Grouse Trail at Crane Lake
After this last snow, the backcountry trails around Crane Lake are ready for skiing and snowshoeing.
cross-country skiing
The Crane Lake Voyageur Trail was created by the DNR and the Ruffed Grouse society. It’s a non-motorized trail that’s intent is to maintain prime habitat for the Ruffed Grouse. The DNR has many of these type of “hunter” trails scattered throughout Minnesota. They don’t advertise their trails of this type so if you find a good one, it’s your secret. In the Fall the DNR will come through and brush out and mow the trail. They have created open areas back in the forest in places where young aspen are growing. These open areas are great habitat for Woodcock. There’s a big swamp area to the west of the trails and Snipe inhabit that area. I bet in the Spring of the year, after dark, this place is lively with displaying Woodcock and Snipe.
breakin a trail
a pretty steep hill
Wiiiiiipe-out!
Hi, I just want to let you and your reader know the DNR now has a site which shows the locations of the Hunter walking trail you are talking about. The url is http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/hunting/hwt/index.html
Thanks Kim, I just checked out the link and there is tons of information about hunter walking trails. Awesome!