Trail Overview
This route is a well-maintained gravel road that serves as a convenient and accessible connector for both highway-legal and non-highway-legal off-road vehicles. It provides a crucial access point to the Iron Range OHV trail system without requiring travel on paved highways, making it especially useful for side-by-sides, dirt bikes, and ATVs that are not street legal. The road is smooth, wide, and easy to navigate, suitable for all skill levels and vehicle types. However, after recent rainfall, you can expect to encounter several mud puddles along the way, nothing overly technical, but enough to get your tires dirty. At the beginning of the route, it also passes by Shorewood Campground, making it a practical entry point for campers looking to hit the trails directly from their site.
Difficulty
This is an easy, non-technical access road that anyone can drive, regardless of experience level. The gravel surface is smooth and well-maintained, with no obstacles, steep grades, or tight turns. If you're looking for a stress-free way to get to the trails, this road is the perfect starting point.
History
The Iron Range OHV Recreation Area was built on reclaimed mining land, once part of the rich Mesabi Iron Range that fueled U.S. steel production for over a century. Today, this 1,200+ acre site blends industrial history with outdoor adventure, offering a rare chance to ride through the remnants of Minnesota's mining legacy.
