All posts by Jay Richards

Ski Trail

Trail Report

Seasonable weather in place. Wet conditions today with .52″ of precipitation the past 24 hours. A few flakes of snow mixed in last night! Yesterday we cleared the east side of Bulhead Lake/Bootleg extension trail. Typically one of the last trails to see Fall grooming. We will continue touching up all the trails until the snow flies and ground freezes. We try to have the trails completely clear of leaves before frost and snow arrives so we can open for winter activities on minimal snow. 

The trails are open for hiking/walking/trail running and mountain biking. We will be closing the trails for the dirt season on November 3rd for MN firearm (deer hunting) season. Weather permitting, trails will open again Thanksgiving week for the winter season! Sap Run, Sukkerbusk and Twin Lakes recommended trails to explore. 

Thanks everyone that came to “Maplelag Day” Saturday the 17th. About as good as it gets day to be on the trails and we appreciate all the support with purchases of Maplelag Membeships 

Total rainfall in October at 2.4″. We are at 21.95″ of rain since April 1st. Normal rainfall for the year is around 30″.

Great time of the year to be mountain biking, hiking and walking on the trails to experience the Fall magic.  

Trails are open for hiking/trail running and mountain biking with day pass or a membership. 

Recommended hiking loops include Sukkerbusk, JibFly and Skaters Waltz on the inner trails and Twin Lakes ski trail for west side. Bike course singletrack loops also open for hiking. Be aware there might be riders on the course. The bike courses have tape but if hiking, just go under the tape.

Thank you to everyone that comes to Maplelag and supports the trails. A MN State trail pass is not required to use the trails at Maplelag. The Maplelag trails are self funded by operations with no grants or state funding.  Consider a Maplelag Membership to support the trails! 

Fall grooming on Bulhead Bootleg loop, October 26th, 2026.
Clearing big basswood tree on Bootleg extension, October 26th, 2026.
Another great day of Fall grooming on Twin Lakes trail, October 22nd, 2026.
Enjoying summer like weather late afternoon on north Twin Lakes, October 22nd, 2026. (If you are staying at Maplelag, ask about paddling here!) 
Great weather and conditions for trail clearing this week, October 21st, 2026.
Cutting blocks for sauna firewood, October 21s,t 2026.
Fall grooming on JibFly ski trail, October 21st, 2026.
Fall grooming on JibFly trail, October 19th, 2026.
Morning frost in the “switchyard”, October 19th, 2026. Morning low of 31 degrees. 
A great week of trail work clearing on the trails, October 16th, 2026.
Fall color scene along Mother North Star trail, October 16th, 2026.
Autumn scene at Twin Lakes crossing, October 15th, 2026. Rare moment of sunshine highlighting the poplar trees. 
Leaf clearing on Mother North Star ski trail, October 12th, 2026.
Calm scene along Little Sugarbush Lake next to Maplelag, October 8th, 2026. 
Fall grooming on Sap Run, October 4th, 2026.
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Start of the Maplelag driveway, October 4th, 2026.

Exploring the singletrack at Maplelag, October 4th, 2026.
Morning scene across Little Sugarbush Lake next to Maplelag, September 30th, 2026.
Six Swedes cabin at Maplelag, September 29th, 2026.
Fall color scene at Maplelag, September 29th, 2026.
Ski Trail

Trail Report

Seasonable weather in place. A nice weekend with dry conditions since Saturday morning. Just under a half inch of rain Friday and early Saturday morning combined.

Conditions have been great for working on the trails the past few weeks as we are in full leaf clearing mode. We try to have the trails completely clear of leaves before frost and snow arrives so we can open for winter activities on minimal snow.  The trails are open for hiking/walking/trail running and mountain biking. We will be closing the trails for the dirt season on November 3rd for MN firearm (deer hunting) season. Weather permitting, trails will open again Thanksgiving week for the winter season! Sap Run, Sukkerbusk and Twin Lakes recommended trails to explore. 

Thanks everyone that came to “Maplelag Day” Saturday. About as good as it gets day to be on the trails and we appreciate all the support with purchases of Maplelag Membeships 

Total rainfall in October at 2″. We are at 21.45″ of rain since April 1st. Normal rainfall for the year is around 30″.

Great time of the year to be mountain biking, hiking and walking on the trails to experience the Fall magic.  

Trails are open for hiking/trail running and mountain biking with day pass or a membership. 

