Arrowhead State Trail
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2025}}
{{Infobox hiking trail
| name = Arrowhead State Trail
| photo =
| caption =
| location = Arrowhead Region, Minnesota, USA
| designation = Minnesota state trail
| length_mi=135
| trailheads = Tower
International Falls
| use = Hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, snowmobiling
| elev_change =
| highest =
| lowest =
| grade =
| difficulty =
| 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 = [http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_trails/arrowhead/index.html Arrowhead State Trail]
}}
The Arrowhead State Trail is a recreational trail in the Arrowhead Region of northern Minnesota, USA, geared primarily for winter snowmobile use. It runs {{convert|135|mi|km}} from an intersection with the Taconite State Trail {{convert|10|mi|km}} west of Tower to an intersection with the Blue Ox Trail {{convert|3|mi|km}} south of International Falls.{{cite map | title = Arrowhead & Taconite State Trails | url = http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/state_trails/arrowhead_taconite.pdf | publisher = Minnesota Department of Natural Resources | date = 2009 | accessdate = 2011-06-05}} In summer about {{convert|69|mi|km}} are suitable for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking, while the northern section is blocked by areas of wetness and standing water.{{cite web | title = Arrowhead State Trail | url = http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_trails/arrowhead/index.html | publisher = Minnesota Department of Natural Resources | accessdate = 2011-06-05}}
The Arrowhead State Trail was authorized by the Minnesota Legislature in 1974–75. It is managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Description
The northern section of the trail from International Falls to the Ash River is fairly flat, passing through forests of aspen on higher ground and spruce and ash on lower ground. The southern section is more rugged, featuring rolling hills with large, exposed boulders interspersed with many lakes and streams.{{cite web | title = Course Description and Trail Maps | url = http://www.arrowheadultra.com/index.php/race-inforegistration/course-description | publisher = Arrowhead Ultra Sports Foundation, Inc. | accessdate = 2011-06-05}} This thickly wooded area is part of the Laurentian Mixed Forest Province. There are intersections with numerous local snowmobile trails. The route of the Arrowhead State Trail passes within {{convert|1|mi|km|spell=in}} of Voyageurs National Park and within {{convert|10|mi|km}} of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.{{cite web | title = Arrowhead State Trail | url = http://www.bwca.cc/activities/hiking/arrowhead.html | publisher = BoundaryWatersCanoeArea.com | accessdate = 2011-06-05| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110518205315/http://bwca.cc/activities/hiking/arrowhead.html| archive-date= 18 May 2011 | url-status= live}} The trail, which very roughly follows U.S. Route 53, offers nine shelters with firepits and restrooms.
Events
Since 2005 the trail has hosted the Arrowhead 135, a {{convert|135|mi|km|adj=on}} 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.{{cite news | last = Regenold | first = Stephen | title = ULTRAFIT - Icy beards, numb digits and derring-do - From one who's been there, a frostbitten glimpse of what's in store for the determined souls entered in next week's 135-mile endurance race through northern Minnesota forests | newspaper = Star Tribune | location = Minneapolis, Minn. | date = 2008-01-30}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_trails/arrowhead/index.html Arrowhead State Trail]
- [http://www.snowshoemag.com/2016/02/25/2016-arrowhead-135-racing-round-the-clock/ Snowshoe racing on Arrowhead Trail]
{{Coord|48|6|6|N|92|40|35|W|display=title}}
{{Minnesota hiking trails}}
{{Authority control}}
Category:Protected areas of Koochiching County, Minnesota