2 minute read
On Land
Street biking is as simple as picking a local sidewalk, lake, park or trail to bike around. A list of trails is included here; visit local city and county websites for trail maps and additional information, or stop by a local chamber of commerce office.
Mountain biking trails and resources
Lakes Area Mountain Biking Alliance & Trails www.facebook.com/lambatmtb
Detroit Mountain Recreation Area
29409 170th St., Detroit Lakes 218-844-7669 detroitmountain.com
Mountain View Recreation Area
30119 Tower Road, Detroit Lakes 218-846-2612 co.becker.mn.us/dept/parks_recreation
Maplelag Resort
30501 Maplelag Road, Callaway 218-375-4466
Maplelag.com
Black’s Grove Park
33825 620th Ave., Wadena www.wadena.org/sunnybrook-campground-parks-trails
Hiking
From trails to parks to city sidewalks, there’s a plethora of places to put your foot down in the Lakes Area. Several of the best are noted here.
North Country Scenic Hiking Trail
Spanning seven states and over 4,600 miles, the North Country Hiking Trail is the longest hiking path in the United States. The trail through Becker County runs 62 miles from Itasca State Park to the Becker County-Otter Tail County line near Frazee. Suggested hikes on the trail include:
► North from the Highway 34 Trailhead (located two miles east of Becker County Road 29), out-andback: Hike as far as you want then return. You will cross through prairie fields and see wetlands.
► South from Highway 113 Trailhead in the White Earth State Forest, out-and-back: Hike through a white pine plantation then return.
► Highway 113 to CR-39 Trailhead, 4.3 miles: Hike through a mix of hardwoods and pine plantations and over some hilly terrain. Part of this hike is along the Laurentian (Continental) Divide.
Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge
The North Country Trail also runs through the Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge, a quiet and pristine place for outdoor play. Access the trail from 400th Avenue, Blackbird Wildlife Drive or the Pine Lake Parking Area on County Highway 29.
In addition to the North Country Trail, Tamarac offers several miles of other hiking trails. Park at the Discovery Center and take the 1/4-mile Discovery Loop, or the 1.5mile Bear Paw Trail, which goes to historic cabins.
On the Old Indian Hiking Trail, follow in the footsteps of the Ojibwe people and experience the beauty of the maple basswood forest. This 2.4-mile loop trail is accessed from County Highway 29.
For more information, visit fws.gov/refuge/Tamarac/.
Dunton Locks County Park
This 53-acre park just south of Detroit Lakes has nearly 4 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails on the hills along the shores between Lake Sallie and Muskrat Lake. The northern trails wind through hardwood forested hills that were once a gathering spot for Sioux Indians, and remnants of Indian burial mounds are still present throughout the park. The southern trails also wind through rolling, wooded terrain.
Greater Sucker Creek
This gem boasts 117 acres of natural woods and prairie with accessible paved paths, unimproved trails, marshwalks, a designated trout stream, amphitheater and interpretive signs. The park is located on the southeast side of Detroit Lakes, just off U.S. Highway 10.
Mountain View Recreation Area
The 3 miles of natural surface trails at Becker County’s Mountain View Recreation Area wind their way through a mature, mixed hardwood forest. The trails are wide and offer several different loop options. The trails are used for horseback riding as well as hiking in the summer, and cross-country skiing in the winter. Separate single-track mountain bike/snowshoe trails are also being developed. Parking for 10-15 vehicles is located along Tower Road in Detroit Lakes.
Black’s Grove Park
Surrounded by majestic oak trees and pines, this 50-year-old park provides a place for relaxation. Trails are suitable for hiking in the summer, and children will enjoy playing in a log shelter or watching for wildlife. A long and winding ski trail can be used for hiking, mountain biking or cross-country skiing in winter.
