Category Archives: Reports

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Ski Trail

Hiking and Ski Trail Report

A damp and cool start to the week. Big rain on Sunday night with 2.25″ of precipitation recorded. A few trees turning color, typical for this time of year. Fall wildflowers popping up and the usual mushrooms decorating the forest floor. Nice time of the year to be hiking and walking on the trails.

This week we will be tuning the courses for WanderFest. Click here for information on the WanderFest The trails used will be on the inner and western mountain bike and ski trails. These areas will be closed to mountain biking on Saturday. North Loup Gnar, SukkerWest and Bullhead Bootleg will be open for mountain biking.

Great to see folks out hiking and riding and fun hosting the high school mountain bike camp last month. Trails are open for hiking/trail running and mountain biking. 

It’s been a great summer on the trails doing trail work and seeing folks out hiking and biking. We have starting amping up the trail work on both the mountain bike, ski/ hiking trails. Slightly cooler weather in August after a hot July. Mornings and evenings have been pleasant making for nice conditions to be in the woods. We have been mowing on select ski trails with most of the inner trails seeing grooming and working on the outer trails now. Also clearing deadfall and windblown constantly. 

Best hiking loops have been on Sukkerbusk, JibFly and Skaters Waltz. Trails are open for hiking with day pass. Bike course singletrack loops also open for hiking. Be aware there might be riders on the course. The woods are vibrant with typical mid August scenes. We’ve been in the woods a bit more clearing deadfall from summer storms, mowing a bit and working on the mountain bike trail. 

Click here for information on the WanderFest hiking event. 

 The ponds and sloughs active with waterfowl and loons have been numerous on Little Sugarbush. 

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! 

Family hike on the singletrack! September 7th, 2026.
Mushrooms and lichens popping up everywhere after Sunday night rain, September 7th, 2026.
Mowing on Mother North Star trail, September 2nd, 2026.
Wildflowers along side of trail at Twin Lakes crossing, September 2nd, 2026.
Clearing a dead top from a blow down/widow maker…keeping the trails safe as possible! August 25th, 2026.
Dirt work on the singletrack, August 25th, 2026.
Ready for a morning of hiking! August 22nd, 2026.
Mowing on “Eira Bikwadinaa” hill, August 20th, 2026.
Mowing on Skaters Waltz, August 20th, 2026.
Maplelag moss lined singletrack, August 17th, 2026. 
Summer grooming on Mother North Star trail, August 13th, 2026.
Hiking on “Sukkerbusk” trail! August 13th, 2026.
Grooming on Twin Lakes trail, August 13th, 2026. We’ve started working on the western trails and Twin Lakes ski trail is in good condition for hiking. 
Clearing deadfall on Twin Lakes ski trail, August 12th, 2026.
Wildflowers along the trail, August 3rd, 2026.
Mushrooms haven’t been as vibrant with the dry July but more popping up with recent rain, August 3rd, 2026.
Another hoot owl sighting! August 3rd, 2026. 
Lakefront has been busy this month for water activity with the warm weather. July 27th 2026.
Loons on the lake! July 27th, 2026. We have 6 residents loon in front of Maplelag this summer. Love hearing them in the mornings and evenings! 
Not as many mushrooms popping up lately with the dry conditions but still a few randoms here and there. July 26th, 2026.
Mowing on Bullhead Lake trail and “Eira Bikwadinaa” hill, July 21st, 2026.
Mowing on JibFly trail, July 22nd, 2026.
Beachfront at Maplelag, July 17th, 2026. Appreciating the clear skies and air! (Beach and docks are available for guests and membership holders). 
Cutting and clearing trees on north trails, July 17th, 2026.
Brushing out trail north, July 17th, 2026.
Clearing new deadfall on Eira Bikwadinaa hill, July 11th, 2026.
Bullhead Lake, July 11th, 2026.
Oyster mushroom growing from stump along trail, July 11th, 2026.
Colorful clouds after storm passing July 6th, 2026.
Lake scene on Little Sugarbush, July 6th, 2026.
Thick and lush around the new sauna, July 5th, 2026.
July mowing, July 3rd, 2026.
Deer in the forest along Mother North Star trail, July 4th, 2026.
“Chicken of the Woods” mushrooms emerging this past week, June 28th, 2026.
Calm waters on Little Sugarbush lake next to Maplelag, June 22nd, 2026.
Mowing on Sukkerbusk ski trail, June 17th, 2026.
Puff ball mushroom along the side of the trails, June 24th, 2026.
Wild mushrooms popping up almost daily, June 17th, 2026.
Snapper turtle on the move, June 17th, 2026.
Wild iris flower along the trail near a slough, blooming this week. 
Mowing on Twin Lakes trail, June 12th, 2026.
Bike Trail

