Iron Range Tourism Bureau

Mesabi Trail - 2013

OHV/ATV Park

The Quarry at Giants Ridge

Free Vacation Guide

Big Aspen Recreation Area

Using old logging roads and abandoned railroad grades, this scenic trail system includes 20 miles of trails ideal for mountain biking, hiking and beginner and intermediate cross-country skiers. There is also a 26-mile trail system for ATV vehicles that winds through beautiful scenery of the Superior National Forest.

Diverse wildlife, and large pine and hardwood forests make this a popular scenic trail system. Find scenic overlooks over the Rice River Valley and a wide range of plant and animal species. Watch for whitetail deer, black bear, fox, raccoon and moose, or view eagles, hawks and various birds.

Location

Take US Highway 53 north of Virginia for eight miles to County (State Aid) Road 131. Turn right on 131, go north for one mile, and then turn left on County (State Aid) Road 68. Go west for .3 mile. Go straight on County Road 405 and go north for two miles. A parking area is located on the left side of the road. A second parking area is 1.3 miles north on Forest Road 257. Forest Road 257 is not maintained in the winter.

Laurentian Ranger District
318 Forestry Road
Aurora, Minnesota 55705
218-229-8800

Website

Area or Trail Length

20 Miles

Nearest Town

Virginia

Designated Activities

ATV & OHV, Biking, Parks & Nature, Cross Country Skiing, Hiking, Snowshoeing
Abandoned rail grade from near Hibbing southeast beyond Toivola
Gilbert is home to Minnesota's first designated state recreation area for off-highway vehicles (OHV) and all-terrain vehicles (ATV).
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  • Eveleth, Minnesota
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    Sat, 2013-05-25 23:09
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