NORTH CENTRAL

Blue Ox Trail • UPM Blandin Trail • Moose River Trail Soo Line North Trail • Lawler Loops • Moose River Connector Hill City Trail • Rabey Line Trail • Pine Center Trails Spider Lake Trails • Fort Ripley Trail and Ripley Connection Blind Lake Loop and Connector • Emily-Outing Trail

COMING THIS SUMMER!

MILLER BLACK BEAR TRAIL The 20-mile Miller Black Bear Trail, set to open early this summer, will take riders through forests and gently rolling hills, and provides scenic overlooks of the Mississippi River. Located six miles west of Crosby and Ironton, there are amenities nearby in addition to primitive camping near Section 6 and the Mine Pit Lake. During the right time of the year, wildflowers abound and you can also pick berries. Check cuyunaironrangeriders.com for updates.

Northwoods Regional ATV Trail System > Soo Line North, Lawler Loops, Blind Lake Connector, Hill City Trail, Rabey Line, UPM Blandin, Moose River

Soo Line North

This series of trails, which follows the former railroad grade, is 150-miles long and passes through Aitkin, Carlton and Cass counties, with stretches from Moose Lake to Lawler, from Lawler to Shovel Lake and from Shovel Lake to five miles east of Cass Lake. The relatively flat trails curve through portions of the Hill River and Bowstring state forests, where riders may likely see some wildlife. Consider the Soo Line North a trail hub, as it connects with the 115mile Soo Line Trail southwest of Moose Lake, which from there connects to six more riding areas, resulting in an additional 100-plus miles.

CASS LAKE

371

210 2

REMER

HILL RIVER STATE FOREST

LAND O’LAKES STATE PARK

6

210 TO MOOSE LAKE Distance: 150 miles Difficulty: Easiest Parking/Trailhead Location(s): Parking and trail access is located in Shovel Lake, Swatara, Palisade, McGregor, Lawler, Moose Lake, and Remer. Season: Carlton County: year round; Aitkin and Cass counties: April 1 to November 30 Vehicles Allowed: (no OHM for Moose Lake-Lawler)

Facilities: Moose Lake, McGregor and Remer: food, fuel, restrooms, lodging; Lawler, Palisade, Swatara, Remer, Federal Dam and Boy River: food, fuel, restrooms More Information: Joshua Stevenson, Cass County, 218-947-7501; Jim Gassert, Carlton County, 218-485-4486; Mark Jacobs, Aitkin County Land Dept., 218-927-7364

Lawler Loops Trail Blind Lake Connector and Loop

The Lawler Loops Trail is the first detour off the Soo Line North when traveling northwest. Made up of three loops, riders will experience the wooded landscape that has come to define this part of the state. Boardwalks crisscross over wetlands and there are multiple picnic areas with grills.

Distance: 16 miles Difficulty: Easiest Parking/Trailhead Location(s): In Lawler along the Soo Line North Trail. Season: May 15 to October 31 Vehicles Allowed:

Facilities: Lawler: food, fuel, restroom More Information: Mark Jacobs, Aitkin County Land Dept., 218-927-7364 Continuing northwest on the Soo Line North, the next diversion is the Blind Lake Connector and Loop. Featuring wider trails, it’s a nice and easy ride through a variety of forest habitat and past several remote lakes and ponds. The trail travels into western Aitkin County, and there are several restrooms and picnic spots along the trail.

Distance: 33 miles Difficulty: Easiest Parking/Trailhead Location(s): On the north and south ends of the loop Season: May 15 to October 31 Vehicles Allowed:

Facilities: Swatara: food, fuel, restroom More Information: Mark Jacobs, Aitkin County Land Dept., 218-927-7364

Hill City Trail

A brand new trail last year, the Hill City Trail offers a challenge to all those who

Remer

ride it. Trail highlights include steep 6 hill climbs and tight turns through the 200 Big Rice Lake hardwood forest surrounding the Quadna Mountain Park. Riders can also take in the Moose River Willow River from a 600-foot high bridge. The Hill City Trail also serves as a link and Connector to the Rabey Line and the UPM Blandin trails, and connects the towns of Swatara and Hill City.

169

Hill City UPM Blandin

200

169 Hill City Connector

Mississippi

Rabey Line

River Distance: 16 miles Difficulty: More difficult Parking/Trailhead Location(s): Parking in Hill City and Swatara Season: May 15 to October 31 Vehicles Allowed:

Facilities: Hill City: food, fuel, restroom, lodging; Swatara: food, fuel, restroom More Information: Mark Jacobs, Aitkin County Land Dept., 218-927-7364

NEW!

