Exhilerating Forest Ride
Come fall ATV in Grand Rapids, MN. There is something exhilarating about zipping through the mixed forests around Grand Rapids on an ATV/UTV that awakens the soul. Riding a side by side allows you to connect with Minnesota’s nature in a much deeper way. You can access very remote locations while staying on a designated trail system, so you don’t get lost.
Itasca County has over 300 miles of well-maintained ATV/UTV trails to ride. Each trail is unique and connects with area businesses like bars/restaurants, gas stations, and more. The beauty of the hardwood trees in the fall adds another dimension to the ATV ride. Download the Itasca County ATV Map HERE.
UPM BLANDIN ATV TRAIL
A favorite trail to ride that is only 9 miles south of Grand Rapids is the UPM/Blandin ATV Trail. This trail winds among mixed forest land that includes tall pines and mixed hardwoods. There are several sections that have wooden single track bridges that cross over bog and stream areas. The best part of this trail is the portion where you ride under the pine tree tops.Â
The Rapids Riders ATV Club maintains this connection of trails that are located south of Grand Rapids, known as the UPM Blandin ATV/OHM Trail. Along this ride you will find thick canopy of coniferous trees that makes you feel like you are riding in a tunnel. Over wooden bridges and sharp corners. You can access this trail system on Smith Drive parking lot area approximately 9 miles south of Grand Rapids on Hwy 169 South. From here you can ride south to Hill City. This route is approximately 30 miles from Smith Creek to Hill City. In Hill City you will find a couple of gas stations, a couple of bars/grills and one cafe. A nice day ride. This trail can open as early as May 17th, however, UPM/Blandin has the final decision on when this trail opens. Check HERE for forest road closures. Additional MN DNR trail information HERE.
B&B ATV TRAIL
Another very popular ATV trail that is located 45 minutes north of Grand Rapids, MN is the Bigfork to Balsam ATV Trail. This is a full day ride that takes riders through mixed hardwood and pine forest, around tamarack bogs. There are a couple of areas that give you vista overlooks as well. This ATV trail takes riders on forest roads and around several northern MN lakes.
The B&B ATV Trail traverses through portions of the Chippewa National Forest, George Washington State Forest and Itasca county lands. There are 8 boardwalks/bridges that total over a 1/4-mile. The trail travels through low meadows, marshes, aspen and pine forests as well as gravel outcroppings. You will see streams, ponds and views of lakes in the distance. Wildlife sightings are common. Food and fuel are available near the trail head, the midway point near mile marker 15 and a few short miles from the end of the trail. This trail is maintained by the Wilderness Wheelers ATV Club.
Fall ATV in the Grand Rapids, MN area is perfect because there are over 300 miles of ATV trails to ride on hundreds of thousands of acres that are vibrant mixed hardwood and pine forests. In the fall these ATV trails are stunning with vivid colors. There are ten ATV Trails located within one hour of Grand Rapids. This makes the perfect location where ATV riders can ride for several days. View the all of the Itasca County ATV Trails HERE.
Grand Rapids welcomes ATV Groups. Visit Grand Rapids can assist in securing group lodging, and putting together welcome bags, that includes a swag gift for groups of 25 or more. Contact Visit Grand Rapids at 218-259-0572 for more information.
Download the Interactive Grand Rapids Visitor’s Guide, and view potential Grand Rapids Lodging Properties.
