Bridge Run and Hogback Ridge both connect with the easier loops. From the top of Hogback ridge, you'll be rewarded with a view across the Temperance River Valley toward Carlton Peak, well worth the 3.2 km trip.

If you're up for a challenge, head to Picnic Loop. It is rated difficult due to its length and terrain, which is very hilly and includes long climbs and fast descents.

Summit View and Tofte Trail
From Britton Peak, skiers can also skate or stride 1.2 km on the Summit View Trail to thee base of Carlton Peak, the second highest point in Minnesota. The peak springs form a solid granite knoll that from behind appears to be a perfectly vertical rise.

The Tofte Trail cuts off from Summit View and heads toward the shore of the Great Lake. Along this route you'll pass the north face of Carlton Peak on a continuous gradual descent to Tofte, a 4 km trek from the start point at Britton Peak.

Moosefence Trails
A 10-acre plot of white pines inspired this trail system's name is accessed from the Sawbill Trail. The plot is surrounded by a tall fence to keep moose from feeding on the plants in this area, which is maintained by the U.S. Forest Service as a research site.

The easier of the two, Upland Loop, is a relatively flat 2.4 km trail passing through a plantation of 10- to 15-year-old spruce and balsam. Rated more difficult and set on gently rolling terrain, the Maple Loop is bordered by more mature deciduous trees and newer conifer stands.

Oberg Mountain Trails
Hiking Oberg Mountain is a delicious treat full of overlooks at every turn. Skiing near the base of Oberg is just as fun, with a jaunt next to Oberg Lake and an exhilarating series of downhill runs ending at the base of Oberg Mountain.

From the trailhead off Onion River Road, skiers can choose three options, including a widely groomed section of road that offers a spacious skating lane and two diagonal tracks. The west side of the Oberg Loop offers easy skiing, while the east side is characterized by a long climb from Onion River Road, followed by a rush of downhill runs.

LUTSEN MOUNTAINS NORDIC SKI CENTER

LUTSEN TO SPRUCE CREEK

Lutsen Ski-Through Trails
The Lutsen area is accessible via ski trails from either direction. Going west, the Oberg/Lutsen Ski-Through Trail departs from the west Golf Course Loop, meeting the east end of the Oberg Loop after a 5 km ski. Going east from the golf course parking lot, you will cross the ski hill road after 1 km. From there you can continue east along Trapper Pass, a distance of 4.8 km to the Caribou Trail. About 1.8 km east of the Caribou Trail, you will encounter the Solbakken Area Trails.

Deer Tracks Loop
This .8 km loop is relatively flat, winding through a cedar forest that is a deer wintering area.

Whitesides Loop
This .9 km loop has one steep section with great Lake Superior vistas. The remainder is quite level and easy to ski.

Isak's Flats
This gently rolling loop has some of the area's most level terrain, and is recommended for those who wish to avoid steep hills.

Massie Loop
This loop has a variety of terrain including open areas on the west side of the loop which offer good lake views, a cedar grove in the northern section with its thick tree canopy and subdued lighting has a special feeling.

Hall Loop
Named for pioneer Hans Hall, a boat builder and farmer, this loop begins .9 km east of the Cook Country 41 trailhead. Skiing in a clockwise direction (recommended), the trail begins with a long climb. Shortly after the Upper Massie intersection, the trail continues to climb and goes through an upland bog with many tamarack. After another .7 km you will reach the "Height of Land," and begin a 2.3 km downhill run.

DEER YARD TO CASCADE

Trail meander along lakes and rivers, up steep climbs, and down thrilling hills, and through tunnels of tree branches hung heavy with snow, making scenic trails attractive foe beginner, intermediate and expert skiers.

Deer Yard Lake Trail
From Forest Road 14, head toward Deer Yard Lake, where you can ski the length of the lake along relatively flat and easy terrain. As the name suggests, you'll spot a few deer hanging around the lake. Watch for tracks as well - although it's rare to spot one face to face, it's common to find moose and wolf tracks.

East of Cascade River State Park
For a unique skiing experience, head just east of Cascade River State Park for a stroll along Lake Superior. When the snow conditions are right, this trail is an awesome trip right on the shore, an experience unlikely to be repeated elsewhere on the North Shore Ski Trail. Because the trail is so close to the water, it's worth checking the snow conditions first. The best skiing here is just after a big snowfall.

Lookout Mountain and Pioneer Loop
There's a heavy concentration of easy loops just outside Cascade Lodge and around the park as well. Intermediate skiers can enjoy an easy warm-up here before heading toward Lookout Mountain or Pioneer Loop. Both offer challenging but manageable climbs followed by a nice downhill ride. Pioneer is also groomed with two sets of parallel tracks for side-by-side skiing and a track for skating.

Long Climb
For a real rush, ski from Deer Yard Lake or the Old Cascade Fire Tower Site to Long Climb, a grueling climb that will challenge event he best skiers. It's worth the reward, however - a half-mile downhill run that feels almost like downhill skiing. Because of the downhill control required, this trail is recommended for intermediate or expert skiers.

Bally Creek Trail to Moose Mountain
For the adventurous type, from Highway 45 ski the trail heading from Bally Creek Trail to Moose Mountain for a trip reminiscent of a backcountry ski experience. Groomed only occasionally, the trail offers a challenge in any snow condition.