North Central
Soo Line North Trail • Lawler Loops • Blind Lake Connector and Loop • Hill City Trail • Rabey Line Trail • UPM Blandin Trail • Emily-Outing Trail • Moose River Trail and Connector • Axtell Technical Riding Area • Miller - Black Bear Trail • NEW! Mississippi Northwoods/Miller Hills • Spider Lake Trails • Fort Ripley Trail and Ripley Connection • Blue Ox Trail • Alvwood/Squaw Lake Trails • Pine Center Trails • Crow Wing Southern Loop Trail • Meeker County OHV Park
Soo Line North Trail This is the ultimate connector trail, passing 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 (no access to Cass Lake… yet). Many communities along the trail are ATV/OHM-friendly, allowing travel on posted roads within city limits. The trail connects to six more riding areas, for an additional 100-plus miles. The trails follow the former railroad grade, curving through flat portions of the Hill River and Bowstring State Forest. Keep an eye out for wildlife, especially around remote ponds along the way. Motorcycles are not allowed on the segment in Cass County. The Eagle Riders Club, Northwoods ATV Trail and the counties maintain segments of this trail. Distance: 115 miles 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/Cass counties: April 1 to November 30 Facilities: Lawler, Palisade, Swatara, Remer, Federal Dam and Boy River: food, fuel, restrooms; Moose Lake and McGregor: food, fuel, restrooms, lodging More Information: Aitkin County, Mark Jacobs, 218-927-7364; Carlton County, Jim Gassert, 218-485-4486; Cass County, Kirk Titus, 218-947-7501
Lawler Loops Divert from the Soo Line North Trail onto this series of three woodsy loops. Not only do the loops feature a variety of terrain in a compact package, but each also hosts picnic areas. Boardwalks crisscross over wetlands for an interesting ride. Clubs in the Northwoods ATV Trail group and the county maintain this trail. Distance: 16 miles Parking/Trailhead Location(s): In Lawler along the Soo Line North Trail. Season: May 15 to October 31 Facilities: Lawler: food, fuel, restroom More Information: Mark Jacobs, 218-927-7364
Rabey Line Trail
UPM Blandin Trail This long, fun trail traverses UPM Blandin property that includes northern hardwoods and tall upland spruce. It’s especially lovely in the autumn. The route includes several small stream crossings, a picnic area and a scenic overlook. To the south, this trail connects to the Rabey Line and it crosses Highway 169 at a point half way between Hill City and Grand Rapids. Into GeoCaching? Trails in this area have several finds. The Rapid Riders ATV Club maintains this trail. Distance: 21 miles Parking/Trailhead Location(s): Trail access east on Smith Drive, halfway between Grand Rapids and Hill City on Hwy 169. Season: May 15 to October 31 Facilities: Hill City, Grand Rapids: food, fuel, restroom, lodging; Jacobson: food, fuel, restroom More Information: Brian Brackeen, 612-599-0142
This trail is a slice of Minnesota — including woods, high ground, swamp, bogs and views of the young Mississippi. It links the towns of Jacobson and Hill City. The scenic terrain includes jaunts through the Savanna and Hill River state forests. It’s also a good connector trail, with access to forest roads, the UPM Blandin Trail, and near Hill City, the Hill City Connector. Distance: 19 miles Parking/Trailhead Location(s): East of Hill City and north of Jacobson. Season: May 15 to October 31 Facilities: Hill City: food, fuel, restroom, lodging; Jacobson: food, fuel, restroom More Information: Mark Jacobs, 218-927-7364
ATVentures 2018 • 15
