Four Routes to Make Your Fall Rides Fun

Explore these trails for great fall rides

Fall rides in northern Minnesota are something to behold, and ATV trails take you deep into forested lands for some of the best views around. We’ve picked four of our favorite rides for your consideration. For the best maps, we recommend downloading Polaris’ free Ride Command app. It works even when there’s no cell service. It’s the best way to get the most up to date trails and trail conditions. The Department of Natural Resources also recommends the Avenza trail app.

Chisholm to Big Aspen

The Northern Traxx trail was born in Chisholm, and it heads north 16 miles to the McCarthy Beach State Park area through some scenic wooded areas (the photo above was taken on this trail). From the state park/”Side Lake” area you can connect to the Taconite State Trail off of County Road 65. Follow “The Tac” for 17 miles to connect to Big Aspen, with 21 miles of looped, multi-purpose trails managed by the US Forest Service.

Traveler Tips: You can start your ride in Hibbing as well. Trail-connected lodging at Chisholm Inn and Suites, Iron Trail Campground in Chisholm, Hibbing Hotel and Suites and several vacation rentals, including the Stoyke Family House or Aunt Pearl’s in Hibbing and the Netta Marie House in Chisholm.

The Iron Range Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area

Great views guaranteed! This state park in Gilbert, MN is full of trails for all types of off-road vehicles, and offers 36 miles for ATVs/side-by-sides, plus a connection to an expanded area of the park with 13 additional miles. The OHVRA is connected to Virginia, MN to the west, on a trail that crosses the state’s tallest bridge.

Traveler Tip: Plan to have a picnic in the OHVRA at the pavilion, or ride to nearby Gilbert for lunch at the Wandering Pine Restaurant or ice cream at Kupz n Kakez just down the road.

Look to the East for Wooded Trails

From the Iron Range Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area, go east to Biwabik, Aurora, Hoyt Lakes and beyond. A Superior National Forest road connects the East Range trails to the state Jackpot Trail and Babbitt, Embarrass and other northern communities. There are plenty of great overlooks and lakeside views to enjoy on the way!

Traveler Tip: Campgrounds located on the trails leading to the OHVRA include West Forty RV Park and Campground and Sherwood Forest Campground, both in Gilbert; Vermilion Trail Campground in Biwabik and Fisherman’s Point Campground in Hoyt Lakes.

Looking for more fall trails? Request our trail map and start planning your trip today!