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PARKS
Superior National Forest/BWCA
Cross Country Skiing - Jasper Hills Trail
This trail system provides an opportunity to experience remoteness while not having to travel great distances. The probabilities of seeing snow machines is minimal. Some of these trails will be machine groomed and tracked.
Location: The Jasper Hills Trail is located 14 miles east of Ely. From the Chamber of Commerce building on the east edge of Ely, located at the junction of Highways 1 and 169, travel east on 169 (away from town). At 4 miles you will cross a bridge and the road continues as County Road #18. There is parking at Tofte Lake. The parking area is on the opposite site of the road from the lake. Continuing for one-half mile, there is parking at Northwind Lodge where food and toilet facilities are available.
Recreation Opportunity Class: Semi-Primitive Motorized
Enchanted Lakes Loop: This loop can be skied in either direction. It is a nice combination of lake skiing, hills, open aspen/birch and balsam, and the peacefulness of stands of cedar.
Jasper Creek Loop: Starting at Jasper Lake, the trail is a nice run to where the creek leaves the lake. The trail climbs a hill and then there's a long downhill run to the wide valley, which the creek flows through. Just north of the Enchanted Lakes, the trail climbs a short, steep hill which will require you to take off your skis in order to get up or down. Continue either way on the Enchanted Lakes Loop back to the point of origin.
Moose Lake Loop: This is an extension of the Jasper Creek Loop. It is mainly a lake and creek-marsh meadow trail. Do be cautious of poor ice conditions.
Jasper Lake - Tofte Lake Loop: This section was originally constructed for snowmobile use, but now receives very little use. Due to the hills, it is best skied in a north to south or counterclockwise direction. The trail from Jasper to Tofte could be skied either way.
Tofte Lake - Rookie Pond: This is a pleasant run across the lake downhill through the woods and out into a marsh.
Cedar Swamp Loop: This is a most pleasant loop at any time of day, but perhaps it is best before breakfast or after a longer day's run. The stands of cedar are a real joy to slowly enjoy the woods.
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