Save
You must be signed in to save park lists.
Your Park Lists
add New List
Add Photo
You must be signed in to add photos.
state route ranger badge
Minnesota
52

Minnesota State Parks

responsive menu icon
USA Parks
Minnesota
Arrowhead Region
Smokey Bear State Forest
Common Loon © stateparks.com
Afternoon Hike © stateparks.com
Search
Availability
Calendars
Availability Search
SMOKEY BEAR STATE FOREST
SMOKEY BEAR STATE FOREST
The Smokey Bear State Forest, located in Minnesota, is a pristine and picturesque natural sanctuary spread across acres of diverse terrain. This forest is renowned for its dense evergreen forests, crystal-clear lakes, and winding trails that offer endless opportunities for outdoor recreation and exploration. With its tranquil atmosphere and abundant wildlife, visitors can relish in activities like hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife watching. The Smokey Bear State Forest serves as a haven for nature enthusiasts and provides a harmonious escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
History of the Area
Smokey Bear State Forest is located in northern Minnesota, spanning across Beltrami, Clearwater, and Hubbard counties. The forest was established and named in honor of the fictional character "Smokey Bear," who serves as the mascot for the U.S. Forest Service's wildfire prevention campaign.

The history of Smokey Bear State Forest can be traced back to the early 1930s when severe wildfires ravaged parts of the United States, including Minnesota. These fires sparked a growing concern for fire prevention and awareness, leading to the creation of Smokey Bear and the start of the iconic campaign in 1944.

In the 1930s, the land that comprises Smokey Bear State Forest was primarily used for logging and was known as the "Hubbard Forest." However, due to the increasing awareness about fire prevention, the state of Minnesota purchased the land in collaboration with the federal government in the 1950s.

The state forest has been actively managed for sustainable timber production, recreation, and wildlife conservation. It provides opportunities for outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, and nature appreciation. The forest is known for its diverse vegetation, including mixed hardwoods, conifers, wetlands, and traditional forest ecotypes found in northern Minnesota.

Smokey Bear State Forest continues to be administered and operated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) with the objective of sustainable forest management, ecological diversity, and wildfire prevention. Efforts to promote Smokey Bear's message of fire safety remain prominent throughout the forest, raising awareness and educating visitors about the ways to prevent wildfires and protect natural resources.
Nearby Vacation Rentals
Search for a vacation rental


Location
Smokey Bear State Forest is

Trails
1. Cut Foot Sioux Trail: This 21-mile trail is a multi-use path that offers hikers stunning views of the forest and lakes. It's also popular for horseback riding, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing in winter.

2. Simpson Creek Trails: With over 14 miles to explore, these trails are perfect for those who enjoy bird watching or wildlife viewing as they wind through various habitats including wetlands and hardwood forests.

3. Lost Forty Loop Hiking Trail: A unique feature within Smokey Bear State Forest; this loop takes you around an area where logging was never conducted due to surveying errors during the late-1800s hence preserving old-growth pines which add charm to your hike experience.

4. Blueberry Lake Walking Path: An easy one mile walking path circling scenic Blueberry lake offering beautiful vistas along with opportunities for fishing from shorelines or docks available on site.

5. Talmoon Tract Ski & Snowshoe Trails: These groomed ski trails offer different levels of difficulty making them suitable both beginners and experienced skiers while snowshoers can take advantage off-trail areas providing picturesque snowy landscapes during winters.

6. Winni Ranger District ATV/OHM System: While primarily designed for All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) Off-Highway Motorcycles (OHMs), it's open year-round allowing hiking when not used by motorized vehicles giving access into remote parts of state forest otherwise difficult reach foot alone.

7. Smokey Hills Wilderness Retreat Nature Walk: Located near Park Rapids inside retreat property but accessible public without any fees involved provides short yet immersive nature walk featuring interpretive signs about local flora fauna found here.

8. Bear Paw Campground Hike: In Sites Access Paths- For campers staying at campground there several small paths leading directly towards individual campsites nestled amidst dense woods adding adventurous element their camping trip.

9. Moose River Trails: These trails are a part of the larger Chippewa National Forest trail system but pass through Smokey Bear State Forest offering hikers an opportunity to explore diverse landscapes ranging from river valleys, wetlands and mixed hardwood forests.

10. Cut Foot Sioux Horse Camp Loop: This 3-mile loop is perfect for those looking for shorter hikes within forest boundaries starting ending at horse camp making it popular among equestrian community as well.

11. Suomi Hills Semi-Primitive Non-Motorized Area: A network of over 19 miles hiking cross-country skiing trails that take you deep into semi-primitive non-motorized area where tranquility solitude reign supreme allowing truly connect with nature away hustle bustle daily life.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
write a review
Share On

Directions
The Smokey Bear State Forest is located in northern Minnesota, near the town of Remer. To reach the forest from Minneapolis, start by taking I-35 North towards Duluth for approximately 120 miles. Take exit 205B to merge onto MN-33 West towards Cloquet and continue on this road for about 20 miles.

Next, turn left onto County Road 8/Big Lake Rd and follow it for around 15 miles until you reach a T-junction with US Highway 2. Turn right onto US Hwy 2 East and drive eastward for roughly another mile before turning left onto Co Rd NE36 (also known as Blackwater Lake Access Road).

Continue on Co Rd NE36/Birchwood Dr NW/Rice River Scenic Byway Northwest Drive Northeast Drive Southeast Drive Southwest until you see signs indicating the entrance to Smokey Bear State Forest.

Once inside the state forest boundaries, there are various trails that can be explored either by foot or vehicle depending on your preference. The main access point within the forest is at Shingobee Hills Recreation Area where visitors can find parking facilities along with picnic areas and restrooms.

state route ranger badge
Minnesota
52

Minnesota State Parks

X