North Central Distance: 29 miles Difficulty: Easiest to More Difficult Parking/Trailhead Location(s): Trail parking lots available in Emily, Outing and 4 miles north of Emily on the west side of Highway 6. Trail access available from the Moose River Trail Season: May 15 to November 1 Facilities: Emily / Outing: food, fuel, restroom, lodging More Information: Perry May, 612-919-5806
Meeker County OHV Park With a nearby restroom, picnic shelter and youth training area, the Meeker County OHV Park offers a pleasant variety of experiences. Nestled on 40 acres of maple, elm, ash and oak trees, riders can also take advantage of the scenery via 4 miles of designated ATV trails or the 6 miles of motorcycle trails. There’s even a mud pit, too. Distance: 40 acres Difficulty: Easiest Parking/Trailhead Location(s): Travel west from Darwin on Highway 12 and go south for 6 miles on County Road 9 Season: June 5 to November 1 Facilities: Restroom, picnic area and shelter More Information: Alvin Bertram, 320-587-9505
Hill City Trail 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 varying segments.
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: 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: Chris Johnson, 218-927-7364s
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 / Boy River: food, fuel, restrooms; Moose Lake / McGregor: food, fuel, restrooms, lodging More Information: Aitkin County, Chris Johnson, 218-927-7364; Carlton County, Jim Gassert, 218-485-4486; Cass County, Kirk Titus, 218-947-7501
Emily-Outing Trail Ranging from rocky and hilly to flat and open, beginners and advance riders alike will enjoy this trail. Many communities along the trail are ATV-friendly, allowing ATV travel within city limits. The trail is provided and maintained by Cass County and the Over the Hills Gang. Please be aware – portions of the trail share the road with vehicle traffic.
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