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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. 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. 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

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

Spider Lake Trails

The Foothills State Forest hosts this network of trails that are open to all types of offroad vehicles. The Spider Lake OHV trail system offers a diverse array of trail challenges, making it an ideal spot to hone skills. Parts of the trail follow the popular Snoway 1 snowmobile trail, which is a minimum-maintenance road in the summer months. The trails offer multiple places to camp, including sites on Spider Lake. The trails are 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 on Spider McKinley Forest Road to parking area Season: Year Round Facilities: Pine River: food, fuel, restrooms, lodging; Leader: food, fuel, restroom More Information: 218-308-2367

Moose River Trail & Connector

The Moose River Trail system and Connector are built on yesteryear’s forest roads. This means the trails are smooth and relatively flat. The Connector links to the Soo Line North Trail, with a small loop close enough to the rail-trail that it creates a fun diversion. The Moose River system links to the Emily-Outing loops. Moose River Trail makes three loops within Land O’ Lakes State Forest: the Plantation Loop, Wren Loop and Cedar Lake Loop. Camping is available at White Oak Lake, off the Wren Lake Loop. Off-highway motorcycles on the Moose River Connector only. The Minnesota DNR, Aitkin County and local clubs maintain these trails. Distance: 36 miles Difficulty: Easiest to More Difficult Parking/Trailhead Location(s): Available in Swatara, Remer for the connector; trail access 7 miles north of Outing on Highway 6 and then east on Ben Draper Forest Road Season: Moose River Trail: Year round; Connector: May 15 to October 31 Facilities: Outing / Remer: food, fuel, restroom, lodging; camping in Land O’ Lakes State Forest More Information: Moose River Trail: 218-308-2367; Connector: Chris Johnson, 218-927-7364

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: Chris Johnson, 218-927-7364

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

Axtell Technical Riding Area

Boredom is not an option at the Axtell Technical Riding Area. Aitkin County and Northwoods ATV Trail clubs created this play area out of a retired sand pit. The 40 acres of play area ranges from mild to wild, with hill climbs, obstacles, a whoops section and a mud pit. Trails and a hilltop picnic area also included. Enter Axtell via the Soo Line North Trail. Distance: 40 acres Difficulty: Easiest to Most Difficult Parking/Trailhead Location(s): Park in McGregor. Access is 2 miles north off of the Soo Line North Trail Season: May 15 to October 30, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Facilities: McGregor: food, fuel, restroom, lodging More Information: Chris Johnson, 218-927-7364

Crow Wing Southern Loop Trail

This trail connects the Pine Center Trail with the Fort Ripley Trail and Ripley Connection, as well as provides access to the city of Brainerd. Much of the trail passes along farm and country landscapes. The trail follows township roads, occasionally sharing the road with highway-licensed vehicles. Trail is provided by Crow Wing County and Central Lakes ATV Club. Distance: 52 miles Difficulty: Easiest Parking/Trailhead Location(s): Park at the Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce rest stop, located eight miles south of Brainerd on Highway 371 Season: May 1 to November 1 Facilities: Brainerd: Food, fuel, lodging; Trailhead parking: restrooms More Information: Darrel Palmer, 218-828-0353

Miller-Black Bear Trail

The 19-mile Miller–Black Bear Trail celebrates its fourth year this summer. The trail tucks into the bends of the Mississippi River, through forests and gently rolling hills covered with wildflowers and wild berries. Picnic tables and grills can be found at scenic high points along the trail overlooking the Mississippi River. Stop and savor the seasons, or stay overnight and make the trip last; primitive camping is available near Section 6 and the Mine Pit Lake. Crow Wing County and the Cuyuna Iron Range Riders maintain this trail. Distance: 19 miles Difficulty: Easiest to More Difficult Parking/Trailhead Location(s): Travel north from Ironton for 3 miles on County Road 30 before turning south onto County Road 31. After 1.3 miles go south on County Road 128 and take the first right; follow 1 mile to parking Season: May 1 to October 31 Facilities: Crosby: food, fuel, restroom, lodging; Ironton: food, fuel, restroom More Information: Russell Heitola, 218-825-0441

