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Use Caution! |
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Please use caution between Mile markers 5 & 6 near the Canisteo Pit. Loggers will periodically be crossing the trail in this location between 8/9/12 thru late fall. Please use caution in this area. Signs will be posted for your notification. |
Archive (14 items)
Washouts
Posted: Thursday, May 9th, 2013
Please use caution between Marble and Calumet.........3 washouts. Cannot haul materials to fix these areas until road restrictions are off. Please walk your bikes in this area. Also, trail repair work is being done between Virginia and Gilbert. This work should be complete in a few days.
Story ID: 263
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Trail Closures
Posted: Thursday, September 6th, 2012
Due to reconstructive paving projects being performed, the trail will be closed from Monday, September 24th to Monday, October 1st between Chisholm and Buhl. October 1st to October 4th from Gilbert to the Landfill Road towards Virginia. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Story ID: 260
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2012 Fall Colors
Posted: Tuesday, September 4th, 2012
September 2nd - Just starting.
September 12th - Here they come..... no rain basically since July so who know's what will happen with the colors....supposed to be a nice weekend..mid 70's during the day and 40's at night.
September 18th - Heavy frost last night....rain (hopefully)is on the
way, looking forward to a nice weekend...highs in the 50's and lows in the the 30's.
September 19th - (Local Weatherman prediction) - With yesterday's
sub-freezing temperatures, it will really accelerate our fall colors! It looks as though this upcoming weekend through next weekend will be great for viewing the foliage.
September 20th - He was right! Here come the reds :-)
September 24th - Good week ahead for weather, highs in the 60s, and 40's at night. Colors more vivid on east of trail Virginia to Giants Ridge. About 50% overall. Should be a good viewing weekend.
September 27th - They're gorgeous! Weekend is supposed to be in the 70's and sunny. Could be peak.
October 1st - Reds are just about over, yellows hanging on.
October 4th - Windy couple of days ahead.....just about over.
October 5th - Snow!
October 8th - Gone :-(
Story ID: 259
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Safety - Precaution
Posted: Thursday, July 12th, 2012
With more and more recumbent bikes being utilized, please attach a "flag" to your bikes for your safety, visibility and the safety of others. This has become an issue while (sweeping)the trail and also at crossroads and intersections due to their low profile. Thank you!
Story ID: 256
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2011 Fall Colors
Posted: Wednesday, September 14th, 2011
September 14th - Just starting.
September 16th - Heavy frost in Northern MN last night. According to MN Department of Natural Resources website: Bright, sunny days with warm temperatures, cool evenings that aren't freezing, and not too many rainy days produce the best leaf color.
September 28th - Here come the reds.... nice weekend coming up....Sunny and weather in the upper 60's.
October 3rd - Gonna be a beautiful week! Temps in the upper 70's during the day, upper 40's to mid 50's during the evenings. Just about over......most of the reds are coming down.
October 6th - Windy weekend coming up....this could be it. :-(
October 10th - Just about gone.
October 17th - Gone!!
Story ID: 251
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Giant's Ridge to Hwy 135 - NOT OPEN
Posted: Tuesday, July 12th, 2011
Giant's Ridge to Highway 135 segment of the trail is not open. The bridge has not been installed over Wynne Lake.
Use Giant's Ridge to Aurora segment to get to Highway 135. Sorry for the inconvenience. Questions: Call 218-780-5636
Story ID: 246
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Walked the whole trail
Posted: Tuesday, April 12th, 2011
A life long friend of mine & I have walked the whole trail...over a period of years. Some parts were/are quite wet..and deep. Has anyone else out there done the same??
Story ID: 235
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Mesabi Trail Offices have moved
Posted: Thursday, November 4th, 2010
On December 3, 2010 the St.Louis & Lake Counties Regional Railroad and Mesabi Trail offices relocated to our new building off Highway 53 in Eveleth.
