Find the top rated cross country skiing trails in North Branch, whether you're looking for an easy short cross country skiing trail or a long cross country skiing trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a cross country skiing trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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Great network to connect the lakes and parks around the city. Lots of places to stop for a bite or a drink. We biked around the chain of lakes which was beautiful, but be prepared for one-way bike trails around the lakes.
First timers, we were very impressed on a Monday, midday with gorgeous weather.
Although quite a steep hill, it’s well worth it once you make it to the bridge. Loved the views and signage explaining the history. Awesome bathrooms - thank you! Would definitely recommend this trail.
Although quite busy for a Sunday morning (which is a good thing to see the trail being used!) it was a wonderful paved trail. We also did the St Croix Loop section and really enjoyed the views of the river. As we were new to this trail, we loved all the signage explaining the historical references of the area/trail. Very appreciative of the clean bathrooms! Super nice trail we would definitely do again if in the area.
Four of us (2 couples) rode from Hinckley to Duluth and back over 4 days. Weather was perfect. The paved trail was awesome despite several “bumps” from expansion joints in some sections. Overall the trail is well maintained- Thank You! Did not see much wildlife - few deer and grouse. Spent night at Barnum at Northwoods Inn as our “halfway” point. In Duluth stayed at the very convenient Willard Munger Inn at the end of the trail- awesome place with very friendly owner. Great stop in Carlton for a park with bathrooms. Have lunch at Streetcar Kitchen & Pub - delicious food!! Overall a great ride with natural beauty and several options for photo opportunities. Would definitely recommend.
Note: The south end of the route between Chaska and Carver has been rerouted. The TrailLink map is no longer accurate. The trail now runs through downtown Chaska and will cross the Minnesota River at the new bridge. Signs are scarce in this section.
The trail is incomplete in several sections, and route you through some neighborhoods and along some busier roads. There is also a construction project by Coons Dam without a very good reroute available. (Summer 2026) but we look forward to writing her again.
The southern end is a bit rough; the middle is not marked very well; and the northern end for ollows the road. But it’s a great link to the Rush Creek Trail, has some beautiful views, and is shaded part of the way.
Ride from Carlton to Duluth was ok, some rough spots but great scenerySouth of Carlton ... very rough, many breaks in pavement Wouldn't do it again!
We left Duluth and biked 5 miles out. On the way back, we found a few geocaches. Very scenic.
This could be a really nice trail but UTVs have destroyed it. The trail surface is rutted and chewed up, and it's dangerous for pedestrian or bike traffic unless you go early morning weekdays.
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