Frank’s Gravel Routes: Gravel Riding on Minnesota’s Iron Range
Looking for a gravel ride in northern Minnesota? Ride the Range Ambassador Frank Roark has done a lot of the scouting for you. Frank has mapped a growing collection of his favorite gravel rides across Minnesota’s Iron Range, pairing each route with the details that can make planning a little easier: where to start, what…
Three Ways to Build Your Autumn Biking Weekend on Minnesota’s Iron Range
In most places, fall color is something you drive past. On Minnesota’s Iron Range, you can ride through it. Red-dirt trails run beside deep blue mine lakes. Yellow aspens brighten the rock and forest surrounding the singletrack. Cooler days invite longer rides, while small towns, local restaurants and northwoods lodging give you plenty of reasons…
Where to Cool Off After Mountain Biking Minnesota’s Iron Range
A great mountain bike day does not have to end when you roll back into the trailhead. One of the best parts of summer riding in northern Minnesota is how often the trail experience and the water go together. Clear mine lakes, sandy beaches, and classic Northwoods lakes sit near some of the best singletrack…
Ride Like a Local: Mountain Biking at Tioga
If you’re planning a mountain biking trip to Minnesota’s Iron Range, Tioga Recreation Area should be high on your list. Built on the site of a former iron mine, Tioga Recreation Area offers one of the most diverse mountain biking experiences in the Midwest. Whether you’re looking for beginner-friendly flow trails, jump lines, technical singletrack,…
Ride Like a Local: Mountain Biking at Giants Ridge
If you’re planning a mountain biking trip to Minnesota’s Iron Range, Giants Ridge deserves a spot on your list. Known for its lift-served gravity trails, expansive cross-country network, and a mix of flow, jumps, technical riding, and scenic views, Giants Ridge offers something few Midwest bike destinations can match: the ability to spend an entire…
Ride Like a Local: Mountain Biking at Redhead
If you’re planning a mountain biking trip to Minnesota’s Iron Range, Redhead Mountain Bike Park should be high on your list. Built into the landscape of a former mine, Redhead offers one of the most unique mountain biking experiences in the Midwest. With red dirt, blue water, mining history, scenic rim trails, technical singletrack, downhill-style…
Ride Like a Local: Mountain Biking at Cuyuna
Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area is the kind of mountain bike destination where the ride does not end at the trailhead. Here, red dirt singletrack connects directly to small towns, clear mine lakes, coffee shops, post-ride patios, paddle routes, gravel roads, and places to stay. Riders can build an easy beginner loop, link together a…
Everything You Need to Know About Hidden Valley MTB Trails
Ely’s Hidden Valley trails are great for locals looking for a post-work spin. They also work for visitors taking a break from canoeing. Located just minutes from downtown Ely, this trail system offers a professional-grade mountain biking experience. And, it’s tucked deep within a forest of towering white pines and glacial boulders. If you’re planning…
Spring Riding in Cuyuna: What to Expect, Where to Ride First, and Views Worth the Climb
Spring riding in Cuyuna is a bit of an art form. It’s not winter. It’s not fully summer. But when the trails are open and you time it right, it can be one of the best rides of your season. Cuyuna delivers something special this time of year—cool temps, hero dirt, fewer crowds, and that…
Frank’s Gravel Route Part 3: Angora
When it comes to gravel riding on the Range this is a 40 mile route that starts about 10 miles north of Virginia, MN just off Hwy53. The route heads north and goes through the town of Cook, MN. You could easily start and end this route in Cook if you wanted to and explore…