Address:
111 Station 44 Road
Eveleth, MN 55734
Toll free line: 1-877-637-2241
Direct: 218-744-1388
Story ID: 233
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Inline Skating on the Mesabi Trail
Posted: Monday, October 11th, 2010
Several have asked about skating on the trail. I have skated the entire route many times and for the most part it is wonderful. There are a few rough spots that wouldn't bother bikers but create a challenge for skaters (1st 2-3 miles north of Grand Rapids, the new railroad west of Marble, 1-2 miles of washboard north of Biwabik) They are manageable but annoying. There are lots of hills not for the faint of heart, but only one really hazardous one between Taconite and Hwy 7. It is well marked and if you are not an expert skater who can control speed and negotiate sharp turns on steep downhills it would be smart to follow their advice and walk down. Overall though, the trail is in wonderful condition and the scenery is spectacular. If you want lots of fun company I might suggest doing the Great River Energy tour in August. It's a 50 mile tour with few hundred bikers and a handful of die-hard skaters, great fun.
Story ID: 232
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2010 Fall Colors
Posted: Tuesday, September 14th, 2010
September 14th - Just starting!
September 23rd - Here come the Reds! Should be a nice and sunny starting this Sunday all through next week with temps in the 60's.
September 28th - About 75%, the weekend is supposed to be sunny and in the mid 50's. Should be a nice viewing weekend.
September 30th - Reds are gone. Windy yesterday and today, but yellows are still hanging on.
October 4th - We're about 2 weeks earlier this year. Not many left.
October 8th - Gone :-(
Story ID: 228
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Inline skating the trail
Posted: Sunday, September 5th, 2010
Is the whole paved portion of the trail satisfactory for inline skating? I'm considering doing the entire Grand Rapids to McKinley on inline skates next summer.
Yes the trail is great for inline skating. Asphalt surface approximately 10-12 feet wide.
Story ID: 226
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October Riding
Posted: Monday, August 30th, 2010
What is the weather conditions on the trail in mid October?
Temps are usually 50 - 60 degrees during the day, around mid 30's at night.
2009 leave viewing listed below.
September 17th - Leaves on the east end are just starting to turn. West end is ahead again.
September 29th - Not much change, but after the wind yesterday (39 mph) they're still hanging on!
September 30th - Heavy frost last night (27 degrees in Hibbing), turning now.
October 6th - Here come the "Reds" should be nice viewing for the weekend if it doesn't snow!
October 10th - 2 inches of snow this morning. Leaves are still hanging on.
Weird year!
October 13th - Heavy frost again last night and the leaves are still hanging on. Weekend is supposed to be in the 50's.
October 15th - Snow again last night, leaves still here. Not much color this year.
October 19th - Gone. :-(
Story ID: 223
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Mesabi Trail Tour - OUTSTANDING!
Posted: Sunday, August 8th, 2010
THANK YOU to the many of volunteers who made the tour a truly well organized and fun event to participate in. This was my first visit to event, the trail and the region and I had a fantastic time. This event, like other cycling events, is nothing without the organizers and volunteers. I can't express how grateful I am for your time and energy. Again, thank you!
And thank you.... and yes thanks to all of wonderful volunteers that continue to help the event get better year after year. You are truly appreciated!
Birdie :-)
Story ID: 222
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Mo Ped
Posted: Wednesday, July 28th, 2010
My daughter wants to get to school during the summer for extra math help, but I work. She has a bike with a small motor on it (to help with hills) like a moped. Can she ride this bike on the trail?
Sorry, it cannot be a bike with a motor. It has to be a pedaled bicycle, like an electric assist would be permissible.
Story ID: 218
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Club Mesabi
Posted: Thursday, July 22nd, 2010
Is the membership fee a one time fee
Club Mesabi Membership is an annual fee.
Story ID: 216
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Cougar Sighting
Posted: Thursday, June 24th, 2010
A large cougar was sighted on the Mesabi Trail at 6:00 pm, just west of Nashwauk on June 23, 2010. The animal has been seen several times in the area over the past two weeks.
Get a picture!
Story ID: 208
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Club Mesabi Inc.
