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

    Superior National Forest

    Grand Marais, MN•Midwest

    Superior National Forest is a moderate 100+ miles off-road trail near Grand Marais, MN, best run May - October. The gear list marks All-terrain tires, 4WD with low range and Recovery kit as required, and 2" lift and Skid plates as recommended. A stock high-clearance 4x4 can run it; check the gear list before you go.

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    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:

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

    Where to Camp

    5 campgrounds within 30 miles of this trail

    Grand Marais, Minnesota|0 mi|0 min
    33 sites
    Lutsen, Minnesota|11 mi|18 min
    45 sites
    Season: All Year
    Hovland, Minnesota|19 mi|33 min
    3 sites
    Season: All Year
    Hovland, Minnesota|25 mi|42 min
    5 sites
    Season: All Year
    Grand Portage, Minnesota|29 mi|50 min
    NPS · Grand Portage National Monument
    FREE
    2 sites
    Season: Seasonal

    GPS Coordinates

    47.7500, -90.3345

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    Map of Grand Marais, MN

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