C.J. Ramstad/North Shore State Trail
The trail runs through birch and aspen stands and maple-covered ridgelines overlooking Lake Superior, and past lakes, rivers and valleys, providing spectacular views of Minnesota landscapes all along the way. Don’t be surprised if you surprise wildlife such as deer, fox, timber wolves, bears, grouse and moose. The trail is named for a long-time advocate of Minnesota snowmobiling, in fact known as “Mr. Snowmobiling.” C.J. Ramstad, a noted journalist and photographer who died in an automobile accident in 2007, especially enjoyed this remote section of snowmobiling, which he also worked to preserve and protect. Sections of the snowmobile trail offer tight switchbacks, and there are also wide-open, flat areas where you can really let the throttle out.