Iron Range
NEW! Bigfork and Balsam Connection/Iron Range Off-Highway Vehicle State Recreation Area/Genoa Trail/Alborn-Pengilly Railroad Trail/East Range Multi-Use Trail/Goodland Trail/Chisholm Trail/Little Moose Trail/ Mesabi Mountain Trail/Thistledew Trail
Genoa Trail This short trail provides access between the Iron Range Off-Highway Vehicle State Recreation area and Eveleth, with access to Gilbert and the Sherwood Forest Campground. The Genoa Trail runs parallel to the Mesabi Trail and cuts through the old Genoa mining operation. Distance: 3 miles Difficulty: Easiest Parking/Trailhead Location(s): Located in Eveleth at the intersection of U.S. Highway 53 and State Highway 37. Season: Year-round Facilities: Eveleth/Gilbert: food, fuel, restrooms, lodging More Information: 218-300-7843
Mesabi Mountain Trail NEW! Bigfork and Balsam Connection Take in lake views, meadows, wildlife and more on this Grant-in-Aid trail more commonly referred to as the B&B Connection. Eight boardwalks and bridges are highlights of the trail as it winds through the Chippewa National and George Washington State Forests. The majority of the B&B Connection is easy riding, with the exception of miles eight through thirteen, due to loose gravel and several challenging hills. Fuel and food stops are easy to come by at the trailhead, halfway through and near the end. The Wilderness Wheelers ATV Club maintains the trail. Distance: 33 miles Difficulty: Easiest Parking/Trailhead Location(s): South of Bigfork on Highway 38, west on Rajala Mill Road; or connect via Little Moose Trail off Highway 7 in Balsam Season: May 15 to November 1 Facilities: Food, fuel, restroomsg More Information: Jim Deeg, 651-403-3925
The Mesabi Mountain ORV Trail, Minnesota’s first grant-in-aid ORV trail, covers some of the state’s most gripping terrain, including rocky gorges, granite boulders and a ridge along part of the Laurentian Divide. Lockers, a winch, 35-inch tires and friends are recommended. The Northern Minnesota Jeepers and the EvelethGilbert Joint Powers Trail Board provide and maintain the trail. Distance: 4 miles Difficulty: Most difficult Parking/Trailhead Location(s): From Eveleth, take Highway 53 to Industrial Park Drive, follow to Progress Park Parkway and turn right. Season: Year-round, with selected areas closed for deer hunting season Facilities: Gilbert/Eveleth: food, fuel, restrooms, lodging More Information: 218-300-7843
Alborn-Pengilly Railroad Trail Little Moose Trail The mixed northern woodlands of the George Washington State Forest make up most of this trail. Look for wildlife as you pass Hartley, Scooty and Wolf lakes, which border the trail, and take in some sweet vistas over the Prairie River. Stay the night at the Wolf Lake county campground, approximately mid-trail. The Balsam Trail Blazers and Itasca County maintain this trail. Distance: 18 miles Difficulty: Easiest Parking/Trailhead Location(s): 18 miles north on Highway 65 from Nashwauk; parking on west side of highway Season: May 15 to November 1 Facilities: Grand Rapids: food, fuel, restroom, lodging; Balsam: food, fuel, restrooms More Information: Art Daly, 218-245-3209
6 ATVentures 2019
The Alborn-Pengilly Railroad Trail runs for 39 miles between the towns on an abandoned railroad grade, passing wooded bogs and upland forest. Cross rivers and streams on former railroad trestles. The trail runs past the Whiteface River State Forest, alternating between shaded woods and open areas. Itasca County and the Range Riders ATV Club maintain this trail. Distance: 39 miles Difficulty: Easiest Parking/Trailhead Location(s): Along right-of-ways within Alborn, Meadowlands and Pengilly Season: April 1 to November 30 Facilities: Pengilly and Hibbing: food, fuel, restroom, lodging; Alborn and Meadowlands: food, restrooms More Information: Jack Benolken, 218-885-1250
