Nemadji State Forest, Moderate 4x4 trail in Moose Lake, MN
    Moderate
    Trail

    Nemadji State Forest

    Moose Lake, MN•Midwest

    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.

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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

    #1

    Nemadji State Forest sits on ancient lake clay deposits left by glacial Lake Duluth.

    #2

    The clay soil turns into some of the slipperiest mud in the Midwest when wet.

    #3

    The Nemadji River is one of the most polluted in Minnesota due to natural clay erosion.

    Length
    50+ miles
    Elevation
    1,000 - 1,400 ft
    Best Season
    June - September
    Permit
    Not Required
    Mud challengesClay terrainDense forestNear DuluthChallenging conditions

    🛞 Tires

    required
    Mud-terrain tires
    Clay mud is extremely slippery

    🔧 Suspension

    recommended
    2" lift

    ⚙️ Drivetrain

    required
    4WD with low range

    🪢 Recovery

    recommended
    Winch
    required
    Recovery boards

    🛡️ Protection

    recommended
    Skid plates
    1
    Moose Lake Staging
    46.4534, -92.7612
    2
    Nemadji River Crossing
    46.5234, -92.6890

    Closest campgrounds to Nemadji State Forest:

    Straight-line distance. Check the map for drive time.

    Where to Camp

    2 campgrounds within 30 miles of this trail

    Moose Lake, Minnesota|2 mi|3 min
    35 sites
    Season: All Year
    Carlton, Minnesota|24 mi|41 min
    82 sites
    Season: All Year

    GPS Coordinates

    46.4534, -92.7612

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