Best ATV Trails in Minnesota

When not under a foot of snow, Minnesota’s forests and wilderness become the perfect landscape for some tremendous all-terrain vehicle fun. With various terrain difficulties and sceneries to pick from, there is the perfect ATV experience for everyone in Minnesota! Come download some maps, see some trail information, get situated with passes, regulations, and equipment, and get on the dirt to a fantastic vacation! Here are some of the very best ATV trails in the state:

Voyageur ATV Trails

Located in the northern reaches of Minnesota, the Voyageur ATV Trails offer over 386 miles of scenic riding. These trails connect communities such as Crane Lake, Ely, and Cook, making it easy for riders to explore different areas. The trail system takes you through diverse landscapes, including dense forests and rivers, with notable stops like Vermilion Falls and the Pelican River overlook. This trail is perfect for both beginners and experienced riders, offering a mix of gentle terrain and more challenging sections.

Parking for the Voyageur ATV Trails is available in the surrounding communities, with easy access to amenities like food, gas, and lodging. The trails are open from May to October, allowing plenty of time to experience the stunning northern Minnesota scenery. Additionally, these trails connect with other networks, such as the Prospectors Trail, offering even more opportunities for exploration.

David Dill/Taconite Trail

The David Dill/Taconite Trail is a 165-mile trail that stretches across northern Minnesota, offering a unique blend of terrain that ranges from forested paths to old railroad beds. Named in honor of the late state representative David Dill, this trail is a favorite for ATV enthusiasts seeking both adventure and breathtaking views. Riders can enjoy a journey through remote forests and wetlands, making it an ideal trail for both beginners and seasoned riders looking for a mix of scenery and terrain.

Access points for the David Dill/Taconite Trail are conveniently located near Ely and Grand Rapids, with parking available at various spots along the route. The trail is open to Class I and II ATVs and is typically open from May through October, offering a long season to enjoy the natural beauty of Minnesota’s backcountry. With its well-maintained paths and multiple entry points, the David Dill/Taconite Trail is a must-ride for any ATV enthusiast looking to explore northern Minnesota.

Forest Riders Trail

Located north of central in the state, Forest Riders Trail provides 122 miles of trail for ATV riders to explore. The trail winds its way through multiple state forests including mainly Two Inlets State Forest, but also Smoky Hills State Forest and further trail connections in Paul Bunyan State Forest near Lake George. Opened from May to November, allowing up to Class II ATV vehicles, and with plenty of amenities in the area, Forest Riders Trail is a great place to get speeding into a fun ATV-filled summer. With a mix of flat and hilly terrain, there is a section for everyone to enjoy on the Forest Riders. 

Parking at the Forest Riders Trail can occur in any of the aforementioned state forests, all of which are just north of the city Park Rapids. Simply travel up Route 71 to reach your preferred parking location. The best spots to start are near Lake George or Two Inlets Lake.

Fourtown-Grygla Trail

With over 170 miles of trail, the Fourtown-Grygla Trail is one of the longest in Minnesota. Located at the northern reaches of the state, this trail passes through tremendous landscape. While long, the trail is, in general, pretty flat giving newer riders a great riding experience and more veteran riders a great place to go fast. For the most part, the trail runs along county roads, existing trails, and ditch banks. This trail is typically open from the beginner of June until the end of October. Class II ATVs are allowed along with off-highway motorcycles.

There are numerous parking spots to access the trail mostly located around Grygla, Fourtown, and Hayes Lake. Getting to the area in general starts by either hopping off Route 1 around Red Lake and traveling north on Route 89 or finding Route 11 and traveling south from Baudette or Warroad.

Iron Range Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area

In Minnesota mining country lies a trail unlike any other. Sometimes called a playground for ATVs, Iron Range provides tens of miles of unique trails that bring riders through iron-ore pits and up to scenic overlooks. Between the 36 miles of scenic trail, there is a variety of terrain from gentle hills to sharp, twisty climbs. This trail requires registration of your vehicle, but allows any class of off-highway vehicle. The trail has hours and is open most of the year save a few weeks in November for Minnesota’s deer hunting season. 

Iron Range trail is located close to the town of Gilbert in northern Minnesota. Driving west from Gilbert along Route 169 will bring you to Virginia and Chisholm. Driving east from Gilbert will bring you quickly to Aurora. Duluth sits an hour south along Route 53.

Soo Line North Trail

The Soo Line North Trail is a 48-mile connector trail that links multiple larger trails together. Open year-round to class II ATVs and off-highway motorcycles, Soo Line North Trail provides a gentle, comforting ride through the hardwood forests and past multiple small ponds and communities. With amenities in the area, there is the perfect infrastructure for a great ATV trail for riders of all stripes, but especially beginners. 

Parking for the trail can occur at a few places along the path. At either end of the trail, one can park and start riding from Cass Lake at the north end and Moose Lake at the south end. There are other places to get onto the trail at Palisade, Remer, or in Hill River State Forest. The closest towns off the trail include Grand Rapids, a short drive north of the trail on Route 169 and Rutledge, just south of the trail, on Interstate 35.

Spider Lake Trails

Located throughout Foothills State Forest, the Spider Lakes Trail spans about 29 miles through the terrain. The trail snakes over hills, around ponds, and across ridges giving plenty of challenge for riders. There are also sections of the trail considered easier for inexperienced riders. The trail remains open year-round except for a few weeks during Minnesota’s deer hunting season in November. All classes of ATV are allowed to ride. 

There are multiple places to park along the trail, with the main parking area being near Spider Lake. Local cities include Backus slightly northeast on Route 371 and Pine River southeast also along Route 371.

Conclusion

With countless miles of maintained trails that snake their way over hills, along ridges, and around lakes/ponds, Minnesota is one of the premier ATV destinations in the country. Regardless of your skill level, Minnesota has a trail that is perfect for your experience level to provide a comforting ride or just the right amount of challenge to keep you on your toes. With plenty of infrastructure in place to support ATV riders year-round, there is no excuse not to get on the trails and start whipping around. With the pristine forests and unmatched wildlife all around, Minnesota may just be the pinnacle of ATV experiences in the United States. Get a map, your equipment, and get on a trail today!