Minnesota’s rolling terrain, forested trails, and incredible scenery offer many off-road adventures for riders of all skill levels. Some parts of the North Star State are exceptional for ATVs, ORVs, or OHMs.
Some of the best off-roading trails can be found in Minnesota.
Here are the 18 Best off-roading trails in Minnesota
- Appleton Area Recreational Park
- Chisholm Trail
- Iron Range Off-Highway Vehicle State Recreation Area (OHVRA)
- Nemadji State Forest Trails
- Spider Lake Trails
- St. Croix State Forest Trails
- Meadow Valley MX
- Snake Creek Trail
- Timber Trails System
- Meeker County OHV Park
- Red Top Trail
- Warroad/Roseau Trails
- Bemis Hill Trails
- Soo Line South Trail
- Straight Arrows Trail
- Matthew Lourey State Trail OHV
- Thistledew ATV Trail
- Moose Run Trail
Off-road adventures are exciting ways to explore beautiful Minnesota. Its long trails and rugged hills have among the best scenic OHV destinations that off-roaders will surely love. Some routes can take trail riders deep into Minnesota’s forests, bogs, and remotest spots.
Let’s explore the top 18 off road trails MN has to offer:
18 Best OHV Trails MN
1. Appleton Area Recreational Park
Appleton MN off road park was once a gravel mine that has now become a massive 330-acre OHV park. There are 20 miles of MN off road trails for all skill levels. There is a 10-mile trail for 4×4 trucks, 15 miles of ATV/OHM trails, and a 2.5-mile track for OHM practice.
The park also offers the following:
- Technical and newbie-friendly ATV trails
- A track for motocross practice
- Rock climb, hill climbs and jumps
- Mud pit and water hole
- Sand dunes
- Three enduro tracks
- ATV training course for youths
- Youth OHV practice track
- Snowmobile trails
- Hiking trail
- Play areas
- Picnic areas
Appleton Area Recreational Park is open throughout the year from sunrise to sunset. Camping is now allowed in the park, but the nearby Appleton Municipal Campground is popular with families. Admission is free. For more information about permits and other requirements, check out the park’s website.
2. Chisholm Trail
Chisholm is a 15.7-mile trail that winds through rolling hills and forests. It’s an easy to moderately difficult trail dotted with hills and hairpin curves. Trails for novice riders are most highly developed, with only a few obstacles and no steep hills to climb.
The nearby communities of Chisholm and Side Lake are ATV-friendly communities, which means ATVs are allowed on city streets, and off-road riders can travel from the hotel to the Chisholm trail without the need for trailering.
The trail is closed during deer hunting season. If you’re not from Minnesota, you need to get a trail pass. For more information, visit the DNR Minnesota website.
3. Iron Range Off-Highway Vehicle State Recreation Area (OHVRA)
Iron Range OHVRA holds the distinction of being Minnesota’s first off-road park, offering 36 miles of recreational trails through varied terrain, such as hill climbs, water crossings, rugged trails, and technical rock gardens. There are a lot of thrilling adventures for all skill levels. The park is open to ATVs, OHMs, and ORVs, and there are no fees for parking, entry, and riding.
Camping facilities are available in nearby Sherwood Forest Campground. There is direct trail access from the campground. The trails are open year-round from 8 AM to an hour before sunset (this may vary depending on the season). During winter months, the park is open during weekends only. For requirements and other important information, contact the Iron Range Tourism Bureau.
4. Nemadji State Forest Trails
The Nemadji State Forest Trails are located along the Minnesota-Wisconsin border. About 100 miles of ATV trails take riders through the dense Nemadji State Forest.
The 27-mile OHM single-track trails offer exhilarating adventures to even the most experienced riders. Trails that connect to the Matthew Lourey State Trail and the Gandy Dander Trail offers more riding opportunities for ATVs, OHMs, and ORVs.
Trails range from easy to difficult and consist of rolling terrain, swamps, with several creeks and stream crossings. Most trails in the northeastern portion of the forest are marked, and the Straight Arrows Enduro Club maintains the trail system.
The Nemadji ATV trails are open year-round except during deer hunting season and spring thaw. Snowmobile trails are closed to OHVs from December 1-March 31, and camping is only allowed in developed areas. The use of the park is free, including camping. A Minnesota OHV permit is required.
