Sturgeon River

Features:

19 miles of trails for hiking and cross-country skiing.
Excellent intermediate cross-country ski trails suitable for beginning skiers
Trails groomed and tracked periodically
Solitude
Summer hiking and fishing
2 Adirondack shelters
Diversity of wildlife, trees and vegetation, mature pines, grassy fields, young aspen stands
Scenic views of Sturgeon River

Location & Directions:

The Sturgeon River Trail system is 9 miles north of Chisholm and 6 miles east of McCarthy Beach State Park
Three parking areas north from Chisholm:
1st: Drive 9 miles north on Highway #73
Turn left on Forest Road #279
Parking lot at corner
2nd: Drive 12 miles north on Highway #73
Turn left on County Road #65
Drive 1.3 miles to parking lot
3rd: Drive 14.5 miles north on Highway #73
Park off Highway #73 on east side, 1/4 mile north of County Road #688 junction. Trail starts on west side of highway.

Description:

If you like a solitary ski or hike in a diverse forest setting, this trail is for you. It takes you along the high banks of the Sturgeon River, descends to the river with its large, old silver maples and travels through mature pines, grassy openings and reforested areas.
Three miles of new trail and a new parking lot were built in 1998. The north bridge was removed at that time and the trail on the west side of the E. Branch of the Sturgeon River abandoned. Please check the trailhead bulletin boards for the updated trail location. The new parking lot is located at the jct of Highway #73 and 703 road.

Click here to order a cross-country skiing brochure.

Sturgeon River
Laurentian Ranger District
318 Forestry Road
Aurora, MN 55705
218-229-8800