Jay Cooke track chair guide
Jay Cooke pairs a river overlook with wooded trails near Carlton. The park's most famous crossing shapes the whole outing. The DNR permits its track chair on the sidewalks leading to the Swinging Bridge and picnic area, but the bridge itself is too narrow for the chair.
Meet at the bridge approach
Find the River Inn and Swinging Bridge in the lower-left inset of the DNR map. For a group exploring together, the approach makes a clear meeting point. Anyone walking across should allow time to return to the same side before the group heads onto the wooded trails.
Trace the wooded route
North of Highway 210, the map highlights a loop using portions of the C.C.C. and Forbay Lake trails near the campground. A marked spur leads northwest to a stretch of the paved Munger State Trail. The Munger runs well beyond the highlighted section, so pick a turnaround inside the green line.
Book the chair and confirm the crossing
Select the Jay Cooke track chair in the state reservation system. While arranging pickup, ask staff to trace the day's route from the handoff point to the north side of Highway 210. The campground inset marks a pedestrian crossing, a helpful detail if your group starts at the River Inn.
First time borrowing a park chair? Plan for permits, transfer assistance and pickup.
Sources checked November 3, 2026
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