Ski Trail

Hiking and Ski Trail Report

Cooler and damp weather in place.  It’s been a wet week, not a ton of precipitation but rainfall almost every day with just under a half inch Monday and .13 Wednesday and .06 Thursday. The trails are “dry” however and the moisture has been welcomed. It’s been a bit slower going with Fall grooming because of the dampness but we have been working on trails for hiking and walking for Maplelag Day. Sap Run, Sukkerbusk and Twin Lakes recommended trails to walk on.

We are past our “peak” of Fall color but still beautiful Autumn scenes as the oaks, poplar, birch and remaining maples still providing fantastic color.  Tamarack trees, the only coniferous tree to change color and loose needles, are starting to change now. First frost of the year last week which always gets us excited for the next season to come as we fully appreciate the one now! 

We have been leaf clearing on the trails when possible, preparing for the upcoming winter season. 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. 

Total rainfall in October up to 1.5″. We are at 20.95″ 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! 

Autumn scene at Twin Lakes crossing, October 15th, 2026. Rare moment of sunshine highlighting the poplar trees.
Fall grooming on Single Green trail, October 13th, 2026.
Autumn scene near Bullhead lake, October 13th, 2026. 
Leaf clearing on Mother North Star ski trail, October 12th, 2026.
Tamarack trees stating to change along Mother North Star 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.

Beautiful morning on Sukkerbusk ski trail, 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.
Fall grooming at start of JibFly trail, September 28th, 2026.
End of Maplelag driveway, September 27th, 2026.
Patio area to the left, September 27th, 2026.
Scenic sauna at Maplelag, September 26th, 2026.
Caboose area, September 27th, 2026.
Mountain bike trail near Bullhead Lake, September 27th, 2026.
Twin Lakes, September 27th, 2026.
Parking area at Maplelag near Hygge building. September 27th, 2026.
Hygge building at Maplelag, September 27th, 2026. Park here and stop in for restrooms, snacks and shopping! 
Fall color around the cabooses, September 26th, 2026.
Fall color along Mother North Star trail, September 25th, 2026.
“Puffballs” emerging in the woods after recent rain, September 25th, 2026.
Scene along the rock wall old lodge site, September 25th, 2026.
Fall color scene over Little Sugarbush lake, September 20th, 2026.
Early color near the scenic sauna, September 20th, 2026.
Great day on Saturday for the “WanderFest” hiking event. Nice job to all the participants that completed the courses of 5, 10 and 20 miles! Each distance was one lap utilizing both singletrack and ski trail.
On the singletrack, September 12th, 2026.
Finishing up the 10 mile lap at WanderFest hiking event, September 12th, 2026.