Snowmobile stud restrictions on state trails

State law (M.S. 84.8712) regarding the use of metal traction devices (a.k.a. "studs") on paved public trails reads: "A person may not use a snowmobile with metal traction devices on a paved public trail that is designated closed to such use by a local government with jurisdiction over the trail or on a paved state trail or any portion of a paved state trail that is designated closed to such use by the commissioner."

The table and the map on this page lists all developed State Trails, and provides information on allowed snowmobile uses. Please note that paved trails administered by local units of government are also subject to the metal traction device prohibition law. Check with the local trail administrator for use restrictions.

For more detailed information refer to a snowmobile map of the area you plan to ride or call the DNR Information Center for the most up-to-date trail information at 1-888-MINNDNR (1-888-646-6367).

 studded tracks signs

Thumbnail graphic of the stud restrictions map

Stud restrictions map

 

State Trails

Stud Restriction Status

Details

David Dill/Arrowhead

Not restricted

Entire length of trail open to snowmobiles.

Blazing Star

N/A

Entire length of trail not open to snowmobiles.

C.J. Ramstad /North Shore

Not restricted

Entire length of trail open to snowmobiles.

Casey Jones

Not restricted

Entire length of trail open to snowmobiles.

Central Lakes

Not restricted

Entire length of trail open to snowmobiles.

Cuyuna Lakes

Not restricted

Open, not groomed in winter.

  • Parallel trail is groomed for snowmobiles.

Douglas

Fully restricted

Alternate routes on restricted areas:

  • All snowmobiles must run on parallel trails.

  • No snowmobiling is allowed on paved surfaces.

Gateway

N/A

Entire length of trail not open to snowmobiles.

Gitchi-Gami

N/A

Entire length of trail not open to snowmobiles.

Glacial Lakes

Not restricted

Entire length of trail open to snowmobiles.

Goodhue Pioneer

Partially 
restricted

  • North segment, from Red Wing to Hay Creek, all snowmobiles must run on parallel trail.

  • South segment, from Zumbrota heading north for 4.5 miles, snowmobiles with or without studs are allowed.

Great River Ridge

Fully restricted

  • Parallel trail adjacent to paved trail from County Road 9 to Elgin (8 miles).

  • Northern 5 miles of developed trail from Elgin to Plainview has a grant-in-aid trail that closely parallels paved trail.

Harmony-Preston Valley

N/A

Entire length of trail not open to snowmobiles.

Heartland

Not restricted

Entire length of trail open to snowmobiles.

Luce Line

Not restricted

Entire length of trail open to snowmobiles.

Matthew Lourey

Not restricted

 

Entire length of trail open to snowmobiles.

Mill Towns

Not restricted

Entire length of trail open to snowmobiles.

 

Minnesota Valley

Not restricted

Entire length of trail open to snowmobiles.

Paul Bunyan

Not restricted

Entire length of trail open to snowmobiles.

Root River

Fully restricted

Alternate routes in restricted areas:

  • No parallel trail available, except for a very short segment between Lanesboro and Whalan.

General use:

  • Because the Root River Trail is predominately a non-motorized trail, snowmobiles are not allowed on the paved surface of the trail.

Sakatah Singing Hills

Not restricted

Entire length of trail open to snowmobiles.

 

Shooting Star

N/A

Entire length of trail not open to snowmobiles.

Taconite

Not restricted

Entire length of trail open to snowmobiles.

Willard Munger

Not restricted

Entire length of trail open to snowmobiles.

 

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