Beginner Off-Road Trails Near Nashwauk, Minnesota

This trail consists mainly of wide, smooth, and well-graded gravel that runs between paved Highway 5 and the paved Dewey Lake Road. It is mostly straight, with a few mild ascents and descents along the…
Learn more about Connors Road

This trail consists mostly of wide, well-graded gravel that remains smooth throughout most of its length. It eventually dead-ends at a cluster of private residences, so through traffic is not possible beyond that point. Along…
Learn more about Hannon Road

This trail is primarily composed of well-graded gravel and generally offers a smooth ride, although there are occasional bumps and mild corrugations to be aware of. A single-lane wooden bridge crosses a creek along the…
Learn more about Shannon Lake Road

This trail is narrower and rougher than many of the better-maintained graded routes in the area. It winds through dense forest, with a surface of loosely packed and poorly maintained gravel that shows clear signs…
Learn more about FS 278

This trail begins as a well-maintained route leading toward the Spruce Administrative area, where there is noticeable infrastructure and a mix of foot and vehicle traffic. As the trail continues, it narrows slightly while passing…
Learn more about FS 3851

This trail is relatively narrow but remains well-graded with a smooth gravel surface, making for a generally comfortable drive as it winds through forested terrain. The route features moderate ascents and descents, adding some variety…
Learn more about FS 279

This trail, also known as the 49, is one of the primary routes through the area, providing access to several lake communities as well as the Marcell Experimental Forest and the Spruce research sites. While…
Learn more about 2143

This trail sees very little use and has sections where small trees and branches have fallen across the path. After rain, the trail becomes quite muddy and can be slippery and bumpy, making travel more…
Learn more about FS 3478

This trail is wide and relatively well-maintained as it winds through the forest and leads into the Marcell Experimental Forest area, where you may encounter Forest Service vehicles. The surface can become slippery after rain,…
Learn more about 3853

This trail is a well-maintained and smooth gravel road that serves as an access route into the Superior National Forest. It is mostly straight but includes some gentle curves, as well as a few mild…
Learn more about East Road

This trail is a wide, relatively well-graded gravel route that runs mostly straight, with occasional gentle ascents and descents as it passes through stretches of forest and small open fields. A few private residences are…
Learn more about Pozar Road

This trail is a well-maintained and smooth gravel road. It is mostly straight but includes some gentle curves, as well as a few mild ascents and descents. Along the way, the trail passes a handful…
Learn more about 3755

This trail is a long stretch of wide, well-maintained gravel road that remains mostly straight, though it includes a few gentle curves along with occasional ascents and descents and a few winding sections and crosses…
Learn more about Osborn Road

Rabey Line converted rail grade, this section is 12.1 miles long and takes about an hour and 15 minutes with an average speed of 10.1 MPH including time to take trail pictures. This is an…
Learn more about Rabey Line

This trail is relatively wide, well-maintained, and sees regular use. It passes several homes and a Bible camp, so it's essential to watch for children near the road. As the trail approaches the boat launch…
Learn more about County Road 335

This trail is mostly wide and relatively well-graded, consisting of gravel with extended sections of sand throughout. In some areas, the sand becomes quite deep, which may cause vehicles to feel unstable, especially at higher…
Learn more about Johnson Road

This trail is a wide and well-maintained gravel road that provides a smooth driving experience, though it does have some bumps and mild corrugation due to regular use by local traffic. As the trail winds…
Learn more about McNiven

This trail runs mostly straight with a few gentle curves and occasional ascents and descents as it makes its way through a mix of open fields and forested sections. A number of private residences are…
Learn more about Colombe Road

This trail is relatively narrow but generally well-maintained, with a gravel surface that winds through a densely forested area. After rainfall, some sections can become muddy, particularly in low spots, so caution is advised during…
Learn more about FS 273

This trail follows a mostly wide and well-maintained gravel route that winds through a landscape of mixed fields and predominantly forested areas. Along the way, a few trails branch off from the main path, and…
Learn more about 49

This trail leads to Deep Water Lake, a trout lake where fishing is only permitted during the designated season. Access appears to be intentionally restricted during the off-season, with large boulders placed to block the…
Learn more about Deep Water Lake

This trail is a narrower, well-maintained gravel road that offers a relatively smooth surface compared to some of the rougher routes in the area. It winds through a forested landscape, with a few mild ascents…
Learn more about FS 272

This trail is a wide, well-graded gravel road that runs mostly straight with gentle ascents and descents as it passes through a forested landscape. There are a few residences along the route, so it's important…
Learn more about Franti Road

Goodell Road begins as a straight, smooth trail with a well-maintained surface of gravel and sand. It winds through fields and forests, passing a few homesteads. The trail starts off paved Highway 25. For the…
Learn more about Goodell Road

This trail begins near a small quarry and is narrow and somewhat overgrown, but it offers a peaceful and scenic drive through dense forest. In June, the area is especially attractive with a wide variety…
Learn more about McNiven Spur C

This trail is relatively wide and generally well-maintained as it winds through the forest toward Spider Shore Lake and the small community that resides near its edge. While much of the surface is smooth, sections…
Learn more about West Spider Lake Drive

This trail is a wide, well-graded gravel road that winds through forested terrain and passes a few private residences along the way, so it's important to watch for local traffic. A small bridge provides a…
Learn more about Barrett Road

This trail begins with a stretch of smooth red gravel that is easy to drive, leading to a turnaround area that also serves as a dispersed campsite with a rock fire ring. Beyond this point,…
Learn more about Crooked Lake Road

This trail offers a generally wide and well-maintained surface as it winds through a mix of forest and open fields, with a few scattered residences along the way. At one point, the road transitions from…
Learn more about Graham Road

This trail is composed of gravel and remains mostly flat and smooth along its entire length. It is divided by a paved road, effectively creating two distinct segments. On one side, the trail ends near…
Learn more about County Road 791