ATV TRAILS
Some of the Best ATV Trails in Minnesota Can Be Found Up North
4 destinationupnorth . com
BY JENNIE ZEITLER , CONTRIBUTING WRITER
When you head Up North , one of the biggest draws is what the Explore Minnesota Tourism Council calls “ small-town charm set along some of the most popular lakes in Minnesota .” The “ quintessential lake destination ” isn ’ t only about the water though . It ’ s also a place to enjoy off-road adventure trails .
Minnesota is home , in fact , to some of the largest and most exciting trail systems in the United States . One of the hidden gems for ATV riders and outdoor recreation is just a 25-minute ride south of the Brainerd Lakes area .
The Pine Center Trails System is one of the oldest in Minnesota , having been created from old logging roads . It offers a fun-filled , 23-plus miles of trails through woods , around swamps and even private lakes .
Plus , it features three designated parking areas , an in-trail picnic area for visitors to enjoy , and it ’ s good for riders of all skill levels . Another interesting fact about the Pine Center Trails system is that it was one of the first trails approved under Minnesota ’ s Off-Highway Vehicle ( OHV ) Trails Assistance Program , popularly known as Grant-in-Aid ( GIA ).
The Department of Natural Resources ( DNR ) authorized the cost-share program in 1984 to facilitate the development and maintenance of trails for use by All-Terrain Vehicles ( ATVs ).
The Pine Center Trails System was originally maintained by The Pine Center Sportsmen ’ s Club , but they gave it up in 2018 . The County was going to close the trail unless another club took over the grant and maintenance . The North Metro Trail Riders Club officially took over the trail system responsibilities in 2019 .
Mark Smerud volunteers as grant manager for the club , which means he does all the grant paperwork , among other things . The club has 125 members , and 25 of them participate in trail maintenance activities .
“ Typically we get back to the trail system in March or April , depending on weather . We clean up the trail from the previous winter . In 2023 , there were hundreds of trees down . We do all the removal and cleanup . We do erosion repairs and general maintenance ,” he said .
With maintenance of the trail in good hands , The Pine Center Sportsmen ’ s Club has shifted its focus back to the activities for ATV riders it puts on each year .