Mountain Bike Trail Report

Trails are open. Tacky riding surface. No rain overnight, a few sprinkles this morning keeping the forest fresh. Nice day of riding on tap!

This Saturday 9/12 we will be hosting a hiking event on the inner and western mountain bike trails. These areas will be closed to riding on Saturday. North Loup Gnar, SukkerWest and Bullhead Bootleg will be open.

A great day Sunday 9/6 for the 36th Laddies Loppet mountain bike race! Thanks everyone that came to race and all that helped make it another special day. (few photos from the race below) Dry, dusty and fast conditions on race day.

Heads up if riding outer loops North Loup Gnar and Bullhead Bootleg for any blow downs. Bullhead Bootleg was cleared out with leaf blower yesterday before the wind on Thursday. 

Earlier this month we hosted a four day MTB camp with local HS team “Wolves” based out of Moorhead/Detroit Lakes/Perham area. 45 riders with many first year riders on the trail….awesome to see! Also over 30 riders completed the “LagChilada” challenge Saturday…good job everyone! If you are part of a team in the MCA and interested in holding a camp at Maplelag, please reach out to Jay at 218-849-7669.

Click here for trail passes. Click here for Maplelag Membeships

Lots of wildlife sightings recently. Many does and fawns moving through the forest. The woods provide a a thick canopy and protection from the sun on hot days. A nice assortment of wildflowers and still a few random mushrooms popping up despite the dry weather.   

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. The entire 25 LagChilada loop is open and all the LagChilada signs are out. Click here for more about the challenge!

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

Start of the Kids Comp class, September 6th, 2026.
Wave 1 Sport class climbing “Eira Bikwadinaa” hill, September 6th, 2026.
Citizen riders on course, September 6th, 2026.
Elite riders weaving through the course, September 6th, 2026.
Maplelag team rider Bryan finishing up his race in the Comp class, September 6th, 2026. Thanks to all the Maplelag riders waving the flag!!
Bike Trail

Mountain Bike Trail Report

A great day yesterday for the 36th Laddies Loppet mountain bike race! Thanks everyone that came to race and all that helped make it another special day. (few photos from the race) Dry, dusty and fast conditions on race day. Thankfully the rain held off until after the races but 2″ last night and this morning have conditions wet. Trails are open but expect some greasy spots etc. Ride any soft or areas holding water, wide. Keep the wheels moving….

Heads up if riding outer loops North Loup Gnar and Bullhead Bootleg for any blow downs. Bullhead Bootleg was cleared out with leaf blower yesterday before the wind on Thursday. 

Earlier this month we hosted a four day MTB camp with local HS team “Wolves” based out of Moorhead/Detroit Lakes/Perham area. 45 riders with many first year riders on the trail….awesome to see! Also over 30 riders completed the “LagChilada” challenge Saturday…good job everyone! If you are part of a team in the MCA and interested in holding a camp at Maplelag, please reach out to Jay at 218-849-7669.

Click here for trail passes. Click here for Maplelag Membeships

Lots of wildlife sightings recently. Many does and fawns moving through the forest. The woods provide a a thick canopy and protection from the sun on hot days. A nice assortment of wildflowers and still a few random mushrooms popping up despite the dry weather.   

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. The entire 25 LagChilada loop is open and all the LagChilada signs are out. Click here for more about the challenge!

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

Bike Trail

Mountain Bike Trail Report

Laddies Loppet race day! Great day on tap for the 36th annual Laddies Loppet! (See schedule below). Very dry course, no rain overnight and looks to be dry all of racing hours.

We have been tuning on the Laddies Loppet course every day this week and everything is rolling great! Look forward to seeing all the riders and thanks for the support. Always one of the highlight of the year on the trails.