Posted: Thursday, June 10th, 2010
Club Mesabi Inc. is a non-profit corporation whose mission is to promote & support the Mesabi Trail. They are your information center for anything related to the Trail. If you have any questions about the Mesabi Trail, Great River Energy/Mesabi Trail Tour call Birdie @ 877-637-2241 or email: BOddo@mndiscovery center.com. Club Mesabi now has an e-commerce site with a variety of Mesabi Trail merchandise for sale; including bike jerseys, t-shirts, waterbottles and more. Click on the Club Mesabi Gear logo on the main page.
Story ID: 205
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Public Restrooms
Posted: Tuesday, May 25th, 2010
Hello. We will be riding from Aurora to Chisholm in June. I don't see public restrooms listed on the map. Do any of the city parks we ride through offer restroom facilities? Is that something that could be added to future maps? Thanks.
Location of public restrooms - all are right off the Mesabi Trail:
Gilbert - there should be facilities at Sherwood Forest Campground.
Virginia Olcott Park - public restrooms and satellites.
Mt Iron - satellite near the Mesabi Trail entry point kiosk.
Buhl - restroom at Stubler Beach.
Nashwauk - Campground / Gas Stations.
Grand Rapid - Fairgrounds - trail entry point.
Story ID: 203
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New Viewing Stand
Posted: Sunday, May 23rd, 2010
Hey, check out the new viewing stand on the trail!
On my daily ride yesterday I discovered a new viewing stand has been installed at mile marker 21. This new addition to the trail overlooks the shores of Oxhide lake and is directly across the trail from the Schmitz bench!
Enjoy the view.
Thank-you!
Story ID: 201
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Camp sites along the Mesabi trail
Posted: Wednesday, May 19th, 2010
I'll be riding the Mesabi Trail in August 2010, is there a list of places I can pitch a tent? Can I set pitch it next to the trail? There are several campgrounds along the trail. You can pitch a tent if it's not on private property. For a list of campgrounds call 877-637-2241 or email boddo@rrauth.com for further information.
Story ID: 200
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Hibbing to Grand Rapids
Posted: Wednesday, April 28th, 2010
Yesterday I was able to ride this entire section (40 miles) in one ride. While I have ridden the segments of the trail before, what a great experience to cover a large length of the trail at once. Perfect weather helped and being it a Tuesday afernoon, I virtually had the trail to myself. I counted 9 other trail users, 4 of which were in-line skaters. Enjoy the trail.
Story ID: 199
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tower/soudan to ely
Posted: Wednesday, April 7th, 2010
Any new news on the time frame for the tower/soudan to ely section?
We are currently working on part of this segment from Soudan to Bearhead Park that may include the newly proposed Vermillion State Park. Several issues remain if Vermillion Park develops.
Story ID: 192
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Mesabi Trail - Embarrass to Tower Route
Posted: Wednesday, November 18th, 2009
How will the trail system route from Embarrass area to Tower?
Not quite sure yet. But working on it.
Story ID: 182
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Construction for Essar Steel Railroad
Posted: Tuesday, October 27th, 2009
Two (2) miles west of Marble construction for the Essar Steel Railroad has begun. You will need to walk your bikes through this area, approximately 200 feet. Sorry :-(
Story ID: 180
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Great River Energy / Mesabi Trail Tour 2010
Posted: Monday, September 21st, 2009
Mark your calendars.........the date for the 2010 Mesabi Trail / Great River Energy Ride will be Saturday, August 7th 2010!
Story ID: 178
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2009 Fall Colors
Posted: Thursday, September 17th, 2009
Here we go again.........
September 17th - Leaves on the east end are just starting to turn. West end is ahead again.
September 29th - Not much change, but after the wind yesterday (39 mph) they're still hanging on!
September 30th - Heavy frost last night (27 degrees in Hibbing), turning now.
October 6th - Here come the "Reds" should be nice viewing for the weekend if it doesn't snow!
October 10th - 2 inches of snow this morning. Leaves are still hanging on.
Weird year!
October 13th - Heavy frost again last night and the leaves are still hanging on. Weekend is supposed to be in the 50's.
October 15th - Snow again last night, leaves still here. Not much color this year.
October 19th - Gone. :-(
Story ID: 177
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Thanks!
