The Superior National Forest, working with the Friends of the Flathorn Gegoka Trail, has opened a new trailhead parking lot on Jensen Trail (FR 949B) just north of Hwy 1 in Lake County near Isabella. 

Four ski trail bridges in the Flathorn Gegoka Ski trail system were damaged in the flooding from the June 18 rains in the Isabella area.  These bridges are essential for skiers to access the main portion of the ski trail system.  As a result, skiers would not be able to access the ski trail system if they entered at the Flathorn Lake trailhead during the 2024/2025 winter ski season.

Before the flooding created the need for a new access point, a new trailhead had already been in development between the Friends of the Flathorn Gegoka Trail and the Superior National Forest to provide quicker access to the trail system. The timing of this project couldn’t have been better for cross country skiers in the area, says Ryan Blaisdell, Recreation Specialist for the Gunflint and Tofte Ranger Districts.

“When the flooding damaged the four bridges, it cut off access for a significant group of skiers,” said Blaisdell. “We were very fortunate that we were already in the process of opening a new trailhead and parking area for the trail system.”

During the fall, forest staff were able to finish evaluating locations for the trailhead and parking lot. Working with the Friends of the Flathorn Gegoka Trail, they worked to prepare the area in time for the 2024/2025 winter ski season. Thanks to the diligent work of the partners and Forest Service staff, the work has been completed in time for the season, says Blaisdell.

“We would not have been able to keep access to the trail complex open to the public without the vision and support of the Friends of the Flathorn Gegoka Trail,” said Blaisdell. “We’re grateful for their help in developing and implementing this project.”

Directions for the new trailhead are as follows:

• From Ely, Minn.: Go south on Hwy 1 approximately 42 miles, take a left (north) on Jensen Trail (FR 949B), it is approximately .25 miles on the west side of the road. 
• From Finland, Minn.: Go north on Hwy 1 approximately 28 miles, take a right (north) on Jensen Trail (FR 949B), it is approximately .25 miles on the west side of the road. 

Join the Friends of the Flathorn-Gegoka on January 18th for a ribbon cutting at the new Jensen Trailhead at 12:30 PM followed by complimentary hot dogs and chips at 9926 National Forest Lodge Road, Isabella, Minn. Kids events and activities begin at 1:30 PM or just get out and ski the groomed trails in the afternoon. 

More information about the trails can be found at Friends of Flathorn Gegoka Trails

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