The mountain bike trails at Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area in Crosby opened for the season on Friday, May 10. The area features 25 miles of single-track trails for bikers of all skill levels, from beginners to experts. The trails wind through 800 acres of deep-red soil, birch and aspen forests and scenic vistas overlooking turquoise mine lakes.

“Because of the late spring, we’re getting a later start than we would like, but our volunteer work crew has done a fantastic job of getting the trails in shape, and the riders are excited to get out there,” said Park Manager Steve Weber. “We are entering our third season, and it just gets better every year.”

The Portsmouth Campground is open for primitive camping, but the shower building and drinking water sources will not be available until later in May. The campground has 18 electric and seven nonelectric campsites that are available on a first-come, first-served basis. One group campsite may be reserved in advance through the DNR’s reservation service at mndnr.gov/reservations or 866-857-2757 (TTY 952-936-4008).

Funding sources for the development of the mountain bike trails included state bonding dollars, the Federal Transportation Enhancement Fund and the Parks and Trails Fund, created after voters approved the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment in November 2008.

More information about the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area, including a map, directions and a video tour of the trails, can be found on the DNR website at www.mndnr.gov(http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/cuyuna_country/index.html). Information is also available by calling the DNR Information Center at 651-296-6157 or toll-free 888-646-6367 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday

Logo courtesy Minnesota Department of Natural Resources