| Arrowhead State Trail | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Length | 135 mi (217 km) |
| Location | Arrowhead Region, Minnesota, USA |
| Designation | Minnesota state trail |
| Trailheads | Tower International Falls |
| Use | Hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, snowmobiling |
| Season | Primarily winter |
| Sights | Sturgeon River State Forest,Kabetogama State Forest,Ash River |
| Hazards | Logging traffic, severe weather, standing water in summer |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Website | Arrowhead State Trail |
TheArrowhead State Trail is a recreational trail in theArrowhead Region of northernMinnesota, USA, geared primarily for wintersnowmobile use. It runs 135 miles (217 km) from an intersection with theTaconite State Trail 10 miles (16 km) west ofTower to an intersection with theBlue Ox Trail 3 miles (4.8 km) south ofInternational Falls.[1] In summer about 69 miles (111 km) are suitable forhiking,horseback riding, andmountain biking, while the northern section is blocked by areas of wetness and standing water.[2]
The Arrowhead State Trail was authorized by theMinnesota Legislature in 1974–75.[1] It is managed by theMinnesota Department of Natural Resources.
The northern section of the trail from International Falls to theAsh River is fairly flat, passing through forests ofaspen on higher ground andspruce andash on lower ground.[1] The southern section is more rugged, featuring rolling hills with large, exposed boulders interspersed with many lakes and streams.[3] This thickly wooded area is part of theLaurentian Mixed Forest Province. There are intersections with numerous local snowmobile trails. The route of the Arrowhead State Trail passes within one mile (1.6 km) ofVoyageurs National Park and within 10 miles (16 km) of theBoundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.[4] The trail, which very roughly followsU.S. Route 53, offers nine shelters with firepits and restrooms.[3]
Since 2005 the trail has hosted the Arrowhead 135, a 135-mile (217 km) extreme endurance race in which contestants are challenged to carry all of their own gear under their own power via foot, ski, or bicycle, in mid-winter.[5]
48°6′6″N92°40′35″W / 48.10167°N 92.67639°W /48.10167; -92.67639
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