Trail Overview
This trail takes you through a wooded section with mostly smooth terrain, offering a scenic and relatively calm ride at the base. You'll encounter several tight turns between trees, so full-size vehicles may need to watch their clearance, but there are no major obstacles in the lower section. The main challenges come from the four distinct hill climbs scattered along the trail. These climbs range from mild to wild, all on loose rock. The steeper and more difficult the climb, the looser and larger the rocks become. Drivers can choose which line suits their rig and skill level best. Scattered throughout the trail are small "bunny hill" style bumps that add a little extra fun without being too technical.
Difficulty
This trail offers a mix of easy wooded driving and optional climbs for added challenge. While the base trail has no major obstacles and is suitable for most 4WD vehicles, tight tree-lined turns may require careful navigation. The real test comes from four loose rock hill climbs of increasing difficulty.
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.
