Superior National Forest, Moderate 4x4 trail in Grand Marais, MN
    Moderate
    Overlanding
    4.5

    Superior National Forest

    Grand Marais, MNMidwest

    Superior National Forest is a moderate 100+ miles off-road trail near Grand Marais, MN. It requires a properly built 4x4 with All-terrain tires, 4WD with low range, Recovery kit and is best run May - October. Stock trucks and Jeeps are not recommended; plan on the required modifications before attempting it.

    Trail Conditions

    No reports yet

    Sign in to report

    Superior National Forest trails follow Minnesota's legendary North Shore of Lake Superior, where boreal forest meets dramatic volcanic cliffs and the largest Great Lake stretches to the horizon. Forest roads climb from the shore into the interior, accessing waterfalls, remote lakes, and ridgeline overlooks with views extending into Canada. The fall color season along these routes is considered world-class.

    Fun Facts

    #1

    Lake Superior contains 10% of the world's surface fresh water.

    #2

    The North Shore's basalt cliffs are remnants of a volcanic rift that nearly split the continent 1.1 billion years ago.

    #3

    Grand Marais was voted 'America's Coolest Small Town' by Budget Travel magazine.

    Length
    100+ miles
    Elevation
    600 - 2,301 ft
    Best Season
    May - October
    Permit
    Not Required
    Lake Superior viewsNorth ShoreDramatic cliffsBoreal forestWaterfalls

    🛞 Tires

    required
    All-terrain tires

    🔧 Suspension

    recommended
    2" lift

    ⚙️ Drivetrain

    required
    4WD with low range

    🪢 Recovery

    required
    Recovery kit

    🛡️ Protection

    recommended
    Skid plates
    1
    Grand Marais Ranger Station
    47.7500, -90.3345
    2
    Gunflint Trail Junction
    47.8234, -90.5678
    3
    Sawbill Trail End
    47.9456, -90.8012

    Closest campgrounds to Superior National Forest:

    Where to Camp

    GPS Coordinates

    47.7500, -90.3345

    Import into Gaia GPS, OnX Offroad, or Garmin

    Map of Grand Marais, MN

    5-Day Forecast

    Plan this trip

    Planning Your Trip?

    Check out our gear guides and trip planning resources.

    Gear Guides

    Frequently Asked Questions