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 way. Near its western end, close to Highway 5, the trail intersects with the Chisholm ATV trail, w...
Learn more about Connors Road

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 challenging. It winds through the forest and eventually reaches a junction marked by a sign stating...
Learn more about FS 3478

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 the way, the trail serves as a connector between two sections of the Chish...
Learn more about Hannon Road

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 additional facilities before ending in a cul-de-sac. While not designe...
Learn more about FS 3851

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, and several smaller trails branch off into the woods along the way. Signs...
Learn more about 3853

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 the trail is generally wide and well maintained, it sees frequent use and has developed signif...
Learn more about 2143

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 route and imposes an axle weight limit of 4,000 pounds, so heavier vehicles shoul...
Learn more about Shannon Lake Road

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 area, it narrows slightly and ends near a quiet beach, offering a peaceful spot to stop and t...
Learn more about County Road 335

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 of private residences and a number of side trails that branch off from the main route. While there are ...
Learn more about 3755

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 to the otherwise steady pace. Several smaller trails branch off i...
Learn more about FS 279

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 located along the trail, so it's worth keeping an eye out for local traffic. T...
Learn more about Pozar 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 through the area, several smaller tracks branch off from the main route. One of these is a marke...
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 located along the route, so caution is advised when passing driveways or navigating blind corners. T...
Learn more about Colombe Road

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 of the trail are bumpy and corrugated due to regular use by local traffic. The trail c...
Learn more about West Spider Lake Drive

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 speeds or without four-wheel drive. The route passes through areas with ac...
Learn more about Johnson Road

This trail is wide, well-maintained, and sees regular use, passing several homes along the way. There are several access roads leading to the nearby lake, and the area features hiking and cross-country ski trails. However, the trail ends suddenly at a private property boundary, where the landowner a...
Learn more about 246

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 ascents and descents. Along the way, the trail passes a handful of private residences, and a number of...
Learn more about East 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 of erosion and neglect. Expect a fair number of potholes, ruts, and washouts, especiall...
Learn more about FS 278

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 of wildflowers lining the route. The trail is unmaintained and features a mix of rocky, uneven pa...
Learn more about McNiven Spur C

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 wet conditions. Several smaller trails branch off from the main rou...
Learn more about FS 273

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 way. Near its western end, close to Highway 5, the trail intersects with the Chisholm ATV trail, w...
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 the way, the trail serves as a connector between two sections of the Chish...
Learn more about Hannon Road

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, and several smaller trails branch off into the woods along the way. Signs...
Learn more about 3853

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 the trail is generally wide and well maintained, it sees frequent use and has developed signif...
Learn more about 2143

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 way. Near its western end, close to Highway 5, the trail intersects with the Chisholm ATV trail, w...
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 the way, the trail serves as a connector between two sections of the Chish...
Learn more about Hannon Road

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, and several smaller trails branch off into the woods along the way. Signs...
Learn more about 3853

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 the trail is generally wide and well maintained, it sees frequent use and has developed signif...
Learn more about 2143