Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area is known for its mountain biking. People travel from all over the country to experience the red dirt trails carved around the many mine lakes. While the area is primarily designed for biking, many of the trails can also be used for hiking. While hiking in Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area is not suggested, it is possible- and I’m sharing what you should know beforehand.
During summer 2022 I took a weekend trip with my dog to Cuyuna Country. I, myself am not an avid mountain biker and I knew there was no way to fit my 90 pound golden retriever in a bike basket. Prior to leaving I scoured the internet for information about hiking in the area. Unfortunately there was little to nothing besides a small excerpt from the Minnesota Department of Resources website.
Hiking in Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area: What you need to Know
I created this post in order to answer many of the questions that I had prior to my own trip. There are few resources available, so I wanted to share my experience and recommendations after hiking in Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area.
1. Cyclists have the Right of Way
The red dirt trails of the recreation are are designed with Mountain Biking in mind. The narrow trails wind through the trees and in many places there is little visibility. At Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area cyclists have the right of way. It is the responsibility of the person hiking to move to the side of the trail in order to allow cyclists to pass.
While hiking, when I heard or saw someone coming I pulled myself and Brutus off the trail. I made a point to move at least a foot off of the trail and keep Brutus close to me. I would try to ensure that I was not directly on a curve or in an area with minimal visibility.
2. The Trails are One-Way
You’ll notice on the MAP that the trails have small arrows indicating that traffic will be moving one way. It is mandatory for cyclists and hikers to travel in the direction in order to limit passing and crashes. While hiking, it’s nice to only be concerned with traffic coming up from only one direction.
3. Wear Bright Colored Clothing if Possible
It is commonly recommended for cyclists to wear bright colored clothing in order to be visible in traffic. The same can be suggested for hikers on bike trails. Wearing bright clothing can help cyclists see you better from a distance or through foliage.
4. Read Signage
There are a few areas within the Recreation Area that specifically do not allow hiking. Be sure to plan your route beforehand using the MAP as reference and keeping an eye out for signage as you go. In the photo below you’ll see that the skills area specifically prohibits hikers and dogs.
The signage that indicated which trails prohibit hiking and dogs was very obvious. As with any trail I suggest being informed and following the indicated rules.
While a few of the trails in the Recreation Area do not allow hiking, most of them do (especially in the Mahnomen Unit). Be sure to read below for my trail suggestions within the park.
5. Say Focused
This is an important suggestion and not to be taken lightly. 1. Cyclists have right of way, 2. There can be limited visibility on the trails, 3. If you cause a crash, it will not end well for either you or the cyclist. In order to prevent a crash, staying focused is key.
As you hike you will want to be listening carefully. You’ll get used to identifying the whir of the bikes and be able to hear someone coming from a distance. In order to ensure that you are alert, I would highly recommend NOT wearing headphones.
I was feeling extremely cautious when began hiking at Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area. Not hearing or seeing a cyclist come up on me was one of my biggest concerns. I was happy to realize that if I was present and alert I had no problem recognizing upcoming cyclists.
Where to Hike in Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area
I had a great time hiking during my time in Cuyuna Lakes Area. I was nervous about hiking beforehand because of the limited information available. Although I mention a few risks in this post I don’t think that should deter you from enjoying the Recreation Area.
Galloping Goose Trail
I spent one afternoon on Galloping Goose Trail which encircles Huntington Lake. This trail is easy with limited elevation change, and provides wonderful views of the lake. This is an awesome hike to start with!
Cuyuna Lakes State Trail (Paved)
The Cuyuna Lakes State Trail is an 8-mile paved path that connects the towns of Crosby and Riverton. This path is wide and beautiful and could be an awesome walking path.
Chute/Crusher Trails
Chute and Crusher Trails connect Miners Mountain and the Miners Mountain Rally Center. The trail begins (remember the one-way rule) at the top of Miners Mountain and includes a series of switchbacks, twists and turns, and loops that make for a unique hike. Compared to Galloping Goose there are no views or observation points once on the trail.
Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area is beautiful- I highly recommend exploring the region even if you can’t cycle. The Cuyuna Lakes Area is a unique region of Minnesota and an awesome place for a weekend getaway.
*I have referenced the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Website, talked to several informed locals, and have drawn from my own experience in creating this post. Please take time to inform yourself prior to hiking in the Recreation Area. Take steps to ensure your safety and the safety of others prior to hiking in Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area.
Be sure to read my related post: 10 Awesome things to do in Cuyuna Lakes Area
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