Horseback Riding

Horseback riding on the Iron Range is a great way to experience the natural scenic beauty that can be found along our many miles of horse trails. What could be better than breathing in the crisp fall air while riding a leafy path strewn with autumn colors through one of Minnesota’s well preserved state park.

Big Aspen Recreation Area in the Superior National Forest is close to Virginia and offers 21 loop trails for multi-use, including horseback riding. Horseback riding is also allowed on all roads within the forest. Riders are asked to keep feed contained and clean up after their animals.

Want to camp on your horseback ride? George Washington State forest boasts two horse friendly campgrounds: Stoneybrook camp and the nearby Togo campground. Both campgrounds provide pull-through campsites, picket lines, manure bunkers, an accessible loading ramp and open spaces. Equestrian campsites have a nightly fee.

A Horse Pass is required to ride on any of the Minnesota state trails that are approved for horseback riding. Any person age 16 and older will be required to hold a horse pass, issued through the Minnesota State DNR. Annual or daily passes are required. Visit the DNR website to purchase online.

Horseback Riding

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Taconite Trail

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The Taconite Trail extends 145 miles from Ely to Grand Rapids. It passes through two state parks, McCarthy Beach and Bear Head Lake, as well as George Washington, Bear Island, and Sturgeon River state forests. The Taconite trail is easily the largest state trail on the Iron Range that is approved for horseback riding and with its numerous access points, many of which are large enough to park a horse trailer, you’ll have no problem getting out and enjoying the natural scenery of the Minnesota State Parks and Forests. See a trail map here.
Arrowhead State Trail

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The Arrowhead State Trail extends off the Taconite Trail at an intersection near Tower and extends to three miles south of International Falls. Approximately 69 miles of the 135-mile trail are ideal for horseback riding. Ride by lakes, streams and rolling hills that are heavily laden with a wide assortment of tree species.
Mesabi Trail

111 Station 44 Road | Eveleth, MN 55734 | Website

The Mesabi Trail, though best known and most widely used as an extensive and scenic bicycling trail, allows horseback riding and camping in parts of its 120 miles. Just as the Mesabi Trail offers an exciting experience for bicycling it can provide you with a memorable horseback riding experience. Check out the official Mesabi Trail site here for more information.
East Range Multi-Use Trail

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Twenty-two miles of wide multi-use trail provide access to Hoyt Lakes, Aurora, Biwabik and Giants Ridge on routes and old mining roads. The trail climbs steeply to several breathtaking overlooks including a great view of Whitewater Lake as well as several mines and pits of the Iron Range. The trail crosses the Partridge and Embarrass River. Trails are provided by St. Louis County and maintained by the Ranger Snowmobile and ATV Club. Bikers, hikers, horseback riders allowed on trail. See map for parking available in Biwabik, near Giants Ridge, and in Hoyt Lakes.
Stony Brook Horse Camp

Bear River, MN 55723 | Website

Located in George Washington State Forest, managed by McCarthy Beach State Park. The 17 horse campsites and one group campsites are considered “primitive,” designed to furnish only the basic needs of the camper. The campsites consist of a cleared area, fire ring, and table. The horse campsites have picket lines, corrals, vault toilets, shaded campsites, picnic tables, and a hand-pumped well. The campground allows for portable corrals. There are 23 miles of multi-use trails.
Togo Horse Campground

County Road 551 | MN 55723 | Website

The campsites at Togo Horse Campground are considered “primitive,” designed to furnish only the camper’s basic needs. The campsites consist of a cleared area, fire ring, and table. Also, vault toilets, garbage dumpsters, and water are available. Water may be pumped by hand or by hooking your own generator (2500 watt minimum) to the well.

All sites are on a first-come, first-served basis.