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/ 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
Hill City 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.
If the Blind Lake Connector is mild, the Hill City Trail offers some of the most satisfying challenges in the Aitkin area. The trails offer steep hill climbs (this was once a ski area) and tight turns through the hardwood forest surrounding the Quadna Mountain Park. Go to the top of the clear-cut hills for a great view, especially in the fall. Access this trail from the Soo Line North or at Quadna Mountain. Aitkin County and Northwoods ATV Trail clubs maintain this trail.
Distance: 115 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/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, Rich Courtemanche, 218-927-7364 or acld@co.aitkin.mn.us; 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 Difficulty: Easiest 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: Rich Courtemanche, 218-927-7364 or acld@co.aitkin.mn.us
Blind Lake Connector and Loop This is another place to hop off of the Soo Line North, or it can be a destination in itself. Wide trails on the Connector make this a comfortable place for families or learners; the Loop offers narrow trails. The remote lakes, ponds and rivers are a treat. Watch for grouse, fox, deer and turkey. There are restrooms and picnic spots along the trail, and a rustic shelter with a woodstove where the trail ends at Brown Lake. The loop is 15 miles; the connector between the loop and Soo Line is about 20 miles. Aitkin County and Northwoods ATV Trail clubs maintain this 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 Facilities: Swatara: food, fuel, restroom More Information: Rich Courtemanche, 218-927-7364 or acld@co.aitkin.mn.us
Distance: 16 miles Difficulty: More Difficult Parking/Trailhead Location(s): Parking in Hill City and Swatara Season: May 15 to October 31 Facilities: Hill City: food, fuel, restroom, lodging; Swatara: food, fuel, restroom More Information: Rich Courtemanche, 218-927-7364 or acld@co.aitkin.mn.us
Alvwood/Squaw Lake Trails Just a bit southwest of Northome is access to an incredible 159 miles of ATV and offroad motorcycle trail. Much of it follows roads within three state forests (Blackduck. Bowstring and Big Fork) and within the Chippewa National Forest. Trails skirt several lakes, including Squaw, Sand, Dora and Island lakes, as well as a trailhead at Lake Winnibigoshish. The Alvwood Squaw Lake ATV Club maintains these trails. Distance: 159 miles Difficulty: Easiest Parking/Trailhead Location(s): Parking at many businesses in Alvwood and Squaw Lake Season: Year-round except for forest service road closure March 15 – May 2 Facilities: Alvwood/Squaw Lake: food, fuel, restrooms, lodging More Information: Garrett Ous, 218-340-7775
Blue Ox Trail The Blue Ox Trail falls into the same class as the Soo Line trails: long, straight and direct — with a few side options. It runs along an abandoned railroad grade through the Big Fork and Koochiching state forests, the Blue Ox ATV Trail is a truly scenic trail, with crossings over the Little Fork and Big Fork rivers, and views of swamps, black spruce and upland aspen stands. There’s a small trail hiccup in Littlefork, but the town allows ATVs on its streets to make the connection. Look for side trails north of Mizpah and for the Alvwood/Squaw Lake area south of Northome. Distance: 74 miles Difficulty: Easiest Parking/Trailhead Location(s): Parking is available in Northome, Funkley and Big Falls (south of International Falls) Season: April 11 to November 30 Facilities: Northome: food, fuel, restrooms, lodging; Big Falls: food, fuel, restroom; Funkley: food, restrooms More Information: Tenstrike to Funkley: 218-308-2367; Funkley to Big Falls: Jack White, 218-897-5764; Big Falls to Littlefork: 218-328-8982; Littlefork to International Falls: 218-300-7841
ATVentures 2019 11
