Category Archives: Reports

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Mountain Bike Trail Report

Trails are open. Great weekend of riding on tap. Drier and cooler air in place making for nice conditions. Around 3″ of rain this week has the course tacky, a few damp spots here and there but should continue to tighten up nicely. This week we brushed out the “Pete’s Porkie” singletrack segment on the Twin Lakes loop and a few other areas overgrown.

The woods have really filled out making for lush green deep woods forest scenes. We have started brushing out the thicker areas in particular the lakeside segments. We also have been blowing out singletrack segments as needed after the entire course was cleared out earlier this year. This spring we also widened bridges on the Bootleg loop, added a few wooden features on the new trails, dirt work on select areas and planted a couple hundred trees along the course. We will continue tuning the trail throughout the spring and summer.

Great seeing new folks and the locals alike out this season. Rider traffic helps compress the deck and ride in the lines! Nice job to all the riders competing the LagChilada challenge so far this year.

Trail head is at flagpole near main lodge. Look for white signs that have “Beginner/Sport/Comp/Expert” or named singletrack segments. There are also red signs at key intersections and pink signs for the LagChilada loop challenge. We have also taped off most intersections. The two way “North Loup Gnar” trail can be accessed of county road 110 just to the east of Maplelag driveway. Bootleg loop accessed from county road 26 via the gravel road 110. Please park in the first parking lot where the recycling bins are located. The main lodge is closed, no services available. Park and ride! Any questions on riding etc., contact Jay at 218-849-7669.

The Maplelag trails are classic “old school” trails, first built in 1990, mirrored off the courses used for racing to provide training opportunities for local racers. and feature some of the more technical areas of cross country riding in the Midwest.

For first timers to Maplelag, best trails first to start on would be Sukkerwest at end of driveway and Feeling Lucky near main start area. Also the Citizen loop which provides options to try the more advanced singletracks segments.

Trails listed on TrailForks. (Please note some routes were added by riders not associated with Maplelag, in particular the lakeside areas but all trails and intersections are marked)

We have set a new course for the LagChilada mountain bike challenge, riding all the trails in one ride! Click here for more detail The course is marked at key intersections with pink “LagChilada” signs.

We will be hosting the Laddies Loppet this Labor day weekend. More details available here.

New season passes will be available in a few weeks. Trail fees are appreciated to help offset trail work, signage and hopefully a new map. These are major expenses and we receive no grants outside funding for the privately maintained trails at Maplelag. Click here for most recent map. (Note: There are a few reroutes on the map but everything will be tapped off. No riding allowed on AMA land and please stay on designated trails at all time. Assume all risk and take responsibility for your actions) We are working on a new trail map that will feature many new trails built last summer and fall.

Twin Lakes singletrack, June 12th, 2021.
Bootleg singletrack, June 10th, 2021.
Berm action on Bootleg singletrack, June 10th, 2021.
Mowing on Suicide Hill, part of ski trail segment on bike course. Mowing low and wide to keep bugs at bay! June, 9th, 2021.
Brushing out “Pete’s Porkie” segment. This area has a natural tunnel effect!
New trail “North Loup Gnar”, June 4th, 2021.
Bullhead Bootleg, June 4th, 2021. Thick forest providing protection from the sun.
Berm on Bullhead Bootleg, June 4th, 2021.
Feature on North Loup Gnar, June 4th, 2021.
Twin Lakes singletrack, June 4th, 2021.
Rolling down the ski trail segment on the bike trail, June 2nd, 2021.
Brushing out a overgrown area, June 2nd, 2021. We are working on the few areas that overgrown. Overall ,majority of course with good sight lines.
Bridge crossing on new “North Loup Gnar” loup, May 30th, 2021.
Group ride taking on the LagChilada challenge! May 30th, 2021.
Chad on Bootleg loop, May 30th, 2021.
Weaving through, May 30th, 2021.
North Loup Gnar, May 30th, 2021.
Steve on Bootleg, May 30th, 2021.
Dropping into North Loup Gnar, May 30th, 2021.
Twin Lakes rock garden, May 30th, 2021.
Wood feature on “Bjorp’s” singletrack, May 30th, 2021.
Chad berming on Bootleg, May 30th, 2021. (Wenzel photo)
Sunday Funday! Great riding conditions in place for Memorial Day weekend, May 30th, 2021.
Ski trail segment, May 30th, 2021.
Twin Lakes rock garden, May 30th, 2021. Twin lakes loop is rougher with roots and rock segments.
Twin Lakes, May 30th, 2021.