Posted: Friday, August 7th, 2009
Went for a skate last night, and was finally able to go from Coleraine to Taconite without taking the skates off and walking in Bovey. The section that had been torn up for construction of new ball fields in Bovey is finished, smooth, and the hill is less drastic than it used to be. Thanks very much! Got in a great half-marathon. Your welcome, sorry it took sooooooo long!
Story ID: 172
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Great Ride and A Question
Posted: Tuesday, July 28th, 2009
Just rode from Grand Rapids to Eveleth and back, camping along the way. Great trail and challenging. One question: Why do many of the large rocks along the trail have a white spot painted on them? Thanks for creating and maintaining one great trail! The rocks are there to keep the trail free of rocks and debris caused by ATV use.
Story ID: 170
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Wonderful Trail
Posted: Monday, July 27th, 2009
I just returned from a two-day, 90 mile ride from Grand Rapids to
Gilbert and I must say this is the most amazing trail I have ridden.
The quality of the trail is excellent, the scenery breath-taking and
beautiful, and the ride was so enjoyable. The terrain is so varied
that the ride was never boring. We enjoyed riding the trail through
the small towns along the way, and patronized businesses in many.
Both my brother and I have ridden many, many trails around the
country, and the Mesabi was super. My wife rode about 38 miles and
also enjoyed herself. I was able to find good, affordable lodging in
Grand Rapids, Hibbing, and Virginia. The people were friendly, and
the food was good everywhere we went. The map was helpful and we
enjoyed Judy Garland\'s house, the Greyhound Museum, and the Kayak
store in Mount Iron. The mine overlooks were also quite amazing.
Thanks for a really great experience. We will be back when the trail is open to Ely!
Michael
Normal, IL
Story ID: 169
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Where to Start - Family Riding/Camping
Posted: Sunday, May 31st, 2009
We really want to do a trip with our kids this summer. They are good riders and campers, but they are young. Can you give us any suggestions for rides that involve 1) great scenery, 2) not too many hills or cars, 3) the nicest camping, 4) lakes with beaches for swimming and other off-trail opportunities (museums, trains, ice cream). Also, which direction should we be planning to travel (east or west) due to wind, hills, or sunlight issues? Any help would be appreciated. There really is no more scenic spot along the trail, the whole thing is very picturesque. Send me your email address and I can give you a list of campgrounds along the trail.
Story ID: 160
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Shuttle ?
Posted: Tuesday, May 26th, 2009
We plan to bike Grand Rapids to Giant\'s Ridge but will need a shuttle back to Grand Rapids?
Contact Craig at the Bike Shop at Giant's Ridge. He's your "Shuttle Man"
800-688-7669.
Story ID: 159
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One Day Ride
Posted: Thursday, May 14th, 2009
I will be in Ely in June and was looking for info on a long (100 mi.) ride for the day. Anyone got a detailed plan or advice/route ideas. Is Grand Rapids to Ely too far/complicated. I have a shuttle vehicle. Thanks in advance for the help.
I hope you realize that there is only a small section of the Trezona Trail in Ely. If you want to take the highway to get on the trail in Biwabik, you will then have to go on the highway again to McKinley to access the trail. This portion will also be under construction this summer, but probably not while you are here in June. Once on the trail in McKinley, you can go all the way to Marble on the trail. A 1.5 mile section between Marble and Taconite will also be under construction, scheduled for completion at the end of June. McKinley to Marble is about a 30 mile trip one way. If you go on the highway when you reach Marble to Taconite you are on trail again all the way to Grand Rapids, So McKinley to Grand Rapids is approximately 75 miles one way. Hope this helps.
Story ID: 157
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Spring 2009
Posted: Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009
I've been on the trail from Grand Rapids to Coleraine and it is in good shape. There are some rocks on the trail here and there, but most of it is clear and dry. I'm excited about the prospect of the trail being completed between Scenic Hwy 7 and Marble. Is that still on track for completion this summer?
