
Nemadji State Forest
Nemadji State Forest is a moderate 50+ miles off-road trail near Moose Lake, MN, best run June - September. The gear list marks Mud-terrain tires, 4WD with low range and Recovery boards as required, and 2" lift and Winch as recommended. A stock high-clearance 4x4 can run it; check the gear list before you go.
Trail Conditions
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Nemadji State Forest is Minnesota's muddy challenge, where ancient glacial clay deposits create trail conditions that test even experienced off-roaders. After rain, the clay roads become skating rinks of red-brown mud that can swallow vehicles and defeat even aggressive mud tires. During dry spells, the same roads offer moderate, enjoyable forest driving through dense pine and hardwood forest near Lake Superior.
Fun Facts
Nemadji State Forest sits on ancient lake clay deposits left by glacial Lake Duluth.
The clay soil turns into some of the slipperiest mud in the Midwest when wet.
The Nemadji River is one of the most polluted in Minnesota due to natural clay erosion.
🛞 Tires
🔧 Suspension
⚙️ Drivetrain
🪢 Recovery
🛡️ Protection
Closest campgrounds to Nemadji State Forest:
- Moose Lake State Park · Moose Lake · 2 mi (straight-line)
- Jay Cooke State Park · Carlton · 24 mi (straight-line)
Straight-line distance. Check the map for drive time.
GPS Coordinates
Import into Gaia GPS, OnX Offroad, or Garmin
Map of Moose Lake, MN
5-Day Forecast
Nearby Trails
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
A mild lift, all-terrain tires, and correct gear ratio will get you through this trail confidently.
Tire Size Calculator
Convert tire sizes and compare diameter differences before you swap.
Size up correctly, 33s vs 35s matters on moderate terrain.
Gear Ratio Calculator
Find the right gear ratio after lifting or upsizing tires.
Re-gear after a tire upgrade to restore trail torque and MPG.
Wheel Fitment Calculator
Calculate backspacing and offset so wider wheels clear your suspension.
Extra wheel width = extra clearance on tight lines. Check offset before buying.
MPG Calculator
Estimate fuel economy after a tire upgrade, important for remote runs.
Bigger tires cut MPG. Plan your fuel stops for this trail.