Sports

The Happy Hikers will hike a portion of the Caribou Rock Trail. This rugged trail is in the Boundary Waters, so we are limited to 9 people in a group. If we have more than 9 people, we will split into two groups and stagger our hiking start times. The trailhead is accessed off Hungry Jack Lake Rd (up the Gunflint Trail). The trail begins gradually uphill, and after 3/4 mile, we come to a beautiful overlook of West Bearskin Lake. Another 1/4 mile, and we are at an overlook of Moss Lake. The trail continues over rugged terrain, lots of ups and downs, and a couple of rock scrambles that we may need to help each other traverse. There’s a reason this is called Caribou ROCK Trail! We will also get a view of Duncan Lake. This is an out-and-back hike, so we will continue a little over 1.5 miles before turning around. We will enjoy our lunch at the Moss Lake overlook on the way back. Well-behaved dogs on a leash are welcome.

On UT 64 (Old Ski Hill Rd), just a couple miles up the Gunflint Trail, the Happy Hikers will begin on the North Shore State Trail. We will shortly leave that trail and head towards Grand Marais with Lake Superior gradually becoming visible. SHT traverses a long, wet area on a boardwalk. As the SHT descends, the lake becomes more visible. The trail comes to views of Lake Superior and then descends steeply. We will cross the Gunflint Trail, go uphill, and eventually join a ski trail. We will continue uphill and will come to dramatic views at Pincushion Mountain Trailhead. Lunch will be at picnic tables at the trailhead. Drivers will be shuttled back to their vehicles.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has scheduled two public auctions of confiscated fishing, hunting, and trapping equipment. The auctions, which will be held online Aug. 26 and Oct. 7, include equipment that was confiscated following serious game and fish violations.

Back by popular demand, the Happy Hikers will follow the trail along the east side of Temperance River beginning at the wayside rest area on Highway 61. The first one-third mile takes you through the Temperance River Gorge. Interpretive signs explain the fascinating geology and formation of the numerous waterfalls, cascades and cauldrons that make up the river gorge. Follow the river for another half mile. This route then breaks away from the river and takes you on a loop through the woods on your way back to the wayside. We will then cross Highway 61 and walk a short distance to a picnic area in the park where we will have our lunch. Wellbehaved dogs on a leash are welcome.

The Fisherman's Picnic Trail Race(s) will again be held on the rugged Pincushion Mountain Trails on Saturday, August 3rd, 2024. From 8 a.m.