Story ID: 154
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ride plan
Posted: Monday, January 12th, 2009
can you ride on hwy 135 from trail end at giants ridge to tower and hwy 169 tower to ely
Yes
Story ID: 152
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2008 Fall Colors
Posted: Tuesday, September 16th, 2008
Monday, September 15th......Just starting to turn. Stay tuned :-)
Thursday, October 2nd at about 50%
Wednesday, October 8th - 85 % but supposed to be very windy today & tomorrow, let's hope they hang on a bit. Thursday, October 9th most of the leaves are down on the east end of the trail and they turned overnight.......WOW! Should be a good weekend for viewing. Monday, October 13th - Mostly golds left, the reds and oranges are down. Wednesday, October 15th - Just about done..... Monday, October 20th. Gone :-(
Story ID: 149
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WOW!!! What a Ride!!!
Posted: Monday, August 11th, 2008
Saturday August 9th Mesabi Trails Great River Energy Ride was Great! My 4th time riding and the event keeps getting better. Thanks, staff, volunteers, and riders. If you haven't ridden this event you haven't ridden a real fun and well supported ride.
Music at every stop, home baked goodies, knowledgeable volunteers, a great band and good food at the finish. Great fun and we're raising funds to support the trail and independent public radio to boot. I'll be back. Larry K.
Story ID: 145
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Soudan to Ely
Posted: Sunday, August 3rd, 2008
What is the most current date for completion of the trail section from Soudan to Ely? Also, have you considered a crushed limestone trail surface as a way to reduce your construction, maintenance costs and environmental impact? There is no date set for completion of this section of trail. Too many land issues at this point. Sorry.
Story ID: 144
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4 Wheelers
Posted: Tuesday, June 3rd, 2008
I run the trail behind the Greyhound museum three to for times a week today I was ran off the trail by 4 wheelers last On the Sunday of Labor day there was a Truck parked on the 1 1/2 mile marker and he was in the hills by Hibb Tac stealing scrape metal. The signs no longer have a ranger contact and this is not the first time I have been run off the back stretch behind the museum these 4 wheelers trespass on mine property and they are running down a clearly posted trail at high rates of speed. This is becoming a serious problem and someone i.e. a biker or a walker who are supposed to be on the trail is going to get hurt. There are other trails these offenders should be using. Please contact our office at 254-0086. The Trail Manager Doug Schmitz would like to talk with you about this incident (or his cell number is 218-780-5636). Thanks!
Story ID: 124
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Camping
Posted: Sunday, June 1st, 2008
Hey I am planning to set off from grand rapids and go as far east as I can (knowing of course that I will need, at certain times, to veer off the actual trail and unto roads to continue on my way to ely. I am going to try to camp the whole way. Is there any way I could get some more specific information on campable spots along the way?
Send me your name & address, or email address and I can do that.
Story ID: 123
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Tower to Ely Section
Posted: Friday, May 30th, 2008
We will begin engineering/design of the Soudan - Eagles Nest Lake segment this summer, have been sorting out easements & so forth with US Steel, State of MN, St. Louis County, Eagles Nest Township & several private ownerships. There are two probable routes, one basically north of Hwy 1/169 and the other south of 1/169 from Needle Boy Road to Eagles Nest. Have not done much work/easements between Deadman Lake & Ely other than public properties.
Story ID: 121
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Tower to Bear Head lake
Posted: Monday, February 4th, 2008
What is the current status on the section from Tower to Bear Head park? How close will this section come to Eagle's Nest Lakes?
Currently waiting the outcome of proposed Lake Vermillion State Park, as this development may effect the location of the trail. Our current alignment takes the trail very close to Eagle's Nest Lakes, however this might change pending outcome of the State Park negotiation with U. S. Steel Corporation.
Story ID: 99
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Any News on Ely to Bear Head Lake Section?
Posted: Thursday, September 27th, 2007
Just wondering about the status of the trail between Bear Head Lake State Park and Ely. Has a route been approved yet? Does it go south of Twin Lakes (please please please - I have a cabin there! :) ) So glad to see this trail nearing completion - what a great gift.
Hello - Alignment will most likely be north of Twin Lakes...sorry. We have been working in the Soudan to Robinson Lake segment and looks like the trail will most likely locate just south of Robinson Lake. We have not done alot of work east of Robinson Lake and seems unlikely the trail will swing as far south as Twin Lakes, but should be within a mile or so. Hope that works!