Emily-Outing Trail

A new trail on the scene, the 56-mile long Emily-Outing Trail connects with the Moose River Trail and is surrounded by ATV-friendly communities where ATVs are allowed to travel within city limits. Classified as more difficult, the sections of flat open trail interchange with rocky and hilly areas.

Distance: 56 miles Difficulty: More difficult Parking/Trailhead Location(s): Available in Emily and Outing. Trail access from Moose River Trail. Season: May 15 to November 1 Vehicles Allowed:

Facilities: Outing: food, fuel More Information: Meri Lysne, 218-792-5365

Rabey Line ATV Trail

Connecting the communities of Jacobson and Hill City, the Rabey Line ATV Trail runs along the old Hill City and Western railroad grade. Featuring a little bit of everything, the trail roves through parts of the Savanna and Hill River state forests, past swamps, bogs and over sections of high ground. Traveling east, riders will also cruise along the wooded shores of Mississippi River. In the middle of the Rabey Line is the UPM Blandin Trail, and near Hill City, the Hill City Connector meets the Rabey.

Distance: 19 miles Difficulty: Easiest Parking/Trailhead Location(s): Parking and trail access east of Hill City and north of Jacobson. Season: May 15 to October 31 Vehicles Allowed:

Facilities: Hill City: food, fuel, restroom, lodging; Jacobson: food, fuel, restroom More Information: Mark Jacobs, Aitkin County Land Dept., 218-927-7364

UPM Blandin Trail

Still a newer trail on the map, the UPM Blandin Trail sets the scene for greenery. Traveling through northern hardwoods and tall upland spruce, the trail is especially beautiful in the fall. Spurring north off the Rabey Line, there are also several small stream crossings. To get to the picnic area and a scenic overlook, hop on the short spur trail. The UPM Blandin ends halfway between Hill City and Grand Rapids on Highway 169.

Distance: 21 miles Difficulty: Easiest Parking/Trailhead Location(s): Park at trail access point seven and a half miles north of Hill City or seven and a half miles south of Grand Rapids on Highway 169. Season: May 15 to October 31 Vehicles Allowed:

EMILY-OUTING TRAIL

Emily

Moose River ATV Trail & Connector

Serving as the link between the Soo Line North and the Moose River Trail, the 7-mile Moose River Connector is a straightforward ride towards the Land O’ Lakes State Forest, where it meets the Moose River Trail. Thanks to old logging roads, the Moose River Trail is smooth and flat, accommodating riders of all skill levels. Marking the beginning of northern Minnesota’s great pine forests, dense woods surround the trail, as do several small lakes and ponds. Those interested in camping should take the Wren Lake Loop to White Oak Lake.

Distance: 36 miles Difficulty: Easiest Parking/Trailhead Location(s): Available in Swatara, Remer for the connector; trail access seven miles north of Outing on Highway 6 and then east on Ben Draper Forest Road. Season: Open year round; Connector open May 15 to October 31. Vehicles Allowed: (no OHM for Moose River ATV Trail)

Facilities: Outing, Remer: food, fuel; camping in Land O’ Lakes State Forest More Information: Mark Jacobs, Aitkin County Land Dept., 218-927-7364 or DNR Parks and Trails at 218-308-2367.

Fort Ripley ATV Trail and Ripley Connection

The Fort Ripley ATV Trail is made up of three loops that run through part of the Crow Wing County Memorial Forest. The trail winds through rolling hills covered with oak and pine near Sebie Lake, although it is primarily flat and easy to ride as it runs along the old Burlington Northern railroad grade. The Ripley Connection runs between Little Falls and Brainerd.

Distance: 31 miles Difficulty: Easiest Parking/Trailhead Locations: Access in Brainerd, Little Falls and Fort Ripley Season: May 1 to October 31 Vehicles Allowed:

Facilities: Brainerd/Little Falls: food, fuel, restrooms, lodging; Fort Ripley: food, lodging; camping and picnic facilities available in Crow Wing State Park More Information: Jim Schilling, Trail Administrator, 320-745-2637

Spider Lake OHV Trails

With trails that range from smooth and sandy, to bumpy and rocky, the Spider Lake OHV trail system is the perfect spot to test your skills. Stay for the day or make a weekend of it with nearby camping accommodations and a swimming spot on Spider Lake accessible by ATVs. Nestled west of Pine River and Pequot Lakes, this trail climbs and dips through the Foothills State Forest and curves around lakes and ponds. It is open year-round but riding on groomed snowmobile trails is prohibited.

