Picturesque ATV Riding Through the Nemadji State Forest
by Sonia Bartz,BRC Board of Directors
WRCW Club Volunteers and DNR Trail Specialists working on one of the several bridges riders will cross when riding the trails. The framework for this bridge is a mobile home frame. Located near Duluth on the eastern border of Minnesota, the Nemadji State Forest is home to a vast network of multi-purpose state forest trails that are open to OHV use all year long. Landscape varies from gently rolling upland to steep stream valleys and elongated swamps. This forest is named for the Nemadji River Basin where it is located. Nemadji comes from the Ojibwe language, meaning "left-hand river."
Ranging from easy to moderate, these sandy ATV trails wind through the forest, shaded by the canopy of hardwoods, providing an enjoyable leisure ride while experiencing the beautiful scenery and outdoors. If a rider is looking to test their skill, this system also offers tight intricate trails through thick Aspen groves to provide such a challenge. Even with an early morning rain, our group experienced quite a bit of dust on the trail given existing drought conditions.
Wildlife is abundant with white tail deer, ruff grouse and bear often sighted along these trails. On this particular ride, we had several grouse and a couple of deer
Throughout the forest there are several creek and stream crossings with steel and wood bridges, giving testimony to the efforts of Washington Ramsey County Wheelers (WRCW) volunteers and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) staff in developing and maintaining this ATV trail system. Coming from the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, WRCW has been working with local DNR Trails and Waterways staff for over 10 years on this system, putting in many volunteer hours to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride.
Nemadji also offers a unique off-highway motorcycle trail system located in the northeast corner of the forest. Designed primarily as a single track OHM trail, there are a few short connecting segments of forest roads and ATV trails. This trail is maintained and signed by the Straight Arrows OHM Club. This system, combined with the other riding opportunities in the forest, provides a variety of experiences for many skill levels.
Both of these systems are funded through the Grant in Aid program using monies from gas tax and the ATV/OHM registration sticker program. All trails are signed and maps available through the DNR website at <www.dnr.state.mn.us/ohv/index.html>.
Looking for more of an adventure? Riders can also connect to the Gandy Dancer Trail, St. Croix State Forest and Wisconsin trails via a portion of the Willard Munger State Trail, providing an unlimited amount of riding possibilities!
Beyond trail riding, Nemadji also provides other excellent recreational opportunities, including camping in the Gafvert Campground, funded through the national Recreational Trails Program, and fishing in the adjacent Pickerel Lake. Both contribute to a variety of activities for a great family getaway!
Trail map of this ride.
—Sonia Bartz serves on the BlueRibbon Coalition's Board of Directors. For questions or comments on this article, she may be contacted through the BRC main office: 4555 Burley Drive, Suite A, Pocatello, ID, 83202. Phone: 208-237-1008, Fax: 208-237-9424. Email <brmag@sharetrails.org>.