Jay Cooke State Park River Bottoms Trail

The St. Louis River carved this gorge over thousands of years, leaving behind a playground of granite slabs and technical ledges that’ll test your line choice and spotting skills. This backcountry route follows old logging roads through Jay Cooke State Park’s rugged interior, crossing exposed bedrock sections where the river thunders through narrow channels below. The highlight comes at Thomson Dam overlook, where you’ll navigate a series of shelf rock obstacles while the river crashes through ancient basalt formations.

This is solid intermediate terrain requiring high-clearance 4WD and good ground clearance for the granite ledges. Skid plates recommended for the sharper rock sections. Best tackled in dry conditions from May through October when water levels are manageable. No overnight camping in the park, but Carlton has services 10 miles south. You’ll earn spectacular gorge views and some memorable technical challenges without leaving the Twin Cities area.