Traffic had come to a complete stop that early Saturday morning as we attempted to make our way up to the North Shore to ring in the new year. We were on the road well before sunrise in hopes of beating the forecasted freezing rain. But the winter weather came early and I35 was a sheet of ice.
We sat there for close to an hour while salt trucks made their way through in an attempt to get traffic moving again. Eventually, we were driving again and as the stress started to leave our bodies, we joked about how we’re always blessed with a winter storm every time we plan a winter trip up north. It took twice as long, as usual, to make our way up the North Shore that Saturday. But when we finally arrived, we were treated to the most magical winter wonderland. The forest was perfectly coated in a heavy layer of fluffy snow. It looked like a postcard. As the long, cold, winter night set in, we made our way to our vacation rental, eager to explore the gift of a fresh winter snow the next morning.
We savored our coffee while toasting our toes in front of the fireplace as we watched the sun rise over the greatest great lake. A quick breakfast and we were off to spend the day playing in the snow. As we made our way up the Gunflint Trail we oohed and aahed at the evergreen forest and branches drooping with freshly fallen snow. A snowplow had just finished clearing the lot at George Washington Pines, so we decided to make this our first stop of the day.
Snowshoes strapped tight, we made our way over the snowbank and onto the trail. To be honest, I’m a summer girl at heart. But this was the most idyllic winter day; the kind they write songs about, and I was in love.
As we made our way along the two-and-a-half-mile loop, it started snowing again. With the big fluffy flakes falling from high about the giant pines, it was like being in a snow globe. We spent close to two hours out on the trail, sauntering and stopping to take plenty of photos and let the memories sink in. While we sauntered, we were passed by a couple of skiers and saw a family of snowshoers headed in the opposite direction. Every one of us savoring the quiet magic of the winter forest. It’s one of those days I’ll never forget.
George Washington Pines is the best trail I know of for beginner snowshoers. At two and a half miles, it’s short and easy to complete in about an hour. The trail itself is flat, so other than making your way over the banks created by snowplows, there are no challenging hills or obstacles to maneuver.
This trail is so beautiful that I’d recommend it for the more advanced snowshoers as well. If you’d like more miles, there are plenty more wonderful trails nearby. Or you could turn around and do the loop in reverse and enjoy the forest views from the other direction.
Getting there is easy.
It’s just six miles up the Gunflint Trail from Grand Marais. When you go, be mindful to stay off of the ski tracks. There should be plenty of space to snowshoe alongside them. There are no facilities at most of the trailheads along the Gunflint Trail, so you’ll want to come prepared. You can learn more about the trail and view a map here.
Snowshoeing is a wonderful way to get out and experience the magic of Minnesota winters. And in my opinion, there’s no better place to learn to snowshoe than George Washington Pines. I hope you’ll find the time to pack up the family, bundle up, and go make some magical winter memories.
More Information:
George Washington Pines Winter Recreation Trail
Holly Scherer is a Minnesota-based writer, photographer, outdoorswoman, and guide. She’s most at home in the great outdoors; camping, hiking, paddling, cycling, and gardening. When she’s not on an adventure, she and her husband live in the Twin Cities where they’re fond of saying, “home is where we store our outdoor gear.”