Hiking Foot Hills State Forest, Minnesota

The place

According to Wikipedia, Foot Hills State Forest covers 46,896 acres (18,978 ha) in Cass and Hubbard counties and was established in 1931. Hundreds of small lakes and potholes, formed during the Wisconsin glaciation, dot the forest. Northern hardwoods now dominate: aspen, red maple, paper birch, sugar maple, red oak and bur oak. Wikipedia notes that 36 acres (15 ha) of red pine and 30 acres (12 ha) of black ash are designated old-growth and exempt from harvesting. The lakes also draw waterbirds: the same source mentions great blue heron rookeries, mallards, wood ducks and beavers.

The trails

The DNR's state forest recreation guide lists hiking, picnicking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing and ATV riding for Foot Hills. It does not name a hiking trail or give its length. The named trails are:

• Spider Lake OHV Trail: about 26 mi (42 km) inside the forest, according to the DNR guide. A DNR document counts about 11 mi open to ATVs, off-highway motorcycles and off-road vehicles, and about 15 mi for ATVs and off-highway motorcycles.
• Cut Lake Ski Trail: about 16.5 km, according to the DNR.
• Hiram Ski Trail: about 8 km, according to the DNR.

The DNR classified the forest "limited" for recreational motor vehicle use in 2005: off-highway vehicles may only use designated forest roads and trails. According to the guide, a Ski Pass is required on the two ski trails.

Access and fees

According to the DNR guide, Minnesota state forests are free to enter and do not require a vehicle permit. Wikipedia adds that backcountry camping is possible. The guide does not describe parking, a trailhead or dog rules for Foot Hills; confirm these with the DNR.