Martineau Old Forest Short Cut

Trail Overview

This trail is a very unique setting compared to the others at Paul Bunyan State Forest. There were a few spots that have a mountain biking switchback feel and one side had a bit of a drop-off. Some really old, dark evergreen-type feeling in spots that makes it feel somewhat ancient. Lots of pretty fall colors and a couple of quite technical spots with some larger roots and rocks. Some spots were very steep with occasional handlebar-width trees but overall it is not a narrow trail. Though it is not incredibly long, it is a very diverse trail. General Note on Trail Riding in MN: Many trails heavily change in difficulty depending on the time of the year, weather conditions, and proximity to the trailhead. These areas have lots of birch trees which will routinely drop over trails. Many local clubs tend to the trails but there may be obstacles that come up if there was a thunderstorm the week prior. Rain and snow can also heavily change the trails as often rutted trails get more washed out, puddles become deeper, mud is stickier, and rocks/roots become slippery. The time of year can also dramatically change the landscape. Some trails that seem wide open after fall can be very dense and narrow before leaves begin to fall. Once birch leaves have fallen, trails become unpredictable as everything is covered by the leaves except larger obstacles. I have also seen a black bear once so it may be advantageous to carry some bear spray as a precaution but for many years it only happened once and just by dumpsters.

Photos of Martineau Old Forest Short Cut

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Difficulty

Some quite steep spots and larger rocks and roots make a few areas of the trail quite technical. In addition there are some narrow trees and some steeper drop off sides that could require some confidence.

Technical Rating