Mountain Bike Trail Report

Trails are open. Another quick shot of rain early this morning after rain on Monday evening. A few damp/slick spots. High humidity and dew points keeping the drying process longer but should be good riding this afternoon. Warm weather in place but the thick forest canopy providing nice shade. This week we brushed out the “Pete’s Porkie” singletrack segment on the Twin Lakes loop.

The woods have really filled out making for lush green deep woods forest scenes. We have started brushing out the thicker areas in particular the lakeside segments. We also have been blowing out singletrack segments as needed after the entire course was cleared out earlier this year. This spring we also widened bridges on the Bootleg loop, added a few wooden features on the new trails, dirt work on select areas and planted a couple hundred trees along the course. We will continue tuning the trail throughout the spring and summer.

Great seeing new folks and the locals alike out this season. Rider traffic helps compress the deck and ride in the lines! Nice job to all the riders competing the LagChilada challenge so far this year.

Trail head is at flagpole near main lodge. Look for white signs that have “Beginner/Sport/Comp/Expert” or named singletrack segments. There are also red signs at key intersections and pink signs for the LagChilada loop challenge. We have also taped off most intersections. The two way “North Loup Gnar” trail can be accessed of county road 110 just to the east of Maplelag driveway. Bootleg loop accessed from county road 26 via the gravel road 110. Please park in the first parking lot where the recycling bins are located. The main lodge is closed, no services available. Park and ride! Any questions on riding etc., contact Jay at 218-849-7669.

The Maplelag trails are classic “old school” trails, first built in 1990, mirrored off the courses used for racing to provide training opportunities for local racers. and feature some of the more technical areas of cross country riding in the Midwest.

For first timers to Maplelag, best trails first to start on would be Sukkerwest at end of driveway and Feeling Lucky near main start area. Also the Citizen loop which provides options to try the more advanced singletracks segments.

Trails listed on TrailForks. (Please note some routes were added by riders not associated with Maplelag, in particular the lakeside areas but all trails and intersections are marked)

We have set a new course for the LagChilada mountain bike challenge, riding all the trails in one ride! Click here for more detail The course is marked at key intersections with pink “LagChilada” signs.

We will be hosting the Laddies Loppet this Labor day weekend. More details available here.

New season passes will be available in a few weeks. Trail fees are appreciated to help offset trail work, signage and hopefully a new map. These are major expenses and we receive no grants outside funding for the privately maintained trails at Maplelag. Click here for most recent map. (Note: There are a few reroutes on the map but everything will be tapped off. No riding allowed on AMA land and please stay on designated trails at all time. Assume all risk and take responsibility for your actions) We are working on a new trail map that will feature many new trails built last summer and fall.

Mowing on Suicide Hill, part of ski trail segment on bike course. Mowing low and wide to keep bugs at bay! June, 9th, 2021.
Brushing out “Pete’s Porkie” segment. This area has a natural tunnel effect!
New trail “North Loup Gnar”, June 4th, 2021.
Bullhead Bootleg, June 4th, 2021. Thick forest providing protection from the sun.
Berm on Bullhead Bootleg, June 4th, 2021.
Feature on North Loup Gnar, June 4th, 2021.
Twin Lakes singletrack, June 4th, 2021.
Rolling down the ski trail segment on the bike trail, June 2nd, 2021.
Brushing out a overgrown area, June 2nd, 2021. We are working on the few areas that overgrown. Overall ,majority of course with good sight lines.
Bridge crossing on new “North Loup Gnar” loup, May 30th, 2021.
Group ride taking on the LagChilada challenge! May 30th, 2021.
Chad on Bootleg loop, May 30th, 2021.
Weaving through, May 30th, 2021.
North Loup Gnar, May 30th, 2021.
Steve on Bootleg, May 30th, 2021.
Dropping into North Loup Gnar, May 30th, 2021.
Twin Lakes rock garden, May 30th, 2021.
Wood feature on “Bjorp’s” singletrack, May 30th, 2021.
Chad berming on Bootleg, May 30th, 2021. (Wenzel photo)
Sunday Funday! Great riding conditions in place for Memorial Day weekend, May 30th, 2021.
Ski trail segment, May 30th, 2021.
Twin Lakes rock garden, May 30th, 2021. Twin lakes loop is rougher with roots and rock segments.
Twin Lakes, May 30th, 2021.

