Top Summer Trail in over 1 million public forest acres
You will find Top Summer Trails in Grand Rapids, MN on over 1 million publicly accessible forest land located in the Chippewa National Forest, UPM Blandin Forest and George Washington State Forest. Over 2,000 miles of trails to ATV, bike, or hike. Grand Rapids, Minnesota is the outdoor recreation mecca of the north. Come north this summer to experience the top trails in Grand Rapids, Minnesota.
Off Road Trails
There are over 300 miles of ATV trails in the greater Grand Rapids, Minnesota area. The UPM Blandin ATV Trail is located just 9 miles south of Grand Rapids, with parking access located off of Hwy 169. This trail is windy, curvy, and runs through mixed hardwood and pine forests. Then there is the B & B ATV Trail that runs from Bigfork to Balsam; located approx, 50 miles north of Grand Rapids. This trail provides a full day ride of 60 miles round trip. These are just two of many ATV trails that you can ride OHV and OHM on. The Chippewa National Forest has opened many forest roads for ATV riding. Just make sure to check the Chippewa National Forest OHV Riding Website for information.
Paved Trail Bicycling
If you are looking for paved bicycle trails, then the Mesabi Trail that runs from the Mississippi River to the Boundary Waters is for you. This trail is over 100 miles long. Most of the trail is interconnected by a well maintained paved trail. The trail starts at the Itasca Fairgrounds in Grand Rapids and runs to Ely, Minnesota. There are over 20 trailheads where you can access the Mesabi Trail, so if you want to ride just a portion of the trail you can do that. There is a Mesabi Trail Shuttle Service that is available in the event you want to travel through several communities and are interested in lodging options as well. Learn More HERE.
Mountain Biking
The Tioga Recreation Area is a world class single track mountain bike trail that includes 25 miles and a awesome new skills course called Pathfinder Playground. Tioga is made up of mixed forest single track trails that range from beginner to double black expert level. This is perfect for the entire family. There is a trail for the kids, teenagers, and adults. In addition to the mountain biking, Tioga Recreation Area is the perfect place for paddling, fishing, and swimming. You can access two lakes – Tioga Pit and Pokegama Lake that are a few minutes walk from the Tioga Recreation parking area.
Hiking
There is something special when you hike in Minnesota’s forests. As far as top summer trails in Grand Rapids, MN, hiking trails at the Forest History Center are great. These trails lead to the Mississippi River. Another great hiking trail that is located in the city limits of Grand Rapids is Legion Trail. You can access this at the Reif Center parking lot. This 7 mile loop has an overlook onto Hale Lake. Then there are the Chippewa National Forest hiking trails like Suomi Hills Trail and Simpson Creek. Suomi Hills is full of hills and over 20 miles in length, while the Simpson Creek is a little over 10 miles and more flat ground that wraps around Cut Foot Sioux Lake. Check out more Hiking Trails HERE.
Outdoor Recreation Mecca of the North
Additional top summer trails in Grand Rapids, MN area water trails. The Grand Rapids area is known as an outdoor recreation mecca of the north (in Minnesota – of course). There are over 1,400 lakes to paddle, fish, swim, boat and float. That is why Grand Rapids, Minnesota is the perfect summer vacation destination. Whatever outdoor recreation you want to enjoy, you will find it here. If you don’t owe all of the equipment to try these activities, don’t worry, we have rental companies like R&R Rental, Paddle Hoppers and Ardent Bicycles.
There is still time to get a Summer Vacation in! Check out our Last Minute Openings for short-term lodging options that are still open in August.
Start your northern MN Summer Vacation planning now by downloading the official Grand Rapids, MN Visitor Guide that will give you seasonal itineraries, highlighted outdoor recreation trails, cozy lodging, fun places to eat & drink, and so much more!