Race Course
The race starts north of Duluth at the trail head of the North Shore State Trail(trail 60). We will follow the trail to Grand Marais. From there, we travel back to Duluth along the same route. The total distance is approximately 500 km.
One drop bag will be taken ahead to about 125 km. This bag can be used to re-supply on both the out going and on the return trip.
The North Shore State Trail is a 146 mile natural surface trail from Duluth to Grand Marais. Primarily used by snowmobiles, it traverses St. Louis, Lake and Cook counties in northeastern Minnesota. The trail winds its way through the forests behind the outer bluffs that overlook Lake Superior, and provides access to some of the most rugged and beautiful scenery in Minnesota. The trail also connects the Grants-In-Aid (GIA) trails at Silver Bay, Beaver Bay, Finland, Tofte and Lutsen, as well as numerous local trails, created and maintained by local snowmobile clubs.
The portion of the trail suggested for summer use is from the town of Finland to Grand Marais (70 miles). The remainder of the trail may have standing water on it during the summer months.
For most of its length, the North Shore Trail provides a backcountry experience and, in some areas, wilderness conditions. The great majority of the trail is in a remote, natural and undeveloped setting, although some logging and farms are included. Trail visitors may encounter moose, deer, bear, fox, hawks, waterfowl and possibly timber wolves.