Recommended hiking loops include Sukkerbusk, JibFly and Skaters Waltz on the inner trails and Twin Lakes ski trail for west side. Bike course singletrack loops also open for hiking. Be aware there might be riders on the course. The bike courses have tape but if hiking, just go under the tape.

Thank you to everyone that comes to Maplelag and supports the trails. A MN State trail pass is not required to use the trails at Maplelag. The Maplelag trails are self funded by operations with no grants or state funding.  Consider a Maplelag Membership to support the trails! 

Another great day of Fall grooming on Twin Lakes trail, October 22nd, 2026.
Enjoying summer like weather late afternoon on north Twin Lakes, October 22nd, 2026. (If you are staying at Maplelag, ask about paddling here!) 
Great weather and conditions for trail clearing this week, October 21st, 2026.
Cutting blocks for sauna firewood, October 21s,t 2026.
Fall grooming on JibFly ski trail, October 21st, 2026.
Fall grooming on JibFly trail, October 19th, 2026.
Morning frost in the “switchyard”, October 19th, 2026. Morning low of 31 degrees. 
A great week of trail work clearing on the trails, October 16th, 2026.
Fall color scene along Mother North Star trail, October 16th, 2026.
Autumn scene at Twin Lakes crossing, October 15th, 2026. Rare moment of sunshine highlighting the poplar trees. 
Leaf clearing on Mother North Star ski trail, October 12th, 2026.
Calm scene along Little Sugarbush Lake next to Maplelag, October 8th, 2026. 
Fall grooming on Sap Run, October 4th, 2026.
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Start of the Maplelag driveway, October 4th, 2026.

Exploring the singletrack at Maplelag, October 4th, 2026.
Morning scene across Little Sugarbush Lake next to Maplelag, September 30th, 2026.
Six Swedes cabin at Maplelag, September 29th, 2026.
Fall color scene at Maplelag, September 29th, 2026.
*Front Page, News

Maplelag Lodging

October sun filtering through the trees around MapleHus home at Maplelag, available to rent year round!

Maplelag offers year round lodging with full kitchens in the Candy Store, Six Swedes lodge, Big Dipper (formally the Lapland cabin) and Norwegian Log cabin and now the original main house “MapleHus”. The Switchyard features the Orange and Red Caboose have kitchenettes. More details on each cabin on the Lodging page and check availability online.

Bike Trail

Mountain Bike Trail Report

Trails are open. Tacky riding surface with a scattered leaf covering. Deck might be a bit greasy in the morning with another freeze overnight. This time of year best time to ride is noon to sunset. Overall nice late season riding and should be a great day to ride today!

Nice job everyone completing the LagChilada challenge this year. Just one week left to get a LagChilada in before dirt season comes to an end on November 3rd.   

Click here for trail passes or consider a Maplelag Membership (Maplelag is a unique mountain bike trail system being privately family owned and operated resort with no outside funding. We are happy and love to share the dirt and appreciate the support!)

Be aware trees/organic forest matter can fall at anytime and assume full responsibility when riding.

Maplelag trails can be described as as “old school” or classic style mountain biking.

For first time riders to Maplelag, a good beginner loop is the Citizen loop and Sukkerwest at the end of the driveway. A intermediate to advance loop is the Sport Comp Expert loop. 

Thanks for the support of the Maplelag trails and maintenance.(Maplelag is privately family owned and operated resort with no outside funding. We are happy share the dirt and appreciate the support!) 

 Click here for Maplelag trail map. Also reference Strava or Trailforks

Maplelag Cycling Community on Strava

LagChilada Sunday! Nice job Clay and Lawton completing the 25 mile loop! October 25th, 2026.
Start of “Toot” singletrack, October 25th, 2026.
Berms of Bullhead Bootleg, October 25th, 2026.
Late October riding with great sight lines! October 26th, 2026.
Start of the LagChilada, October 24th, 2026.
Original lakeside singletrack, October 24th, 2026.
*Front Page, Family, Maplelag, News

In Memory of Mary Richards

It is with heavy hearts but also with joy we celebrate the life of our beloved Mary, one of the founders of Maplelag. She passed to her final resting place in heaven on October 9th. She was born June 9th, 1942. Full obituary: Mary Richards

She lived a complete life of service, defining the word hospitality helping create a place for thousands to retreat, restore, rejuvenate and renew. She touched the lives of many and always made extra the effort to make someone smile, feel comfortable and special. She loved her family, friends and guests dearly, always giving hugs. Always took extra time to appreciate the beauty of nature in all seasons and loved to swim, often into early October and ski whenever possible.