Trail Report

Much welcomed rain last night with just over an inch of precipitation. Warm and dry weather leading up to the rain. The leaves have really exploded on the trees from the warm weather. We have started mowing on the ski trails as we are constantly clearing and preparing for the winter season.

Wildflowers have been popping out nicely this spring and the underbrush and new saplings exploding to life as well. Leaves have expanded full circle and the woods are very lush and green despite dry conditions. Many sights and sounds of nature including the frogs, birds and waterfowl in one of the most active times of year for wildlife.

We have been working on the trails, clearing deadfall and tuning the mountain bike trails. This spring we also planted trees and clearing on the trails along as part of our regular forest management. Now with the grass growing strong, mowing on select ski trails has begun.

The mountain bike trails are open for riding. There are no services in the main lodge. Meal service and lodging closed at this time. The Maplelag trails are closed to horse travel and motorized vehicles.

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Tranquil scene on Little Sugarbush, June 2nd, 2021.
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Loon on Little Sugarbush, June 2nd, 2021.
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Mowing on the ski trails, June 1st, 2021. We mow on the trails throughout the summer right up until the ground freezes and first snows!
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_7573.jpg
Rain droplets on a fallen maple leaf, June 1st, 2021. Overall has been a very dry spring and start to the summer.
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 29135DF4-DEF4-4AE6-8486-A90060ABC2A5.jpg
Fresh bloom along the ski trail, May 30th, 2021.
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_7421.jpg
Morning frost in the switchyard, May 28th, 2021.
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_7366.jpg
Tamarack trees budding in the local sloughs, May 26th, 2021.
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_7364.jpg
Loading logs! Clearing deadfall off the trails, May 26th, 2021.
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_7369-2048x1566.jpg
Clearing on the mountain bike singletrack, May 26th, 2021.
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_7389-1.jpg
Another Sugarbush sunset, May 26th, 2021.
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_7343.jpg
Ferns popping up this week as seen along Bootleg singletrack, May 25th, 2021.
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_7344.jpg
Beautiful morning scene across Bullhead lake, May 25th, 2021.
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_7346-1353x2048.jpg
Trail tuning on the mountain bike singletrack, May 25th, 2021.
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_7292.jpg
Yellow slippers blooming over the weekend, May 23rd, 2021.
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_72d90-2048x1536.jpg
Woods have really filled out the past few days as seen along the mountain bike trail on Twin Lakes, May 23rd, 2021.
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_7305.jpg
Columbine flowers blooming this weekend, May 23rd, 2021.
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_7211-2048x1692.jpg
Sukkerbusk ski trail, May 19th, 2021. Woods have really come to life the past few weeks with lush green scenes.
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_7192.jpg
Maplelag “snow” tree active with bees the past few days, May 19th, 2021.
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_7171.jpg
“Pig’s feet” wild flowers blooming on the ski trails, May 17th, 2021.
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_7159.jpg
Another beautiful spring sunset over Suguarbush! May 16th, 2021.
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_7070.jpg
Maple seedling coming to life, May 13th, 2021.
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_7034.jpg
Marsh marigolds blooming in recent days, May 12th, 2021.
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_7021.jpg
Beautiful evening on the mountain bike trail, May 11th, 2021. Forest floor starting to come to life!
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_69411-1704x2048.jpg
Beautiful spring day hiking on the Twin Lakes singletrack, May 9th, 2021.
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_6794.jpg
Golden top morning! Sunlight hitting the top of the trees on the west side of Little Sugarbush Lake, May 5th, 2021.
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_6741-1536x2048.jpg
Creek scene along the “Bootleg” singletrack, May 2nd, 2021.
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_6686.jpg
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 5A88E376-678B-4972-A8C5-9C1B2D2F3CEB.jpg
Maple leafs starting to pop out, May 2nd, 2021.
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_6751-1536x2048.jpg
Moss covered rocks on the Bootleg creek, May 2nd, 2021.
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_66e83.jpg
Potted pines ready to be planted at Maplelag! April 30th, 2021. We will also be planting numerous seedlings as well.
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_6649.jpg
Scene in the Ice skating rink, April 29th, 2021.
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_66924.jpg
Moon set, April 29th, 2021.
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_6499-2048x1536.jpg
Clearing large oak that fell recently from wind event, April 26th, 2021. Split wood to be used for the saunas and wood burning stoves at Maplelag.