5. Spider Lake Trails
The 29-mile Spider Lake Trails are located in the scenic Foot Hills State Forest. There are exciting and challenging trails for every skill level.
The trails range from smooth and sandy to rough and rocky, taking riders around lakes and ponds, traversing hills, slopes, and ridges. Wet weather makes the trails more challenging as drivers maneuver through the ruts, roots, and rocks. Make sure to secure a Minnesota OHV permit. Camping is permitted in developed sites only.
6. St. Croix State Forest Trails
The 26-mile St. Croix State Forest Trails is located along the Wisconsin border. Riders are treated to a scenic ride through dense forest trails. There’s a trail leading to the Gandy Dancer Trail for those who are thirsting for more riding miles.
Only motorcycles, dirt bikes, ATVs, UTV, and SXS, are permitted. SUVs, jeeps, dune buggy, and sand rails are not allowed on the trails. All drivers must secure a Minnesota OHV permit.
The trail is open throughout the year except during spring thaw and deer hunting season. There are no fees for parking, entry, and riding. Camping is allowed in designated areas only.
7. Meadow Valley MX
Meadow Valley is a motocross park with 23 miles of wood trails for ATVs and UTVs. The park offers the Main Track and a Pee Wee Track.
The Main Track is designed for all skill levels, from beginners to professional riders, and comprises several jumps, turns, berms, and soft soil. The Pee-Wee Track, with its smaller jumps and berms, is perfect for smaller bikes and newbies.
The tracks are open every day from 10 AM-6 PM, and are mainly for motorcycles and dirt bikes, but ATVs, UTVs, and SXS are permitted on designated trails. SUVs, jeeps, dune buggies, and sand rails are prohibited. ATVs are not allowed on the MX track at all times.
8. Snake Creek Trail
Snake Creek Trail offers 13 miles of wooded trails in the Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest. It’s an uphill trail that offers stunning views of Snake Creek Valley.
The trails are marked, and riders maneuver their way through hard-packed dirt and gravel to deep muddy sections to challenging hill climbs. There is some slight to moderate changes in the trails’ elevation. Drivers should exercise caution on the trails, especially after heavy rainfall, as there could be possible washouts.
Township Road 152 hosts the main staging area, and there is a free camping area with bare essentials. The trails are open from May to November 1. Only vehicles with a Minnesota OHV permit is allowed. SUVs, jeeps, dune buggies, and sand rails are prohibited. There are no fees for parking, entry, and riding.
9. Timber Trails System
The Timber Trails System offers 180 acres of ATV and dirt bike tracks meandering through woodland ridges, valleys, and rolling fields with incredible views. Riders may also be treated to sightings of wildlife along the trail.
It’s a family-friendly adventure destination for skills of all levels. There are ATVs for rent on site. Packages and guided tours are also offered.
10. Meeker County OHV Park
The Meeker Country OHV Park offers narrow and winding trails that weave through a 40-acre forested area. There’s a 5-mile trail designated for ATVs, 6 miles of motorcycle trails, and a mud pit. A portion of the park houses the youth training area.
Although the trails are open throughout the year from dawn to dusk, inclement weather may cause a temporary closure, so it’s better to call before heading out. Only motorcycles, dirt bikes, ATVs, UTVs, and SXS, are allowed in the trails. There are no sites for camping, but there are picnic shelters and plenty of parking space.
11. Red Top Trail
The Red Top Trail offers 25 miles of rocky terrain adventure for all levels. The main track, with its sandy, wide trails, is best for beginners. There are tight, technical loops for the more experienced riders.
The Adventure Trail Loop is popular among riders who are out for a more challenging ride. The trail is designated for ATV and OHM use and can be accessed 4.6 miles northeast on Soo Line North or from the Snake River Campground. The regular season is from May 15 to October 31.
12. Warroad/Roseau Trails
Warroad/Roseau Trails offer 200 miles of interconnected trails within the Beltrami Island State Forest and are designated for ATVs, OHMs, and ORVs. The trails are open year-round and will take off-roaders to pine-covered ridges, peat bogs, and low flatlands.
13. Bemis Hill Trails
The Bemis Hill Trails in the Beltrami Island State Forest offers more than 85 miles of riding adventures through forested areas and pine-covered ridges. The area was once an island in the ancient glacial Lake Agassiz.