Heads up if riding outer loops North Loup Gnar and Bullhead Bootleg for any blow downs. Bullhead Bootleg was cleared out with leaf blower yesterday before the wind on Thursday. 

Earlier this month we hosted a four day MTB camp with local HS team “Wolves” based out of Moorhead/Detroit Lakes/Perham area. 45 riders with many first year riders on the trail….awesome to see! Also over 30 riders completed the “LagChilada” challenge Saturday…good job everyone! If you are part of a team in the MCA and interested in holding a camp at Maplelag, please reach out to Jay at 218-849-7669.

We’ve had an awesome month on the trails, from trail tuning to riding. We have been grooming the double track, brushing and blowing out singletrack and dirt tuning drops and berms over the entire 25 mile LagChilada course. A few areas a bit more organic forest matter but overall the track is rolling great….get out there!

Click here for trail passes. Click here for Maplelag Membeships

Lots of wildlife sightings recently. Many does and fawns moving through the forest. The woods provide a a thick canopy and protection from the sun on hot days. A nice assortment of wildflowers and still a few random mushrooms popping up despite the dry weather.   

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. The entire 25 LagChilada loop is open and all the LagChilada signs are out. Click here for more about the challenge!

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

Screenshot
Checking out the course, September 5th, 2026.
Clearing the course, September 5th, 2026.
Kids Comp checking out the course, September 5th, 2026.
Fast rolling trail and a beautiful evening! September 4th, 2026.
Grooming on ski trail and back up rain course for Sunday if needed, September 2nd, 2026.
Hudson’s Hula singletrack, part of all race course on Sunday except Kids Comp, September 2nd, 2026.
Wildflowers along the trail, September 2nd, 2026.
Family Sunday Funday on the trails! August 30th, 2026.
Dirt work on the singletrack, August 25th, 2026. 
Members of the “Wolves” team after a great day of riding completing the LagChilada challenge, August 22nd, 2026.
Another group of riders completing the LagChilada! August 22nd, 2026.
Out for an afternoon ride! All bikes welcome at Maplelag! August 22nd, 2026.
Bike Trail

Mountain Bike Trail Report

All 25 miles of LagChilada mountain bike trail open. Tacky/dry conditions. We have been tuning on the Laddies Loppet course for the bike race this Sunday and everything is rolling great! Trails are open for pre-riding today and welcome to all other riders.

All systems go for the Laddies Loppet on Sunday. We have back up courses if rainy and races will go on! Heads up if riding outer loops North Loup Gnar and Bullhead Bootleg for any blow downs. Bullhead Bootleg was cleared out with leaf blower yesterday before the wind on Thursday. 

Earlier this month we hosted a four day MTB camp with local HS team “Wolves” based out of Moorhead/Detroit Lakes/Perham area. 45 riders with many first year riders on the trail….awesome to see! Also over 30 riders completed the “LagChilada” challenge Saturday…good job everyone! If you are part of a team in the MCA and interested in holding a camp at Maplelag, please reach out to Jay at 218-849-7669.

We’ve had an awesome month on the trails, from trail tuning to riding. We have been grooming the double track, brushing and blowing out singletrack and dirt tuning drops and berms over the entire 25 mile LagChilada course. A few areas a bit more organic forest matter but overall the track is rolling great….get out there!

Click here for trail passes. Click here for Maplelag Membeships

Lots of wildlife sightings recently. Many does and fawns moving through the forest. The woods provide a a thick canopy and protection from the sun on hot days. A nice assortment of wildflowers and still a few random mushrooms popping up despite the dry weather.   

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. The entire 25 LagChilada loop is open and all the LagChilada signs are out. Click here for more about the challenge!

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

Fast rolling trail and a beautiful evening! September 4th, 2026.
Grooming on ski trail and back up rain course for Sunday if needed, September 2nd, 2026.
Hudson’s Hula singletrack, part of all race course on Sunday except Kids Comp, September 2nd, 2026.
Wildflowers along the trail, September 2nd, 2026.
Family Sunday Funday on the trails! August 30th, 2026.
Dirt work on the singletrack, August 25th, 2026. 
Members of the “Wolves” team after a great day of riding completing the LagChilada challenge, August 22nd, 2026.
Another group of riders completing the LagChilada! August 22nd, 2026.
Out for an afternoon ride! All bikes welcome at Maplelag! August 22nd, 2026.