Beginner Off-Road Trails Near Esko, Minnesota

Carlton County Road 3 to the Wisconsin border on the Soo Line South is a section of converted rail grade that is 7.3 miles long and takes about 30 minutes with an average speed of…
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Nemadji to Carlton County Road 3 on the Soo Line South is a section of converted rail grade that is 9.4 miles long and takes about 30 minutes with an average speed of 16.4 MPH.…
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The Minnesota portion of the Gandy Dancer trail is an easy 30-mile ride. The trail is open year-round to ATV/UTV/ORV and bikes. In winter, the trail is groomed and shared with snowmobiles. The trail connects…
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Iron Pipe, of the Straight Arrows OHM Trail system, is a novice-level single-track motorcycle trail that alternates between flowy and somewhat tight woods sections. Whether you're new to woods single track riding or experienced in…
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Moose Lake to Nemadji (Carlton County Road 11 at Ballou Road) on the Soo Line South is a section of converted rail grade that is 9.2 miles long and takes about 30 minutes with an…
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This trail features forest-lined paths typical of Nemadji's landscape, with a mix of packed dirt and occasional muddy patches depending on recent weather. Nemadji is known for its network of ATV and OHV trails, so…
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This route is an out-and-back starting from the Gandy Dancer Trail and traversing through the heart of Nemadji State Forest. The route begins at the Park Forest Trail and eventually becomes the Potlatch Trail. The…
Learn more about Park Forest, Potlatch, and Hilton Trails

Moose Lake to Kettle River on the Soo Line North is a section of converted rail grade that is 7 miles long and takes about 20 minutes with an average speed of 21.3 MPH. This…
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Denham to Moose Lake on the Soo Line South is a section of converted rail grade that is 12.6 miles long and takes about 45 minutes with an average speed of 16.8 MPH. This section…
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Hulligan Lake Forest Management Road and Carol Truck Trail are seasonally accessible with most 4x4 vehicles. The gate at the entrance to Corol is visible from the highway to determine if the route is open.…
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Kettle River to Lawler Loop Trails on the Soo Line North is a section of converted rail grade that is 9.6 miles long and takes about 25 minutes with an average speed of 23.3 MPH.…
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This long, wide gravel trail connects the paved Vermillion Trail to Highway 44 and is generally well-maintained throughout its length. It winds through a mix of forested terrain with gentle ascents and descents, offering a…
Learn more about Brimson Road

Camp 26 Truck Trail is a key access route in the Linwood Lake area, primarily used by local residents. The trail is long and generally wide, with a loose gravel surface that can become dusty…
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This trail serves as a connector between Whiteface Reservoir, Long Lake, and Lake Section 14. It begins off Highway 4, also known as Vermilion Trail, and follows a mostly straight route with some gentle winding…
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This trail is narrow and uneven, with a surface marked by rocks, puddles, and occasional washouts. It winds through dense forest, offering a quieter, more remote driving experience. Several trails branch off from the main…
Learn more about Destination Road

This trail is accessed from Long Lake Road and follows a narrow, bumpy route that remains relatively well-maintained with a gravel surface. It passes by a wetland area, and while it is not particularly technical,…
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Markham Road is reached from the paved Vermilion Trail #4 and begins by passing a handful of rural homesteads before continuing into forested terrain. The road is well-maintained gravel and offers a relatively smooth drive…
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Markham Road leads into Colvin Forest Road and offers a quiet, lightly traveled route through the forest. The trail is narrow and overgrown in places, with occasional bumps and a few wet spots, but there…
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Lakeshore Drive is accessible via Long Lake Road and features a well-maintained gravel trail that winds through stretches of forest, interspersed with occasional small clearings. The route passes several residences, so it's important to drive…
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This well-maintained trail runs through dense forest and shows signs of regular use by logging vehicles, which have left sections of the surface corrugated and rough. The trail is relatively easy to follow at first,…
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The Pequaywan/Brimson Trail connects Camp 26 Truck Trail with Northeast Grade Road, offering a route that begins gently but grows increasingly challenging as it progresses. Starting from the Northeast Grade Road side, the trail winds…
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This route follows the Mallard Lake Trail;there are several St. Croix Forest Road offshoots. Starting from County Highway 25, the trail follows gravel roads and several Jeep and SxS specific routes that you can choose…
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This trail travels a considerable distance through forested terrain, following a winding and often bumpy route. The surface is heavily corrugated in places, likely due to frequent use by local residents, especially as the trail…
Learn more about Linwood Lake Road West

This trail stretches for a considerable distance as it winds through dense forest, offering a quiet drive on a fine gravel surface. While the route remains mostly flat, it is heavily corrugated in places, likely…
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This trail branches off from the Camp 26 Trail and is initially smooth, but then follows a long, rough path composed of dirt, gravel, and exposed rock. It winds steadily through dense forest, showing little…
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Enjoy a scenic and adventurous trail ride with a mix of challenges along the way! This route features diverse terrain, including rocky sections, gentle slopes, and exciting hill climbs. Whether you're driving a small SUV…
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McGrath to Denham on the Soo Line South is a section of converted rail grade. It's 19 miles long and takes about 40 minutes with an average speed of 28.5 MPH. This section has a…
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This trail is accessed from Northeast Grade Road and begins with a steady ascent before narrowing and becoming increasingly rough as it progresses deeper into the forest. The further you travel, the more overgrown the…
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This gravel trail is generally well-maintained, but it has sections with corrugations due to regular use by logging trucks and local traffic. It primarily serves as a logging route and passes a few private residences,…
Learn more about Berry Creek

The Fire Trail is exactly what its name says, a minimum maintenance State Forest road used for Forest Management and Fire prevention. The road conditions vary throughout the year due to weather and forestry operations.…
Learn more about Fire Trail - SFR 1428