Giants Ridge Five Color Walks

Choose from five different walks, ranging from 1 hr. to 2 hrs. Levels of hiking from easy to moderate/advanced. Call 865-3003 to reserve a spot. Walks are held from 1-3 pm, ages 5 and up are welcome, cost is $4 per person, and sturdy lace-up shoes are recommended.

Easiest - 1 Hr. Laurentian Divide Walk: Come and explore the unique geology of Giants Ridge and the Laurentian Divide. Take a Ranger Ride to the top of Giants Ridge, observe great views and fall colors from the Observation Deck, and enjoy a leisurely downhill hike while exploring the history of the Laurentian Divide. This trail is not signed, but follows the Ranger path. (A walking stick, or ski poles, are helpful on the way down. Be sure to bring a camera!)

Moderate - 2 Hr. Voyageurs Trail Walk: Learn the history of the Voyageurs in our area, while walking the "Ancient Portage" used by Indians and fur traders to navigate the rapids on the Embarrass River. Take a van ride 1 mile North of Giants Ridge (the fall colors will be great along this road!) then hike 30-45 minutes on the Portage trail to the trailhead at Sabin lake. After a brief stop at Sabin campsite, we'll head back. This is a true forest trail, it is not signed. There are no big hills to navigate, but it is rocky and not suitable for bikers. (A walking stick is helpful, be sure to bring some water.)

THE NEXT THREE TRAILS ARE NEWLY SIGNED WITH GREEN AND WHITE TRAIL MARKERS. AT TRAIL INTERSECTIONS, ALWAYS FOLLOW THE GREEN AND WHITE ARROWS OR SIGNS.

Moderate - 2 Hr. Cedar/Alpine Trail: This is my personal favorite for variety, and will be featured in the Mesabi Daily News Tracks & Trails Feature. This trail starts at the Nordic Timing building, and winds up the Cat Track at the edge of the Alpine Area. To your left are the rugged runs of the North Face, to your right are glimpses of the Legend Golf Course. The ascent is gradual, at the end of the Alpine Area the trail heads into the woods, winding around the twists and turns of the Cedar X-C trail. There are a variety of trees here, birch, poplar, oak, maple, white pines, and cedar (of course!) Chances are good to see ruffed grouse & deer. Fall colors will be great, some maples are already in full color. When you're ready for a change of scenery, the trail opens out at the top of Giants Ridge with great views all around! Walk down to the Race deck on Helsinki (straight ahead) for some picture-taking, then head down the alpine run "Easy Way", for a descent with a moderate angle. The trail ends at the bottom of Placid, right in front of the Lodge.

Moderate to Advanced - 2 Hr. Sleeping Giant Trail: This trail is full of variety and challenge. It begins at the front of the Chalet, heads south along the Bronze X-C trail, then turns up the alpine run "Garmisch" for a short way (steep, but not too long), then the fun begins! The trail dives into the woods along the Sleeping Giant Snowshoe trail, continues to climb and wind until it meets the Gold X-C trail, then it smoothes out and widens a bit. There will be good fall colors here, lots of birch, poplar, maple, oaks, sumac, hazel, and basswood. Chances are good to see deer, ruffed grouse, or fox. This trail tops out at the head of the Alpine Area, where you are rewarded with great views, then a gradual descent down "Easy Way", ending up in front of the Lodge. (A walking stick or ski poles will be helpful at the beginning and end of this trail, bring water!)

Moderate to Advanced - 1 Hr. Silver /Laurentian Trail: This winding,rolling trail starts at the North driveway to the Ridge, right next to the Golf Course cart path. It follows the cart path, then splits off onto a gravel path that winds gradually uphill. As you walk along here, look to your left for a wetland area with a good-size beaver lodge on the far side. The trail then leaves the gravel path, and turns into the woods. Glimpses of Sabin Lake peek through on the right, and this portion of trail has tall, beautiful stands of white birch. As the trail turns back towards the Laurentian, the white pines and maple become more numerous. At the half-way point, there is a shelter-firepit area, perfect for a short stop or a picnic lunch. On the way back, you'll encounter at least one short, steep uphill climb, and then the trail connects up where it started. The smooth nature of the turf is excellent for hikers, runners, or bikers. ( I saw at least 10 different kinds of mushrooms along this trail. Fall colors were just starting here.)