+ Do we have to pay for parking to access the trails?

Yes. Parking permits are required in all Minnesota State Recreation Areas. This includes access at the following units:

• Miner's Mountain Rally Center
• County Road 128 Trailhead
• Portsmouth Unit
• Sagamore Unit
• Yawkey Unit

View map for detailed locations.

+ How much does a permit cost?

• $35 Year-round vehicle permit
• $26 Additional year-round vehicle permit
• $30 Year-round motorcycle permit
• $7 One-day vehicle permit
• $5 One-day group permit
  
  

+ Where can I purchase a Minnesota State Parks permit?

• Purchase a one-day vehicle permit (Yodel)
• Purchase a year-round vehicle permit (Reserve MN)
• At the pay station
• At any staffed Minnesota State Park ranger station (note: not all stations are staffed daily)

+ Do we need a special permit to bring a large group to ride the trails?

Yes. You must obtain a special use permit through Minnesota State Parks if you plan an organized group activity on the trails. Applications can be dropped off at the DNR office in Ironton, MN.

• An organized public activity may normally be allowed, but could disrupt other users.
• Required for activities not normally allowed in a state park, including anything after 10 p.m.
• Issued by the park manager.
• No fee is required.
• Examples include: structured group rides, MTB team practice, bike clinics, bike demos, weddings, family reunions, for-profit classes, scuba dives, photography sessions, or activities after 10 p.m.

+ Are electric mountain bikes (eMTBs) allowed on the trails?

• Class 1 eMTBs are allowed on Cuyuna singletrack trails, unless otherwise posted.
• Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are allowed on the Cuyuna Lakes State Trail (paved trail) and roads within the recreation area.

Please be considerate of all trail users.

+ I haven't seen an updated trail conditions report in a few days. What are the trail conditions?

The last posted update is always current.

Cuyuna’s soil is stable after most rain events, so we do not update for every rainfall. Trails are closed during rain and typically reopen about two hours after it stops, unless otherwise noted. Updates are posted if there are concerns such as heavy rainfall, downed trees, or other trail impacts.

+ I want to ride the Cuyuna trails this weekend. What will the trails be like?

It depends on the weather. Check your weather app for current conditions, a 5-day forecast, and a 10-day extended forecast.

Cuyuna’s soil dries quickly. Normal rainfall often has little impact, and trails are usually rideable two hours after rain. Long stretches of rain can waterlog the soil and take days to recover.

• Example: If it has rained for a week and clears Friday night, trails likely will not be ideal for the weekend.
• If it has been dry all week and rains Friday evening, trails will likely be fine.

Always check conditions before heading out.

+ What trails are open? What trails are closed?

Unless otherwise noted, all trails are open. If a trail or unit is listed as closed and has not been specifically re-opened, it remains closed. Visit our Trail Conditions feed for a complete list of updates.

Winter exception:

• Before grooming begins, all trails are open to all mountain bikes, regardless of tire width.
• Once grooming starts, only groomed trails are open, and they are limited to fat bikes (tires 3.7" or wider).
  
  
  

+ What should I be aware of when riding the trails?

Ride responsibly to keep trails in good condition:

• Ride only when the trail surface is firm. If you leave footprints or tire ruts, it is too soft.
• Ride through soft spots, not around them.
• Avoid skidding. Skidding damages trails and wastes energy.
  
  
  

+ Is there any special gear I should bring to Cuyuna?

Bring standard mountain bike gear: properly fitted helmet, gloves, eye protection, and close-fitting clothing. Also carry:

• ID
• A fully charged phone
• A Cuyuna trail map (available at kiosks)

Unique to Cuyuna: bring mid-calf or higher socks. The area has poison ivy and ticks, especially in spring.

+ I want to bring someone new to mountain biking. Where should we ride?

Plan ahead using the trail map.

• Sagamore Unit – Best for first-time riders, minimal singletrack.
• Mahnomen Unit – For beginners, ride clockwise. Start from Miner's Mountain Rally Center via the paved Cuyuna Lakes State Trail. Avoid the initial climb by heading west first.
• Yawkey & Portsmouth Units – Less climbing, but tighter trails with more varied terrain. Better for new mountain bikers who are already confident riders.
  
  
  

+ Are the trails open in the winter?

Yes, before grooming starts all trails are open to all bikes. Once grooming begins, only groomed trails are open, and only to fat bikes (3.7" or wider). Grooming order is: Sagamore, Cuyuna Lakes State Trail (paved), Yawkey, and other units as announced.

+ Do I need a 3.7" or wider tire to ride groomed trails in winter?

Yes.

+ Do I need studded tires in winter?

It depends. In mid-to-late winter on groomed trails, studs do not add much. In early winter or low-snow conditions when trails may be icy, studded tires are recommended.

+ Any special gear I should bring for winter riding?

Along with standard winter biking gear, we recommend carrying an emergency blanket. In the event of an accident, rescue response may take time. A blanket can reduce windchill and shock, and could be life-saving.