Pincushion Mountain’s bike trail system spans nine miles and is located in Grand Marais along the North Shore. A 1.25- mile segment, known as “The Back 80,” was rehabilitated with a sustainable and enhanced riding surface. Better drainage was added, new four-foot wide decking was installed on boardwalks to accommodate adaptive and beginner riders, and alternative riding lines and features were built for more advanced riders. Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation supported the project with a $27,000 Regional Trails grant to Superior Cycling Association (SCA). Total project investment was $54,000.
The Pincushion bike trail system was first built in 2004 using a now-outdated rake-and-ride construction method. The original trails served the riding community well for many years. However, over time soils eroded, rocks and roots became exposed, and maintenance became unsustainable.
SCA began rehabilitating the entire nine miles in 2024 using modern professional trail building standards. The work on The Back 80 segment completed the larger renovation effort. According to SCA, there was an uptick in trail use almost immediately following the rehab project.
In addition to mountain bike trails, Pincushion Mountain offers year-round, multi-purpose trails for Nordic skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, fat tire biking and running. The top of Pincushion Mountain provides a stunning view of Lake Superior overlooking the Grand Marias Harbor.
Learn more about the Superior Cycling Association at https://superiorcycling.org/
Note: IRRR provided previous grants to support trail development at Pincushion Mountain.
