Hiking and Biking on the Iron Range

HIKING

Surrounded by the Superior National Forest and the glacial ridges of the Laurentian Divide, the Iron Range is one of the most scenic hiking destinations in the Midwest. Over 175 miles of hiking trails and pristine wilderness offer hikers a truly memorable and diverse experience. Whether you're an avid hiker or just looking for an afternoon walk in the forest, we offer trails to fit everyone's experience and adventure.

View soaring eagles, explore rushing river gorges and scenic lake trails, enjoy plump blueberries or walk through giant stands of three-hundred-year-old white pine trees. Sighting a moose or bald eagle is a common experience here. The area is home to 155 nesting birds and 40 species of wildlife. Fall brings unbelievable autumn colors and fresh fragrance to our forests; perfect for an afternoon hike.

Popular casual recreation trails include Bear Head Lake State Park, Big Aspen Recreation Area, McCarthy Beach State Park, Laurentian Divide, Lookout Mountain, Giants Ridge, and Carey Lake.

BIKING

The Mesabi TrailSM is a paved trail that currently spans over 70 miles. Access points are available in the Iron Range communities in Hibbing, Chisholm, Buhl, Mt. Iron, Virginia, Eveleth, Gilbert, Biwabik and Aurora. The trail provides an unbelievably scenic walk or leisurely evening stroll between communities.

Wilderness trails such as Bird Lake, Otto Harris Lake, Peloquin Wildlife Management Area, Thistledew Lake and Sturgeon River provide great outdoor adventure. The Superior National Forest Scenic Byway from Silver Bay to Hoyt Lakes offers traveler's many easy walking trails, wildlife viewing impoundments and great direct access to unbelievable wilderness scenery. Make sure to bring a camera and binoculars.

MOUNTAIN BIKING at GIANTS RIDGE

Scenic Trails & Beautiful Woodlands! Mountain bikers can enjoy more than 60 kilometers of trails consisting of single track, cross country ski trails, snowmobile trails, and abandoned logging roads that make up some of the best riding in the area - and it's all at Giants Ridge! This is Minnesota recreation at its finest! The best time to mountain bike at "the Ridge" is from May through October. Mountain bike rentals are available on-site at the Giants Ridge Rental and Bike Shop.

Season
Trails are open Spring through Fall; mid-August through October is recommended.

For all the paths you travel in life, make sure some of them are dirt. We invite you discover why northeastern Minnesota's Iron Range is "A Great Way to Getaway!"