A Superior Guide

Riding an off highway vehicle (OHV) can be a great way to get out and enjoy the forest, particularly one as large as Minnesota’s Superior National Forest. While exploring, there are some regulations you must follow and some guidelines you’ll want to follow. Both will help you have a safe and fun ride while minimizing impact to our natural resources.

WHAT IS AN OHV?

An OHV is any vehicle designed for off highway travel, excluding snowmobiles. This includes, but is not restricted to: • ATVs and UTVs • Off highway motorcycles • Four wheel drive trucks and other vehicles which are also capable of highway travel.

WHERE CAN I RIDE? WHAT IS MVUM?

The Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) is your key clearly showing which roads and trails are open to which type of OHV, as well as any seasonal restrictions. • If a road or trail you find in the forest is not on the map, it is not legal for you to ride it, regardless of signs. • Cross country travel is not permitted. • Downloadable map files are geo-referenced for use with smart phone wayfinding apps and some GPS devices. (fs.usda.gov)

HIGHLIGHTS

Refer to the MVUM for details, but here are some highlights. • These regulations pertain to any vehicle designed for offhighway use traveling within the Superior National Forest, with the exception of snowmobiles. • Travel is permitted only on the roads or trails which are shown on the map. • No cross country travel is permitted. • State regulations regarding OHVs apply in the National Forest. • Seasonal restrictions are indicated on the map. • The maps are the final authority on use. • Maps are updated annually. Make sure yours is current. • Respect posted and unposted closures. • MVUMs show permitted use only within the Superior National Forest. Features outside the Forest are only shown as a courtesy: some roads and trails may not be shown; permitted use and restrictions are neither shown nor implied.

MORE ABOUT MVUM

The Motor Vehicle Use Map is published annually as four doublesided map sheets. The fronts and backs of these sheets define eight areas which cover the entire Superior National Forest. Each sheet has roads and trails coded to show precisely where you can use your particular type of off highway vehicle (OHV).

OPERATE RESPONSIBLY

Operating a motor vehicle on National Forest System roads, National Forest System trails, and in areas on National Forest System lands carries a greater responsibility than operating that vehicle in a city or other developed setting. Not only must you know and follow all applicable traffic laws, you need to show concern for the environment as well as other forest users. The misuse of motor vehicles can lead to the temporary or permanent closure of any designated road, trail, or area. As a motor vehicle operator, you are also subject to state traffic law, including state requirements for licensing, registration, and operation of the vehicle in question.

KNOW THE RISKS

Motor vehicle use, especially off highway vehicle use, involves inherent risks that may cause property damage, serious injury, and possibly death to participants. Drive cautiously and anticipate rough surfaces and features, such as snow, mud, vegetation, and water crossings common to remote driving conditions. By your participation, you voluntarily assume full responsibility for these damages, risks, and dangers. Take care at all times to protect yourself and those under your responsibility.

YOU’RE RECREATING REMOTELY

Much of the Superior National Forest is remote. Medical assistance may not be readily available. Cellular telephones do not work in many areas of the Superior National Forest. Take adequate food, water, first-aid supplies, and other equipment appropriate for the conditions and expected weather.

ALWAYS REMEMBER TO HAVE FUN, BUT RESPECT PRIVATE LAND! PROTECT YOUR PRIVILEGE. STAY ON DESIGNATED ROADS AND TRAILS AND IN DESIGNATED AREAS.

For more information, go to fs.usda.gov/superior or contact:

Superior National Forest Headquarters 8901 Grand Avenue Place, Duluth, MN 55808 (218)626-4300 r9_superior_NF@fs.fed.us

Gunflint Ranger District 2020 W. Hwy 61 Grand Marais, MN 55604 (218) 387-1750 gunflint@fs.fed.us

Tofte Ranger District P.O. Box 2159 7355 W Hwy 61 Tofte, MN 55615 (218) 663-8060 tofte@fs.fed.us

Kawishiwi Ranger District 1393 Hwy. 169 Ely, MN 55731 (218) 365-7600 kawishiwi@fs.fed.us

LaCroix Ranger District 320 Hwy 53 North Cook, MN 55723 (218) 666-0020 lacroix@fs.fed.us

Laurentian Ranger District 318 Forestry Road Aurora, MN 55705 (218) 229-8800 laurentian@fs.fed.us

Michigan’s Keweenaw has over 160 miles of trail to explore and there’s no better way to access their natural wonders, terrain, and history than by ATV or UTV. Glide along the coast of Lake Superior, or our favorite, through the ghost towns hidden among the vast Keweenaw forestlands. Trails on the peninsula run from Mass City in the south, all the way to Copper Harbor in the north. Many trails utilize repurposed rail grades built to transport copper ore and timber during the Copper Country’s mining heyday. The majority of communities can be accessed by trail with plenty of opportunities for fuel, dining and lodging. Visit the Keweenaw website for more detailed maps and resource information on the area to plan your off-road tour of Copper Country this summer. For now, we’ll tease you with some ghost town stories… It is serenely quiet as you cautiously walk into the deserted towns located up and down the Keweenaw Peninsula. Standing in the overgrown grass, it’s hard to imagine these were lively, often raucous communities in the mid-1800s to early 1900s. America’s first mining boom was roaring to life and unearthing copper producing 10 times more wealth than the California Gold Rush. But one-industry towns are risky. Rising production costs, a failed miners’ strike in 1913, followed by the Great Depression, caused jobs and people to vanish. Now, these phantom towns are vivid reminders of how fleeting natural resources, and prosperity, can be. When you hone in on your ghost town exploration, here are a few things to think about:

Use extreme

caution especially at abandoned mining sites. Dangerous, open mineshafts and wells are hidden by overgrowth. With 25+-foot drops, you won’t get out. Use caution near deteriorated townsite buildings and obey no trespassing signs.

Look for old apple

trees. Townspeople frequently planted these hardier fruit trees for a food source in their backyards. The trees will give you a sense of where children played, neighbors caught up on the news and rugged men soaked up the sun after spending hours in the dark earth.

Visit (and stay at) Central

Mine located north of U.S. 41, four miles north of Phoenix. This site has restored buildings, a visitor center with interpretive exhibits and a self-guided walking tour to introduce you to copper mining and town life. The town’s population peaked at 1,200+ in 1887 and dwindled to 100 by 1903 showing how quickly the pendulum of prosperity swung. Local Recommendations: Climb to the top of the upper rock pile for a magnificent view of the valley. Stay for a week at Miners house #8 and totally immerse in the story of this historically rich area. Tour the Laurium Manor Inn. While the village of Laurium is not a ghost town, it is the site of large homes that rose up from the hey-day of copper mining and lumbering. The most opulent is the Laurium Manor, a 45-room mansion built in 1908 for Calumet &

Michigan’s Keweenaw has over 160 miles of trail to explore and there’s no better way to access their natural wonders, terrain, and history than by ATV or UTV.

Arizona Mining Co. owners Thomas H. & Cornelia Hoatson. Today it is a bed-and-breakfast inn that in addition to being available for overnight stays offers daily self-guided tours between Memorial Weekend and late October. Visiting the Laurium Manor Inn is an excellent way to see the disparity of wealth during the height of copper boom-andbust years.