The trail is open for ATVs, OHMs, and ORVs, and there are also trails for hiking and snowmobiles. The campground is open in fall and winter, but the trails are open year-round.
14. Soo Line South Trail
The Soo Line South Trail is a 105.6-mile trail that runs through Aitkin, Carlton, Mille Lacs, Morrison, and Pine Counties. The trail is open to ATVs, mountain bikes, snowmobiles, horseback riding, and hiking.
It connects with the 148-mile Soo Line North ATV Trail. The Soo Line ATV trail is open for use from April 1-October 31 in Morrison County; April 1-November 30 in Aitkin, Pine, and Mille Lacs Counties, and year-round in Carlton County.
The trail provides a great riding adventure for riders of all skill levels. While most of the trail is an easy ride, experienced riders should check out the Foxy Loop Trail, Red Trop Trails, Solana Loop, and the Soo Pits trails for more technical off-roading adventures.
15. Straight Arrows Trail
The Straight Arrows Trails in the Nemadju State Forest has 35 miles of OHM single-track and 18 miles of multi-use trails for ATVs. Most of the trail portions are rated easy, but even the most experienced riders will find the tight curves and steep hills quite a challenge.
16. Matthew Lourey State Trail OHV
The 81.8-mile Matthew Lourey State Trail (also called the Willard Munger State Trail) offers portions open to seasonal ATV and OHM use. These trail sections connect Nemadji and St. Croix state forests.
Open trails feature rolling terrain and occasional hills. In winter, ATVs are only allowed in some areas (from Harlis Road in the Nemadji to Country Road 173 in the St. Croix and the Chengwatana State Forest) when the air temperature is 30 degrees or below. Some trail portions are also open to snowmobiling, mountain bikers, horseback riders, hikers, and backpackers.
17. Thistledew ATV Trail
The Thistledew ATV Trail is located in the George Washington State Forest. It offers about 30 miles of newbie-friendly ATV trails with a south and north loop. During winter, the trail is open to snowmobiles.
Only ATVs, UTVs, and SXS, are permitted on the trail. Camping facilities are available in nearby Thistledew Lake Campground. The trails are open from late spring through November (April 1 – November 30).
The use of the trail is free, but all vehicles should have an MN OHV permit. Horseback riding is also allowed. Some parts may be closed due to logging, so it’s a good idea to call before heading out.
18. Moose Run Trail
The family-friendly Moose Run Trail is a 12-mile route that winds over the hills and woods through the Sawtooth Mountains and the scenic Minnesota North Shore. The trail merges with the Moose Walk Trail, Moose Run, and the C.J. Ramstad State Trail. It also connects to the 25-mile Red Dot Trail System through marked and looped routes. Recent improvements to the trail have included shelters, map kiosks, and vault toilets.
The trail is open from May 15-November 30. Vehicles need an MN OHV Permit to use the paths. Only ATVs, UTVs, and SXS with a maximum width of 65 inches are permitted. The mostly hard-packed trails weave through densely forested areas and are great for novice riders. The park’s use is free, but there may be fees in nearby camping sites, Wildhurst Lodge and Campground.
Conclusion: 18 Best OHV Trails MN: Minnesota
So what are the best off-road trails in Minnesota? To summarize, here are the top picks again:
- Appleton Area Recreational Park
- Chisholm Trail
- Iron Range Off-Highway Vehicle State Recreation Area (OHVRA)
- Nemadji State Forest Trails
- Spider Lake Trails
- St. Croix State Forest Trails
- Meadow Valley MX
- Snake Creek Trail
- Timber Trails System
- Meeker County OHV Park
- Red Top Trail
- Warroad/Roseau Trails
- Bemis Hill Trails
- Soo Line South Trail
- Straight Arrows Trail
- Matthew Lourey State Trail OHV
- Thistledew ATV Trail
- Moose Run Trail
Off-roading enthusiasts will indeed have a grand time weaving and maneuvering through the rolling hills, rocky climbs, creeks, and bogs of the Minnesota OHV trails. Riding your ATV, OHM, or OHV along these OHV trails, MN will give you exciting and picturesque adventures you will never forget.
Kris is an avid off-roader and outdoor enthusiast who loves to brave the elements and take on challenging terrain. He also enjoys sharing his passion and knowledge with others so that they, too, can appreciate the ride.
About Kris