Trails Around Backus and Hackensack Minnesota
Trail Reports are now on Facebook at Ponto Knight Riders
The trails we manage are shown above You can find an application for membership here.
SAFETY NOTICE - At approximately mile 8 or 9 of the Aspen Trail we have been required to build a temporary crossing where the washed-out bridge stood. It is well signed to guide you through the area, but please go slow. A new bridge should be installed by next season. See our Facebook Page for a picture (best we could do) of the area and some of the signage.
Trail reports are on Facebook at "Ponto Knight Riders Snowmobile Club" The most current information is there.
General Information
Also widen the trails in general and don't hit the inside of every corner. When you take off try not to spin and leave a pile of snow for the next riders. You are sharing the trails and think of those that need to deal with the trails issues you may cause.
Trail Issues - Contact us using the phone or contact page to let us know of any trees or other obstructions that are across the trail. Try to give us a mile marker or good description of the location.
Trail Suggestion - If you do go out on the trails with a chainsaw, please cut the trees to the full width of the trail. Otherwise when we get there we will need to clean up to the full width. Thanks
Caution - The Snoway trail has many loose rocks because it is also an ATV trail in the Summer. Take care and maybe throw off a few if you can. Thanks
Logging -Don't know of any logging directly on our trails at this time Loggers are our friends and they are the main reason we have trails through the woods to ride.
You can find an application for membership here.
Here is a link to local weather
Gas and Food Stops in the area:
Snoway 1 trail has no services near the trail. Make sure your oil and gas tank is full. When you get to County Hwy. 40 it is only a 3 or 4 mile trip East to Gas at Hackensack. The Snowsnake Trail also leads you to gas and food opportunities in Backus off of Snoway 1.
Non-Oxy Gas is available in Backus at the Corner Store and Godfreys on SH 371. The easiest way to get there is to take the Aspen Trail East from the Paul Bunyan 3/8 mile to SH 371 and go North on the East side of 371 1.5 miles and you will see the Corner Store. Godfreys is a large hardware and grocery store about 1/2 mile North of the Corner Store and also has gas,oil and many other snowmobiler needs, plus a full hardware and grocery store.
On the Aspen Trail between Mile 7 and 8 there is the Long Pine Spur trail of about 2.5 miles that leads to the Long Pine Store which has Non-Oxy gas.
Non-Oxy Gas is available in Hackensack at both the North and South ends of town. Both are well marked off the Paul Bunyan Trail.
Food and Drink -
Light Food (Pizza and Panini Sandwiches) and Drink is available at the Backus American Legion just North of the Corner Store. The Backus American Legion Post 368 are huge supporters of our club/MNUSA and the regional club with map ads and the drinks and food are very reasonable. Please stop in to see them.
Willards Bar is on the Paul Bunyan about 2 miles North of where the Aspen Trail joins the Bunyan in Backus and the burgers and chicken sandwiches are very good. Willards is also a good supporter of our club/MNUSA and the regional club with map ads. Say hi to the owner Patty and let her know you found information on our site.
Three great meals a day are available at the Corner Restaurant next to the Corner Store on SH 371 in Backus
In Hackensack there are several restaurants. The American Legion Post 202 (right on the Bunyan) are great supporters of our club so please stop in to see them for food and drink.
As you go East on the Aspen Trail from the Paul Bunyan about 6 miles (Mile 6) you will see the Harriet Club where great Food and Drink are available except on Monday and Tuesday when they are closed. They open at 2PM on Wednesdays and Thursday, 11AM Friday and Saturday, and then Noon on Sundays in the winter. Say hi to the owners Kelly and Kenny and let them know you found information on our site.
On the Aspen Trail between mile 7 and 8 you will find the Long Pine Spur that goes about 2.5 miles to the Long Pine Store. There is gas, strong beer/wine/seltzers and soda. Home made quesadillas, nachos and pizzas are available and they are worth the stop. It is a historic little store that also has some motor sports oil and nonOxy gas.
