Baker Grade

Trail Overview

The primary name of the road is Baker Grade. It is classified as a Forest Access Route. The ORV (Off-Road Vehicle) status of the road is open, and the surface type consists of dirt and native material. The road is currently in fair condition and is owned by the State. According to the closure criteria, the route remains open. This route incorporates portions of a former railway bed and serves as a two-track off-road route that connects Au Sable Point Trail to Adams Trail. The description for this route was created on July 26, 2025.

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Difficulty

Dirt, sandy route, typically unmaintained after rain or snow. You may encounter obstacles under 12 inches on the trail, including tree branches, logs, debris, and native material. The route is one vehicle in width. This is a two-track route.

History

The Baker Grade in Grand Marais, Michigan, was a historical feature related to a former railroad line, specifically the foot of the Baker Grade was the site of the switchman's cabin for the old railroad. While the search results do not provide extensive historical details about the grade itself, they place it in the context of Grand Marais's boom and bust cycle as a lumber town, when logs were transported by rail and river. The grade is also noted as a historic location where a variety of irises, including the "Baker Grade iris," were found growing. Context of the Baker Grade Railroad History: The Baker Grade is associated with the old railroad that served Grand Marais during its lumbering era. Lumbering Boom: From the late 1880s to around 1910, Grand Marais experienced a boom fueled by lumber operations, which involved transporting logs by both river and rail. Location: The Baker Grade was located at the foot of the old railroad line, where the switchman's cabin once stood. Historic Flora: The area around the former switchman's cabin is known for its historic iris varieties, including the "Baker Grade iris". Historical Markers Grand Marais's history is documented and preserved by the Grand Marais Historical Society, which operates museums and a self-guided walking tour. The Gitche Gumee Agate and History Museum also holds historical archives related to the town's development and its various industries.

Technical Rating

Baker Grade can be accessed by the following ride types:

• SxS (60")
• ATV (50")
• Dirt Bike