Trail description: The Mesabi, one of Minnesota's premiere paved bicycle trails, traverses the Iron Range and the Superior National Forest. When completed, it will extend from Grand Rapids to Ely for a total length of 130 miles. Check the trail's website for the current status of completion. Unlike most rail trails that are generally flat and straight, the Mesabi meanders and curves, runs up and down hills, through forests, fields, streams, past the "great canyons of the north" and into 28 historic Iron Range communities along its path. Access fee: Annual pass $12, two-day pass $3 (2008) Towns along the trail: Grand Rapids (pop 8,000), Hibbing (pop 20,000), Biwabik, Ely, MN Web site:Mesabi Trail Trail map: Available on the website and by mail Trail surface: Paved path (8 to 12 feet wide) Designated activities: Bicycling, walking, inline skating, horseback riding, cross-country skiing Facilities on the trail: Available in many of the towns Points of interest: Forest History Center, a 1900 logging camp in Grand Rapids. Giants Ridge Resort near Biwabik. Superior National Forest south of Ely. Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness north of Ely Lodging: Available in many of the towns Camping: Grand Rapids, Hibbing, Biwabik, Ely Bike shops: Grand Rapids, Ely Weather forecast:Grand Rapids | Ely Tourism info:Grand Rapids Visitors Bureau | Ely Chamber | Iron Trail VB Getting to the trail: Grand Rapids is served by Grand Rapids/Itasca County Airport and Greyhound Bus. A shuttle service is available to carry up to 12 passengers and bikes along the trail. Map of local region:Ely | Hibbing | Biwabik | Grand Rapids Submitted by: from: MN Date submitted: March 23, 2003
Trail name: Mesabi Trail Times biking the trail: Weekly Date of last visit: August, 2003 Sections that I biked: Eveleth to Virginia, Virginia to Calumet My favourite sections of the trail: Eveleth to Gilbert, The view of Lake Ore-be-gone from the trail is breathtaking Best time to go: summer Trail marking: Very good Trail maintenance: Fair Rating: 5 stars What I liked: The smooth pavement, and the way the trail twists and bends makes it interesting What I disliked: Graffiti on the beautiful cliffs on the sides of the trail between gilbert and Virginia. Comments: Submitted by: from: Eveleth Date submitted: Sept 5, 2003
Rate this section of trail