Story ID: 96
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Bike Trip
Posted: Monday, September 24th, 2007
My husband and I are taking off from Grand Rapids biking to Giants Ridge. We are going to be camping along the way. Any suggestions as to what camp grounds are available close to the trail? I have a list of campgrounds however I'm not sure where they are located in conjunction to the trail. Also are there signs posted as to where the trail enters when we have to "get off the trail"? I'm a little concerned about the areas that aren't finished completely. Hopefully we'll be spoiled with no rain and warmer evenings!!!
I will need a little more information as to how long your trips will be (approximate miles) in order to answer your question or give me a call at 877-637-2241. Thanks!!
Story ID: 95
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2007 Fall Colors
Posted: Friday, September 14th, 2007
Hello again! - It will be interesting to see if the colors are brilliant or not this fall with no rainfall to speak of this past summer.
September 14 - Just starting to turn. Western communites are also ahead of the rest.
September 18 - Turning overnight.......weekend should be nice.
September 24 - Wow!
September 27 - This weekend peak is predicted. With all the wind, alot have fallen.
October 5 - Still hanging around but supposed to be very windy and rain the next 7 days.
October 10 - Just about over......
October 15 - Gone!
Story ID: 93
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Fall 2008 ride
Posted: Wednesday, May 23rd, 2007
I am looking for a flat 60 mile section (or sections) for a bunch (50 or 60) 60+ year olds--are there any on this trail?
We also need a place to stay for 3 days with a camp ground nearby for our campers--- and GOOD eating. Any suggestions??
At present, there is a 77 mile section completed from Marble to McKinley. Our trail has some flat sections, rolling hills and a few spots along this section with up to an 8% grade. I will send you a copy of the map, campground and restaurant information but will need your name and address. Call 877-637-2241 or birdie.oddo@ironworld.com and request the information you are looking for. Thanks!
Story ID: 83
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Summer Trip
Posted: Monday, January 29th, 2007
Will it be possible to ride from Grand Rapids to Giants Ridge on a paved trail or will there be some short road rides. Looking forward to doing it and camping out near Giants Ridge and returning after a couple of days of rest and sight seeing. LSH..............
It depends how road restriction and construction season goes weather wise. Sections that are tentatively scheduled for 2007 completion are Pengilly to Nashwauk, Scenic 7 to Marble and possibly McKinley to Biwabik.
Story ID: 77
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When is this trail finished
Posted: Wednesday, January 24th, 2007
Does anyone have any idea when this trail will be finished? I have been waiting for a few years here....
When all the funding, land issues, easements, plan is approved etc.
Story ID: 76
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Just My Two Feet
Posted: Thursday, November 9th, 2006
I really wonder how long it would take to walk this trail...or even now, about 100 miles or so? Anyone have any idea how long that would take to walk???
I guess it would all depend on how fast you walk.... walking at a pace of 20 minutes per mile(average walking speed) it would take approximately 33 hours.
Story ID: 71
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Total Ridable Distance
Posted: Saturday, October 28th, 2006
What is the total mileage that is as of today all paved without detours, etc., starting at the Grand Rapids trailhead?
Approximately 95 miles are complete, with the longest continous section between Nashwauk and McKinley around 50.
Story ID: 66
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Lodging
Posted: Thursday, August 31st, 2006
Why is it so hard to find lodging links on this website.
Because they are ads that are paid for, so if they don't want to advertise, they don't. If you would like a listing of places to stay along the trail, you can either call 877-637-2241 or email me, birdie.oddo@ironworld.com.
with your name and address. Thanks!!!
Story ID: 59
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Bike Rentals
Posted: Thursday, July 20th, 2006
Bikes are available in the following locations:
Hibbing: Bikes On Howard 218-262-0899
Chisholm: Chisolm Inn & Suites 218-254-2000
Virginia: Mesabi Recreation 218-749-6719
Giant's Ridge: Bike Shop 800-688-7669
Grand Rapids - Itasca Trail Sports
218-326-1716
Tandems only right now, possible individual in 2007. Call for info.
Story ID: 27
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