Snow Depth and Groomed Trail Conditions
Jay Cooke State Park
Trail conditions:
We have stopped grooming for the season. Although there is plenty of snow, the current warm weather creates snowballs from the grooming equipment and overheats engines. Trails are open with skier-made tracks. CCC and Thomson trails were last groomed the morning of Friday, March 17 after we received 2-4" of snow. Oak Trail was not groomed March 17. Forebay Trail was packed March 17 but not groomed. Mid-December winter storms caused significant trail and park damage from heavy and wet snow. Thousands of trees and branches came down which will need to be cleared from trails before we can expand what ski trails are groomed. Ski trails that are not cleared and groomed remain closed. Our fat tire bike trail remains closed. The Forebay snowmobile spur connector trail is open and packed. Snowshoeing, winter hiking, and day-use areas are open to visitors. Forest trail, located at the visitor center, has been flagged and frequently walked. Forest Trail has numerous detours on it due to downed trees. If you are using the Avenza map app, please be aware that the Avenza route will differ from the on-the-ground route. Other designated snowshoe and hiking trails may have been traveled on by visitors but not yet checked by park staff. Please use extreme caution when visiting the park. Branches and trees continue to fall. Trails are unmaintained and significantly blocked. Choose safe routes around trail blocks and be cautious around tree damage. If you do choose to go out on the unmaintained trails, be prepared for long waits for emergency services in case of injury.
Skiing |
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Trail conditions: poor |
Trail groomed? no |
Trail base: 20" |
Trail mileage: 32 |
Difficulty: all levels (track) |
Snowmobiling |
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Trail conditions: fair |
Trail groomed? no |
Trail base: 20" |
Trail mileage: 1 |
The trail(s):
The trails consist of rolling hills, rocky outcrops and a beautiful view of the St. Louis river gorge. All ski trails are only groomed for classic style skiing. Skate ski trails are not offered.
The park's one-mile long snowmobile trail (Forbay Trail) connects to the Willard Munger State Trail.
You can snowshoe anywhere in Minnesota's state parks and recreation areas, except on trails that are specifically groomed for another activity, such as skiing or snowmobiling.
Facilities:
- The warming shelter at the River Inn Interpretive Center is open daily from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. May be closed on holidays.
- Ski passes are sold at the park office when it is open.
- Snowshoe rentals are available when the park office is open.
- Winter camping and lodging is available, contact park or website for details.
Last updated on March 23, 2023. Local snow depth is 30".
Getting there
780 Hwy 210
Carlton, MN 55718
From Carlton, head east on Highway 210 three miles to park entrance.
Parking is available in the park, with several options on locations.
Contact
Phone: (218) 673-7000
Email: [email protected]
The park is open daily from 8 am - 10 pm. The park office is open occasionally Mon-Wed, and typically 10-4 Thurs-Sun. If contact with office staff is a necessity, please call to confirm availability. Permits are always available via self-registration.