Mountain Bike Trail REport

Trails are open. Excellent riding conditions. Warm weather in place but the thick forest canopy providing nice shade.

A great Memorial day weekend of riding. Good seeing the new and familiar faces. Nice job to all the riders competing the LagChilada challenge this past weekend!

The woods have really filled out the past week making for lush green deep woods forest scenes. We have started brushing out the thicker areas this week, in particular the lakeside drop segment. We also have been clearing out singletrack segments as needed after the entire course was cleared out earlier this year. This spring we also widened bridges on the Bootleg loop, added a few wooden features on the new trails, dirt work on select areas and planted a couple hundred trees along the course. We will continue tuning the trail throughout the spring and summer.

Great seeing new folks and the locals alike out this season. Rider traffic helps compress the deck and ride in the lines!

Trail head is at flagpole near main lodge. Look for white signs that have “Beginner/Sport/Comp/Expert” or named singletrack segments. There are also red signs at key intersections and pink signs for the LagChilada loop challenge. We have also taped off most intersections. The two way “North Loup Gnar” trail can be accessed of county road 110 just to the east of Maplelag driveway. Bootleg loop accessed from county road 26 via the gravel road 110. Please park in the first parking lot where the recycling bins are located. The main lodge is closed, no services available. Park and ride! Any questions on riding etc., contact Jay at 218-849-7669.

The Maplelag trails are classic “old school” trails, first built in 1990, mirrored off the courses used for racing to provide training opportunities for local racers. and feature some of the more technical areas of cross country riding in the Midwest.

For first timers to Maplelag, best trails first to start on would be Sukkerwest at end of driveway and Feeling Lucky near main start area. Also the Citizen loop which provides options to try the more advanced singletracks segments.

Trails listed on TrailForks. (Please note some routes were added by riders not associated with Maplelag, in particular the lakeside areas but all trails and intersections are marked)

We have set a new course for the LagChilada mountain bike challenge, riding all the trails in one ride! Click here for more detail The course is marked at key intersections with pink “LagChilada” signs.

We will be hosting the Laddies Loppet this Labor day weekend. More details available here.

New season passes will be available in a few weeks. Trail fees are appreciated to help offset trail work, signage and hopefully a new map. These are major expenses and we receive no grants outside funding for the privately maintained trails at Maplelag. Click here for most recent map. (Note: There are a few reroutes on the map but everything will be tapped off. No riding allowed on AMA land and please stay on designated trails at all time. Assume all risk and take responsibility for your actions) We are working on a new trail map that will feature many new trails built last summer and fall.

Rolling down the ski trail segment on the bike trail, June 2nd, 2021.
Brushing out a overgrown area, June 2nd, 2021. We are working on the few areas that overgrown. Overall ,majority of course with good sight lines.
Bridge crossing on new “North Loup Gnar” loup, May 30th, 2021.
Group ride taking on the LagChilada challenge! May 30th, 2021.
Chad on Bootleg loop, May 30th, 2021.
Weaving through, May 30th, 2021.
North Loup Gnar, May 30th, 2021.
Steve on Bootleg, May 30th, 2021.
Dropping into North Loup Gnar, May 30th, 2021.
Twin Lakes rock garden, May 30th, 2021.
Wood feature on “Bjorp’s” singletrack, May 30th, 2021.
Chad berming on Bootleg, May 30th, 2021. (Wenzel photo)
Sunday Funday! Great riding conditions in place for Memorial Day weekend, May 30th, 2021.
Ski trail segment, May 30th, 2021.
Twin Lakes rock garden, May 30th, 2021. Twin lakes loop is rougher with roots and rock segments.
Twin Lakes, May 30th, 2021.
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_7378-2048x1536.jpg
“Bente’s Bump” singletrack, May 26th, 2021.
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Fargo singletrack after clearing, May 26th, 2021. Twin Lakes singletrack loop, most of the inner system cleared so far this week. As always, be heads up for any deadfall!
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Ferns popping up along Bootleg singletrack, May 25th, 2021.
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_7344.jpg
Beautiful morning scene across Bullhead lake, May 25th, 2021.
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_7346-1353x2048.jpg
Dirt work on the Twin lakes return singletrack, May 25th, 2021.

