To get to Jay Cooke State Park from the Twin Cities area, get on I-35 and head north. About 15 miles before you get to Duluth, you'll see the brown signs for Jay Cooke State Park. Take exit 235, which is Hwy 210. Take 210 east about 5 miles until you see the State Park Headquarters. If you're making a day trip out of it, park in the headquarters parking lot on the south side of the road. If you plan on staying overnight, the campground is directly across the road on the north side.

From the north (Duluth), head south on I-35 until exit 235. Follow the directions from this point given above.

To start off, I need to say that this is an adventure type ride. There's no real set loop. You can make what you want out of this area. However, if your ride descriptions frequently include the words 'sick drop' and 'gnarly descent', better skip this one.

The loop described here is one that starts and ends at the State Park headquarters / campground. There are other areas to access the trails. Most are near the Munger Trail.

About 10 yards to the west of the campground entrance is the paved Forbay Trail. Take this trail north about .7 of a mile. As you roll up on a good sized river, you'll come to an intersection that has trail markers and maps. Hang a right onto the grassy double track and parallel the river. When I first started riding this section, I thought it was going to be pretty boring. However, some of the natural rock formations and the flowing water made things pretty interesting. I also saw a porcupine on this strip, so there's also wildlife to see.

After a little over a mile of the doubletrack, you'll come up on a dam where the water heads underground. Cross the dam and follow the dirt road a few feet to the left. On the north side of the road you'll see some trail signage and another map. Either of the left or right trails takes you to essentially the same place. I took the right one heading out, and the left one coming back.

Here the trail turns into XC ski trail. Trees cut back reasonably wide, with a packed down strip wandering down the middle. Sometimes you'll be riding on dirt. Sometimes it's packed grass. After a short distance you'll run up on the Munger Trail. This is a long paved trail that stretches from Hinckley to Duluth. Follow the paved trail to the right. Once you get past Hemlock Ravine look for the XC ski / bike trail to head off on the south side of the trail. The mountain bike trail parallels the Munger trail until you get to an area called the Triangle Trail. This is the first of two loops on the northeast side of Jay Cooke.

The first part of the Upper Triangle Trail is two directional. Even though it's wide XC ski trail keep your eyes open. Head on's are never any fun. Once you get to the actual loop, hang a right and follow the Upper Triangle Trail. This loop has some pretty views of the surrounding ravines and trees. About half a mile down the trail there is an option to hang left and stay with the Upper Triangle Trail or you can turn right and take the Lower Triangle Trail. The left is a moderate skill XC ski trail, the right is rated tougher. I took the Lower Triangle Trail, as it provided more distance (.5 miles or so). The trail isn't really that difficult from a biking standpoint. However, if I were on XC skis, I would be a lot more intimidated.

The Lower Triangle Trail is a pretty rolling winding section. There are a few low spots that collected a good amount of rain water and were wet when everything around it was dry. If you're comfortable on a bike and don't mind a few short but steep climbs, don't feel intimidated by the advanced trail rating.

Where the Lower and the Upper rejoin, there is another trail map, and a half mile spur going off to the right. This spur goes out to an overlook. The overlook spur isn't marked as mountain bikes allowed, but on the same not, it doesn't say no mountain bikes. I ventured out to the overlook. Nothing too amazing from the actual overlook point. You could tell there was a view there, but it was obstructed by trees. On the way to the overlook, there is a better view off to the right.

If you decide to not take the overlook spur, continue straight on the Upper Triangle Trail. This will work you back to the two way Triangle entrance, and ultimately back to the Munger Trail.

Just before you actually get to the pavement of the Munger Trail head off to the right. It's more XC ski trail that parallels the Munger. Follow this until you reach the Oak loop. This loop starts out in a grassy field and runs clockwise. Head out to the left and enjoy. It's a little faster and less twisting and rolling than the Triangle Loops. This loop crosses the Grand Portage Trail. Unfortunately it's a hiker only, and it is posted no mountain bikes so please observe the posting. Stick to the main trail, and you'll find yourself back at the field and the Munger Trail.

From here, it's time to head back. You can either take the grassy ski trail that skirts the Munger, or just take the Munger back. If you feel up to it, stop off at the Upper Triangle Trail and do another loop. If not, keep on the Munger until just after you pass the Hemlock Ravine. On your left you'll see the trail you came in on. Pass this first one up and continue on. Just before you come to Jay Cooke Road (you'll see it about 20 yards up the trail) hang a left on the Greely Trail. This will take you back to the dam.

Cross back over the dam, and head west on the doubletrack. Once you hit the paved Forbay trail hang a left and you're home free. .7 miles later, you'll find yourself back at the State Park Headquarters / campground. Overall Impression