Distance: 29 miles Difficulty: Easiest to most difficult Parking/Trailhead Location(s): From Pine River go 12 miles west on County Road 2 (24th Street SW) and then south a mile and a half on Spider McKinley Forest Road to parking area. Season: Open year-round, except on groomed snowmobile trails. Be aware of segments of trail leading to #314 that may be closed due to logging activities. Vehicles Allowed:

Facilities: Pine River: food, fuel, restrooms, lodging; Leader: food, fuel, restroom More Information: MnDNR Parks and Trails, Bemidji – 218-308-2367

Although spotting a blue ox on this trail isn’t likely, catching a glimpse of beavers, eagles, wolves and bobcats is. Running along an abandoned railroad grade, the Blue Ox ATV Trail is straight as the crow flies, but does connect long stretches in the Pine Island and Koochiching state forests. A truly scenic trail, riders will cross the Little Fork and Big Fork rivers, take in swamps, black spruce and upland aspen stands.

Distance: 74 miles Difficulty: Easiest Parking/Trailhead Location(s): Parking is available in Northome, Funkley and Big Falls (south of International Falls). Season: April 1 to November 30 Vehicles Allowed:

Facilities: Northome: food, fuel, restrooms, lodging; Big Falls: food, fuel, restroom; Funkley: food, restrooms More Information: Jack White, 218-897-5764

Pine Center ATV Trail

Highlighted by bountiful inclines and declines, the 20-mile long Pine Center ATV Trail is difficult at times and should be approached with caution by less experienced riders. Wildlife is easily spotted as the trail winds through large hardwood stands of oak and maple. Shelters and picnic areas dot the trail, and hopping on the Crow Wing South Loop will connect riders to Brainerd and the Fort Ripley Trail and Ripley Connection.

Pine Center

8

Roosevelt Wildlife Management Area

Platte Lake

371 506

2

8 138

Twentytwo Lake

138

2 Harold and Marie Deutsch Wildlife Management Area

Whitefish Lake

520

374

393

394

Distance: 20 miles Difficulty: Easiest to most difficult Parking/Trailhead Location(s): Park at the Pine Center community park located at the intersection of County Roads 2 and 8. Season: April 1 to November 30 Vehicles Allowed:

Bee Line Sports Center, Inc.

St. Joseph /St. Cloud 320-363-1270 www.beelineyamaha.com

Bemidji Sport Centre Bemidji 218-751-4477 www.bemidjisportscentre.com

Carousel Motorsports Delano 763-972-5045 www.carouselmotorsports.com

Century Power Sports Stillwater 651-439-2035 www.centurypower.com

Larson’s Cycle, Inc. Cambridge 763-689-2760 www.larsonscycle.com

Motor Sports of Willmar Willmar 320-235-2351 www.motorsportsofwillmar.com

Sette Sports Center Owatonna 507-451-6922 www.settesportscenter.com

St. Boni Motor Sports St. Bonifacius 952-446-1554 www.stboni.com

Tousley Motorsports White Bear Lake 800-TOUSLEY www.tousleymotorsports.com

Waldoch Sports Inc. Columbus 651-464-5776 www.waldochsports.com

Moon Motor Sports Monticello 763-295-2920 www.moonmotorsports.com

* Red listings denote electronic link to dealer on web edition of Offroad. Visit www.sledder.net/offroad/

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Shown with optional accessories on private property. All Yamaha models are recommended for use only by riders 16 years and older. Yamaha recommends that all riders take an approved training course. For safety and training information, see your dealer or call the ATV Safety Institute at 1-800-887-2887. ATVs can be hazardous to operate. For your safety: Always wear a helmet, eye protection and protective clothing. Never carry passengers. Never engage in stunt riding. Always avoid paved surfaces. Never rid on public roads. Riding and alcohol/drugs don’t mix. Avoid excessive speed and be particularly careful on difficult terrain. There are few joys in life equal to the free-spirited thrill and experience of ATV riding. That’s why it’s important for all of us to do our part as responsible riders. By following logical, common-sense rules, we can maintain season after season of unparalleled enjoyment of our sport. Please remember to “tread lightly”. Always ride in a responsible manner, respecting the environment as well as all state and local laws. All ATVs come with a 6-month Limited Factory Warranty. See your dealer for details.