Trail Report

Warm and tranquil weather in place after a seasonably pleasant Memorial Day weekend. The leaves have really exploded on the trees from the warm weather. We have started mowing on the ski trails as we are constantly clearing and preparing for the winter season.

Wildflowers have been popping out nicely this spring and the underbrush and new saplings exploding to life as well. Leaves are expanding daily and near full circle. Many sights and sounds of nature including the frogs, birds and waterfowl in one of the most active times of year for wildlife.

We have been working on the trails, clearing deadfall and tuning the mountain bike trails.This spring we are also planting trees and clearing on the trails along with regular forest management. Now with the grass growing strong, mowing on select ski trails has begun.

The mountain bike trails are open for riding. There are no services in the main lodge. Meal service and lodging closed at this time. The Maplelag trails are closed to horse travel and motorized vehicles.

Tranquil scene on Little Sugarbush, June 2nd, 2021.
Loon on Little Sugarbush, June 2nd, 2021.
Mowing on the ski trails, June 1st, 2021. We mow on the trails throughout the summer right up until the ground freezes and first snows!
Rain droplets on a fallen maple leaf, June 1st, 2021. Overall has been a very dry spring and start to the summer.
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 29135DF4-DEF4-4AE6-8486-A90060ABC2A5.jpg
Fresh bloom along the ski trail, May 30th, 2021.
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_7421.jpg
Morning frost in the switchyard, May 28th, 2021.
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_7366.jpg
Tamarack trees budding in the local sloughs, May 26th, 2021.
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_7364.jpg
Loading logs! Clearing deadfall off the trails, May 26th, 2021.
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_7369-2048x1566.jpg
Clearing on the mountain bike singletrack, May 26th, 2021.
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_7389-1.jpg
Another Sugarbush sunset, May 26th, 2021.
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_7343.jpg
Ferns popping up this week as seen along Bootleg singletrack, May 25th, 2021.
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_7344.jpg
Beautiful morning scene across Bullhead lake, May 25th, 2021.
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_7346-1353x2048.jpg
Trail tuning on the mountain bike singletrack, May 25th, 2021.
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_7292.jpg
Yellow slippers blooming over the weekend, May 23rd, 2021.
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_72d90-2048x1536.jpg
Woods have really filled out the past few days as seen along the mountain bike trail on Twin Lakes, May 23rd, 2021.
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_7305.jpg
Columbine flowers blooming this weekend, May 23rd, 2021.
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_7211-2048x1692.jpg
Sukkerbusk ski trail, May 19th, 2021. Woods have really come to life the past few weeks with lush green scenes.
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_7192.jpg
Maplelag “snow” tree active with bees the past few days, May 19th, 2021.
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_7171.jpg
“Pig’s feet” wild flowers blooming on the ski trails, May 17th, 2021.
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_7159.jpg
Another beautiful spring sunset over Suguarbush! May 16th, 2021.
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_7070.jpg
Maple seedling coming to life, May 13th, 2021.
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_7034.jpg
Marsh marigolds blooming in recent days, May 12th, 2021.
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_7021.jpg
Beautiful evening on the mountain bike trail, May 11th, 2021. Forest floor starting to come to life!
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_69411-1704x2048.jpg
Beautiful spring day hiking on the Twin Lakes singletrack, May 9th, 2021.
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_6794.jpg
Golden top morning! Sunlight hitting the top of the trees on the west side of Little Sugarbush Lake, May 5th, 2021.
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_6741-1536x2048.jpg
Creek scene along the “Bootleg” singletrack, May 2nd, 2021.
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_6686.jpg
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 5A88E376-678B-4972-A8C5-9C1B2D2F3CEB.jpg
Maple leafs starting to pop out, May 2nd, 2021.
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_6751-1536x2048.jpg
Moss covered rocks on the Bootleg creek, May 2nd, 2021.
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_66e83.jpg
Potted pines ready to be planted at Maplelag! April 30th, 2021. We will also be planting numerous seedlings as well.
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_6649.jpg
Scene in the Ice skating rink, April 29th, 2021.
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_66924.jpg
Moon set, April 29th, 2021.
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_6499-2048x1536.jpg
Clearing large oak that fell recently from wind event, April 26th, 2021. Split wood to be used for the saunas and wood burning stoves at Maplelag.