Big Woods Loop

Big Woods Loop is a 1.2-mile out-and-back cross-country ski route in Lake Maria State Park in Minnesota, managed by State Park and Recreation. The loop rises from a low point of 977 feet to a high of 1020 feet, with the steepest stretch at about 0.5 miles in, where the grade reaches 9 percent. The climb is moderate, and the total elevation gain is 57 feet. Winter is the natural season for this route. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Buffalo put January highs around 21°F with lows near 3°F, while February is similar at about 27°F and 7°F. Spring and fall are milder, with May highs near 67°F and October highs around 57°F. The Bjorkland Trail lies just 0.1 mile away, and the Big Woods Loop, Bjorkland Trail and Big Woods Loop, Anderson Hill Loop are both within a mile.