination was our favorite overlook on Mucker Mountain trail in the south Mahnomen Unit. The route there on a series of interconnected trails was invigorating, with rolling and winding terrain. The payoff at the top of Mucker Mountain was a spectacular view over a shimmering lake, the beauty of a mixed deciduous and pine forest, and, to top it off, the scent of pine in the warm breeze. With tapped legs and low energy, we welcomed a reprieve at the overlook bench to rest and refuel.

As we meandered back toward our car, we couldn’t resist the temptation to ride Screamer, a short and steep black diamond, for one more incredible downhill thrill. Back at the car and completely drained, we flipped a coin to choose who had to drive home. Still energized in mind, we reminisced about the highlights of our 20-mile, nearly four-hour outing. Our bike tires had earned their kiss of Cuyuna’s distinctive red dirt.

Plan Ahead

• Park hours are from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. Check the website for alerts of trail closures and notices before heading out. mndnr.gov/cuyunacountry

• A state park day pass is required for some parking areas, but the trails do not require a permit to ride. 

• Camping and yurts are available for overnight stays. Vault toilets are available year-round throughout the park. Drinking water is shut off in winter.

• The Sagamore Unit has adaptive trails for riders of all abilities.

Good to Know

• Bring plenty of water, energy drinks, and snacks.

• Sunscreen and insect spray are good ideas too.

• Keep a trail map handy, either physical or downloaded as a PDF on your phone.

• Have a change of clothing for after the ride and something to wipe down exposed skin. Iron ore in the dirt stains clothing.

• “I Can Mountain Bike!” classes are available at Cuyuna for inexperienced bikers June through August. mndnr.gov/ican-mountain-bike