Recreation

The 135 mile Arrowhead State Trail extends from the intersection with the Taconite State Trail (near Tower) to 3 miles south of International Falls. The natural surface trail is used primarily for snowmobiling. Approximately 69 miles of the trail are suitable for horseback riding, mountain biking and hiking in the summer, however there may be wet areas.

The trail is relatively flat between International Falls and the Ash River. This northern portion of the trail goes through a number of areas that have standing water in the summer which makes this section of the trail mostly suited to winter use.

The southern part of the Arrowhead is very different from the northern part. It features rolling hills with numerous lakes and streams. Many of the hills have large areas of exposed rock and enormous boulders. This part is heavily timbered with a mix of hardwoods and conifers. This mix of trees on the Arrowhead is spectacularly colorful in autumn.

Area/Trail Length:

135 Miles

Fees:

Nearest Towns:

Tower to International Falls

Designated Activities:

Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Snowmobiling, Walking, Cross Country Skiing

Address/Phone/Website:

Fun Time Rental

Located in Gilbert (adjacent to Iron Range OHV Recreation Area)
Phone: 218-780-1747
Toll Free: 800-542-0036
Website

Renting ATV's, Snowmobiles, Pontoon, Moonwalks, Tables, and Supplies.

Experience the beauty of the North at this secluded park on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. Listen quietly for the call of the loon, or cast a line in these outstanding fishing waters. Maps along trail.

Area/Trail Length
:

17 Miles

Trail Fees:

Daily permit - $5

Nearest Town:

Tower

Designated Activites:

Hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and wildlife viewing

Location:

From Tower, go E on US Hwy. 169; 9 mi. to St. Louis County Hwy. 128; Take 128 S 7 mi. to contact station

Hours of Operation:

• April/May - daily from 9 a.m.- 3 p.m.
• June through Labor Day - daily from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
• September - daily from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
• October through March - intermittent, between 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Bear Head Lake State Park
9301 Bear Head State Park Road

Ely, Minnesota 55731

Website

Using old logging roads and abandoned railroad grades, this scenic trail system includes 20 miles of trails ideal for mountain biking, hiking and beginner and intermediate cross-country skiers. There is also a 26-mile trail system for ATV vehicles that winds through beautiful scenery of the Superior National Forest.

Diverse wildlife, and large pine and hardwood forests make this a popular scenic trail system. Find scenic overlooks over the Rice River Valley and a wide range of plant and animal species. Watch for whitetail deer, black bear, fox, raccoon and moose, or view eagles, hawks and various birds.

Length:

20 Miles

Fees:

Ski Pass

Rating:

Easiest to Most Difficult

Nearest Town:

Virginia

Equipment Rentals:

No

Ski Lessons:

No

Facilities:

Two Adirondack shelters are on the trails.

Designated Activities:

Cross-country skiing

Location:

Take US Highway 53 north of Virginia for eight miles to County (State Aid) Road 131. Turn right on 131, go north for one mile, and then turn left on County (State Aid) Road 68. Go west for .3 mile. Go straight on County Road 405 and go north for two miles. A parking area is located on the left side of the road. A second parking area is 1.3 miles north on Forest Road 257. Forest Road 257 is not maintained in the winter.

Laurentian Ranger District
318 Forestry Road
Aurora, Minnesota 55705
218-229-8800
Website