Beginner Off-Road Trails Near Lutsen, Minnesota

Ward Lake trail is a long and winding, well-maintained but bumpy gravel surface. The initial stretch of the trail passes several private residences and a cathedral. Although the Cathedral in the Pines is a notable…
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This trail is surfaced with well-maintained reddish-brown gravel, and in August 2025, there was active roadwork along certain sections, so drivers should be prepared for possible delays or construction equipment. The route winds through forested…
Learn more about Barker Lake

The Caribou trail begins as a wide, well-maintained gravel road but soon branches to the left into a narrower two-track that winds through dense forest. This portion of the trail features a mix of ascents…
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This trail follows a well-maintained reddish-brown gravel surface and begins near a designated campground that offers picnic tables, fire rings, drinking water, and a toilet. As the trail winds through the forest, it features a…
Learn more about Honeymoon Trail

This trail follows a winding path through forested terrain. The route consists of well-maintained gravel and includes a mix of gradual climbs and descents, with occasional steep sections where water erosion has affected the surface.…
Learn more about Mistletoe Road

This trail climbs steeply along a well-maintained but bumpy gravel road. The initial section is relatively wide and can accommodate two vehicles, but caution is advised as both hikers and cars use the route. As…
Learn more about Onion River Road

This trail is a well-maintained red and brown gravel road that winds through a forested area. The surface is generally smooth but does have some corrugations in places, especially along the inclines and descents. Drivers…
Learn more about Lake Clara

This trail is accessed from Lake Clara Trail and follows a well-maintained gravel surface that narrows in several places as it winds through dense forest. In some sections, especially on overcast days, the tree cover…
Learn more about Christine Lake

This trail is privately maintained and winds through quiet, undeveloped forest with a mix of ascents and descents. It is relatively narrow throughout, so drivers should be cautious and watch for oncoming local traffic. Most…
Learn more about Lake Clara Spur F

This trail begins as a narrow, overgrown two-track that winds through dense forest. The trail is frequently waterlogged, with deep potholes and large muddy puddles dominating much of the route, particularly in the first half.…
Learn more about Mark Lake

This fun trail is accessed from Sawbill Trail and begins as a narrow two-track route that is quite bumpy and uneven. After a short distance, it intersects with the Pancore Loop, and from there, the…
Learn more about Rice Lake

This trail begins off Clara Lake Road and makes its way toward Rice Lake along a narrow, unmaintained two-track path. The route is overgrown in many areas and features a mix of rocky, bumpy, and…
Learn more about Pancore Lake

This trail starts at a small parking area primarily used by visitors accessing a nearby ski trail. From the outset, the route is wet (in summer months), uneven, and only minimally maintained. As it winds…
Learn more about FS 333

This trail runs between Clara Lake Road and Tait Lake and is closed to ATV use. It is a well-maintained, red and brown gravel road that winds through a dense forest, with a generally smooth…
Learn more about Tait Lake

The Pike Lake trail is a wide and well-maintained route that winds through a residential area with a high volume of local traffic. At the upper intersection of the trail, there is a large clearing…
Learn more about Pike Lake Road

This trail is accessed via a wide, well-maintained gravel road that winds through the forest with moderate ascents and descents. Logging activity is present near the beginning of the trail, particularly around the Richey Lake…
Learn more about Cross River

This wide and well-maintained trail crosses the scenic Cascade River, making it a popular route for both local traffic and adventurous travelers seeking a smooth, accessible drive. The trail itself includes several ascents and descents…
Learn more about Cascade River Road

The Swamp Lake trail begins with a gravel surface that is heavily eroded and quite bumpy during the initial climb. Once at the top of the hill, the trail evens out and becomes noticeably smoother.…
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This forest road is a pretty drive through many birch trees and other colorful trees in the fall. Overall the road is quite wide but is one car wide as the elevation gain increases. There…
Learn more about Temperance River Backroad Scenic Drive

This trail is a well-maintained red and brown gravel road that winds through forested terrain. The surface is mostly smooth, though there are sections with some corrugation, particularly on the inclines and descents. Drivers should…
Learn more about Brule Lake Road

This trail is a long stretch of well-maintained red and brown gravel that winds through forested terrain. The surface is generally smooth, although there are occasional potholes and sections of corrugation, particularly on the inclines…
Learn more about Sawbill Trail

The Bally Creek trail is accessed from Highway 7 via a steep but well-maintained gravel climb that quickly gains elevation before leveling out. Once on top, the route travels through dense forest with gentle rolling…
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The Nester Creek Pit trail begins with a smooth gravel surface and crosses a small creek, though caution is advised as the road is starting to erode at the crossing. From there, the trail winds…
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This trail runs parallel to Lake Superior before turning inland and climbing back into the forest. It follows a wide, well-maintained gravel surface with a few bumps along the way, but remains easy to navigate.…
Learn more about Temperance River

This trail is accessed from Sawbill Trail and follows a long stretch of red and brown gravel that is generally well-maintained. The road winds through forested terrain and offers a mostly smooth driving surface, though…
Learn more about Perent Lake Road

This trail is a wide and well-maintained gravel surface, though some sections are affected by mild corrugations. The trail winds through dense forest and sees regular use, so drivers should be cautious of oncoming or…
Learn more about The Grade

The Devil Track Road is accessed from Cook County Highway 8 and follows a wide, well-maintained gravel road that winds through forested terrain. The route includes a mix of gentle stretches and steeper ascents and…
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This trail is a wide, well-maintained gravel surface that winds through the forest, with gentle ascents and descents along the way. Early in the route, the trail leads to a public water access point on…
Learn more about Richey Lake

The Devil Track South Shore trail is a narrow, bumpy route composed of gravel and exposed rock, winding through forested terrain with gentle ascents and descents. Along the way, several non-motorized hunter walking trails branch…
Learn more about Devil Track South Shore Drive

County Road 48 begins with a steep climb from Highway 7 and is heavily corrugated along the initial section. As it approaches an intersection, several blind rises require caution, mainly due to the potential for…
Learn more about County Road 48