BIG ASPEN REC AREA

BIG ASPEN CONNECTION: SIDE LAKE TO BIG ASPEN REC AREA

In the Side Lake Area, jump on the Taconite State Trail off of County Road 65 (see above, ATVs allowed on Taconite only east of Sturgeon River), and travel 17 miles east on “The Tac” to reach Big Aspen, a Superior National Forest recreation area with 21 miles of looped, multi-use trails with scenic vistas.

Gas and food are sparse between Side Lake and Big Aspen, but The Wooden Table and Oasis restaurant/bars are on the way, and dining and gas are available in Side Lake (French Township).

NOTES:

There is currently no connection to Virginia from Big Aspen. Hibbingto-Big Aspen is an out-and-back ride with many places to stop for food along the way.

ATVs are allowed in Big Aspen May 1-Nov 20. No other motor vehicles are allowed. Spring Conditions may cause trails to remain closed later than May 1.

EAST RANGE > AURORA/BIWABIK/HOYT LAKES

This 22-mile multi-use trail connects the communities of Aurora, Biwabik and Hoyt Lakes, including Giants Ridge resort in Biwabik and the Vermilion Trail and Fisherman’s Point Campgrounds. Park at the entrance to Biwabik and ride to Hoyt Lakes as an out-and-back, or see below for trail connections to Stony Spur II and Jackpot Loop. Lodging, camping, dining and gas in Biwabik and Hoyt Lakes, with dining and gas in Aurora.

East Range To Stony Spur Ii And Jackpot Loop

In Hoyt Lakes, follow the shoulder of Hwy 11 east to the Skibo Road/ Forest Road 120, and turn on to Forest Road 113. From Forest Road 113, go north and east to Forest Road 112. These trails are open to ATVs, side-by-sides and HLV only. At Forest Road 112, you have entered the 25-mile Jackpot trail system, which offers several loops and connects to the Stony Spur Trail, which leads into Babbitt if you turn west and toward the Prospectors Trail (Ely/Finland/ North Shore). Combined, these trails are remote and largely in the Superior National Forest. Find lodging, camping and gas in the Babbitt/Hoyt Lakes/Ely/North Shore areas.

MESABI MOUNTAIN (ORV-ONLY)

This Grant-in-Aid ORV-only trail along the Laurentian Divide offers four miles of challenging obstacles. Thirty-five inch tires, lockers and a winch are recommended for this trail, which is ranked difficult. Scenic overlooks provide a good place for a break.

Mesabi Mountain is in Eveleth and accessible from the Super 8 parking lot.