Hiking & Biking the Northwoods
Gheen Hill Trails Website
EXPLORE the Hiking Trails around Orr
Most mountain biking experiences on the Superior National Forest are along roadways originally developed to access forest stands for other reasons, but there are also two singletrack trail systems and one multi-use trail designated for cycling.
When using roads, mountain bikers need to be aware that many roads in the Forest are single lane roads with occasional wide areas for passing. Logging trucks and other vehicles travel the same roads and can surprise unsuspecting bikers. With this in mind, biking on the back roads can be a wonderful way to visit the Forest. Bikes allow for relatively fast access to the area without being isolated from the outdoors as you are in a car or truck. Wear a helmet, bring lots of water, and be prepared, but don't forget to have a good time!
There are two areas with dedicated mountain bike singletrack trail. One is on the Tofte District starting from the Britton Peak Hiking Trailhead, and the other starts in the Pincushion Recreation Area on the Gunflint District. Mountain biking is also part of the multi-use Big Aspen Trail on the Laurentian District
Hiking Trails
Gheen Hill
Located 4 miles South Orr. This is a multi-use trail and is open to hikers, mountain bikers, hunters and cross country skiers. For skiers a permit is required and may be purchased on line with the MN DNR or at any electronic licensing outlet.
There is the opportunities for view birds and other wildlife along the 4.5 miles of trails. Grant-in-aid trail with the City of Orr and the Minnesota DNR and the Ruffed Grouse Society.
Echo Lake Trail starts at the Echo Lake Campground. The 1.5-mile long trail offers hiking and cross country skiing.
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/echo-lakes-trail
Vermilion Gorge
This 3-mile long trail can be easily hiked in 3 hours. The last portion of the trail parallels the Vermilion River Gorge, a rugged landscape of sheer granite cliffs and rock outcroppings. The trail is gravel with boardwalks over wet areas.
Crane Lake Trail
A well-maintained ¼-mile trail leads you from the parking area to Vermilion Falls, a cascading torrent of water forced through a 10-foot wide opening in the granite. Smallmouth bass fishing below the falls can be excellent. And additional ½-mile trail leads you along the Vermilion River.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/superior/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=41624&actid=64
The Mickey Elverum Orr’s Bogwalk is located at Orr’s City Offices and Tourism Information Center. It features a ½-mile of boardwalk traveling over a variety of wetlands including a spruce bog, ash swamp, cattail marsh and tamarack swamp. With a great view of the Pelican River which is an outflow of the lake, you’re sure to spot otters, eagles, pelicans, osprey and other wildlife.