Fort Ripley Trails/Ripley Connection

This trail runs between Little Falls and Brainerd along parts of the old Burlington Northern railway and Highway 371. The trail skirts Crow Wing State Park and offers three loops at Sebie Lake, which is near Fort Ripley. Off-highway motorcycles are allowed on the Sebie Lake trails. The Ripley Connection runs between Little Falls and Brainerd. Crow Wing County and the Central Minnesota Wheelers maintain these trails. Distance: 31 miles Difficulty: Easiest Parking/Trailhead Locations: Access in Brainerd, Little Falls and Fort Ripley Season: May 1 to October 31 Facilities: Brainerd / Little Falls: food, fuel, restrooms, lodging; Fort Ripley: food, lodging; camping and picnic facilities available in Crow Wing State Park More Information: Darrel Palmer, 218-828-0353

Rabey Line Trail

This trail is a slice of Minnesota Heaven — 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. The campground in Jacobson has two simple cabins for rent, for those not interested in tenting. 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 Facilities: Hill City: food, fuel, restroom, lodging; Jacobson: food, fuel, restroom More Information: Chris Johnson, 218-927-7364

Mississippi River Northwoods Trail/ Miller Hills

This trail system features historic forest roads meandering through the Aitkin Moraine glacial landscape and mature pine forest. Some of the trails abut the Mississippi, with a rest stop overlooking the river at Northwoods Point. Pay attention to signage to keep the right vehicle on the correct trail — the Miller Hills section is exclusively off-highway motorcycles. Crow Wing County and the Cuyuna Iron Range Riders maintain this trail. Distance: 11.5 miles (Northwoods); 14 miles (Miller Hills) Difficulty: Easiest to More Difficult Parking/Trailhead Location(s): Three miles east on Highway 21 from the Brainderd airport Season: May 1 to October 31 Facilities: Crosby / Brainerd: food, fuel, restroom, lodging; Ironton: food, fuel, restroom More Information: Russell Heitola, 218-825-0441

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: Chris Johnson, 218-927-7364

Blue Ox Trail

The Blue Ox Trail follows a repurposed railroad grade and provides an easy and relatively straight ride. Traveling through stretches of black spruce, swamps and upland aspen stands, the trail provides a scenic ride any season of the year. Ideal for viewing wildlife, remember to watch for beavers, eagles, moose, wolves and bobcats. Notes: Follow the detour signs along Highway 71 near the Bigfork River in Big Falls. The trail is closed from Highway 6 to County Road 31. Also the trail begins and ends on the north and south edge of the City of Littlefork. The City permits ATV travel through town. The trail is provided by Koochiching County. 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 Facilities: Northome: food, fuel, restrooms, lodging; Big Falls: food, fuel, restroom; Funkley: food, restrooms More Information: Funkley to Big Falls: Jack White, 218-897-5764; Big Falls to south of Littlefork: 218-328-8982; North of Littlefork to International Falls: 218-300-7841

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 Difficulty: Easiest 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: Jerry McKnight, 218-326-3691

Pine Center Trails

The 20-mile Pine Center Trail features a variety of terrain, from straightforward routes on level ground to mud runs and rolling hills to thrill experienced riders. The route winds through large hardwood stands of oak and maple. Shelters and picnic areas along the way provide plenty of opportunities to take a break. Connect to the Crow Wing South Loop to ride to Brainerd or reach the Fort Ripley Trail and Ripley Connection. Crow Wing County and the Pine Center Sportsman’s Club maintain these trails. 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 Road 2 and 8 Season: April 15 to October 31 Facilities: Garrison: food, fuel, restroom, lodging; Pine Center: food More Information: Mark Smerud, 763-218-1960

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