UP NORTH Day Trip to Jay Cooke State Park + Lazy Bear Grill - Barnum, MN

Let’s kick off the unofficial start to Summer with a road trip to hike at scenic Jay Cooke State Park – just south of Duluth! Following the hike(optional), join us for a mid afternoon bite (pie?!?) at Lazy Bear Grill, which is along the route back to the Twin Cities - 3696 Main St., Barnum, MN 55707. https://www.lazygrills.com/breakfast-menu

The rugged land formations of Jay Cooke State Park enhance the beauty of the hardwood forests. The water-eroded gorge, steep valleys, and massive rock formations are seen throughout the park. In some seasons, the water of the St. Louis River thunders over slabs of ancient, exposed rock. At other times, it slows to a gentle trickle. Which will we find?

Plan to hike 8-9 miles at a medium pace(~19-20 minute miles) over 3-4 hours on some of the more challenging and scenic trails this side of Duluth. We will pause occasionally to take in the natural scenery and to hydrate. The trails are uneven, rocky, likely to have roots and ruts, possible mud, narrow and steep at times, and may include crossing shallow water that will get your footwear wet. Poles are recommended to assist with navigating the rocky trails while enjoying the view and to help with knee fatigue.

Also recommended is a snack and at least a liter of water. Mosquitos and ticks are out for the season, so please consider them when deciding what to wear and/or bring preventive spray.

Each car will need a state park pass. The prices are: $35 for an annual pass and $7 for a daily pass. There are restrooms at the trailhead, with none on the trail.

Sorry, no +1s or children allowed on this hike.

Well behaved dogs kept on a 6 ft leash are welcome.

IMPORTANT: Please honor your RSVP and if your plans change update your status to Not Going as soon as you know, even if you are on the Waitlist.

HIKE AT YOUR OWN RISK: By signing up for this event, you agree to assume personal responsibility for all risks associated with this event, and release the organizers, event hosts, and other members of the venue, from any liability.

Furthermore, all participants are expected to adhere to the guidelines agreed to when signing up for Meetup which can be reviewed at: Meetup.com > Policies and Community Guidelines > Community Guidelines (https://help.meetup.com/hc/en-us/articles/360002897532-Usage-and-content-policies-Rules-for-using-Meetup)

Carpooling is encouraged, especially for a park this far out, but safety should be the top priority. If you wish to carpool, I suggest contacting other hikers you already know by direct message and make your arrangements that way. Alternatively, someone can suggest a meetup time and place in the event comments (e.g., 7:30 AM @ REI Bloomington) and then whomever shows up decides who drives/rides. It's always nice to give some gas money to comp the driver.

Meetup time is 10:00 AM, in front of the River Inn Visitor Center – just past the park ranger office, on the south side(right) of the parking lot. We will make introductions, go over the route and get on the trail no later than 10:15 AM.

I’m looking forward to this adventure--See you there!