ORV - Off-Road Vehicles
Chippewa National Forest

photo of people using off road vehicles

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

People enjoy using Off-Road Vehicles (ORV) for trail riding,  hunting and  snowmobiling.  It is an exciting  way to tour the beautiful Chippewa National Forest. 

By treading  lightly on the environment, being courteous to others, respecting private property and obeying the laws, you are contributing to the positive image of recreational motor vehicle activities.  Responsible riders are also safe riders.  Be sure to wear appropriate protective gear and maintain your machine.

TRAILS

The longest motorized trail on the Chippewa National Forest is the Soo Line Trail. This trail is an old railroad grade which  extends from Cass Lake  to  Moose Lake, Minnesota.   All-terrain vehicles (ATV), off-highway motorized (OHM's) and snowmobiles are the emphasized use of this trail.

More than 300 miles of snowmobile trails cross the Chippewa National Forest.  Most of these trails are  managed and maintained by various snowmobile clubs across the Forest and provide snowmobilers access to lake, scenic woodlands, and frozen wetlands.  Maps of these trails are available from county offices, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and National Forest offices.

MORE INFORMATION

All ORV users are encouraged to purchase a Chippewa National Forest map, available for $4.00 or the recreation map avialable for $6.00.  These maps will help you identify designated Forest roads and trails. 

OFF-ROAD VEHICLE POLICY

To keep National Forest System land enjoyable for all visitors and to avoid resource damage, please follow the Chippewa National Forest's ORV policy:

  • Safety First

  • ORV's  are permitted on Forest roads  unless posted closed.

  • Cross-country travel off of Forest roads and trails is prohibited.

  • Snowmobiles may be used on unplowed Forest roads unless posted closed.

  • ORV's must be operated in compliance  with State and Federal laws and regulations.

  • There are  non-motorized trails throughout the Chippewa National Forest that are not for use by ORV's.  These trails are  posted closed to motorized use. 

  •   Violation notices will be issued to operators of ORV's who are on roads and trails posted closed. A maximum fine of $5,000 and or up to six months in jail.