Trail Use

• Biking

  The Mesabi Trail offers diverse scenery and terrain for biking. Local and visiting bikers have the opportunity to explore the rich wilderness and nature of northern Minnesota. This variety of scenery and terrain offers new experiences within each trail section. Ride, view, and, above all, enjoy your biking on this beautiful trail.

  Biking Laws & Regulations

  • Obey all road and traffic laws.
  • Keep to the right. Ride with traffic, as close to the right side of the road as practical. Watch for grates, opening car doors and soft shoulders. Don’t weave between parked cars.
  • Obey the right-of-way rules. Yield to pedestrians. When entering a roadway from some place other than an intersection, yield the right of way to all approaching vehicles. Even if you have the right-of-way, be prepared to yield if necessary.
  • Use hand signals. Signaling your intentions is essential to let other drivers on the roadway know what you intend to do. Give a hand signal well enough before turning to prepare other drivers of your intent, unless hand is needed to control the bicycle.
  • Avoid following too closely. Never hitch a ride on another vehicle. Avoid tailgating or drafting other bicycles or vehicles. Avoid getting behind or between large vehicles like buses or trucks.
  • Be prepared when riding at night. Ride after dark only if your bike has a headlight, taillight, and reflectors required by law. Wear light colored clothing or reflective coverings. Allow plenty of time for travel and watch for unlit roads, potholes and other night time hazards.
  • Wear a helmet. Helmet use will reduce serious injuries to the head. A helmet will keep your head dry in rain or snow. Other road users will recognize you as a safety minded driver. Wearing a helmet makes you more visible.

  Biking Trail Tips / Checklist

  For bicyclist:

  • sunscreen lotion
  • insect repellent
  • rain or wind jacket
  • protective eye-wear
  • helmet
  • gloves

  For bicycle:

  • flat-tire repair kit (customized to work on your bike)
  • spare tube
  • patches and glue
  • tire irons pump (one that fits the valves on both types of tubes)
  • tools (at least a screwdriver, adjustable wrench, hex wrenches to fit)
  • 8-9-10mm ‘Y’ wrench (bolts on brakes, derailleurs)
  • Allen wrenches (4,5,6mm to fit stem, derailleurs, brakes)
  • specific tools to handle specific problems such as spoke wrench or freewheel tool. (Depending on length of ride, condition of bike and access to service) spray lubricant for chains or squeaky/rusty parts, such as Tri-flow, WD-40, Dri-Slide. Refer to your local bike shop or favorite repair book for more ideas or suggestions.

  First-Aid Kit:

  Purchase a kit which will fit easily in your pack or organize your own. Include:

  • Band-Aids
  • Gauze
  • Tape
  • Over-the-counter pain relief medication
  • Antiseptic salve
• Hiking

  The Mesabi Trail is a great place for walkers and hikers to explore the wilderness of northern Minnesota. In line skaters can enjoy a smooth riding surface which will provide them with a safe and fast ride. All may enjoy the beauty of the wilderness. Please remember that being in the wilderness requires caution. It is recommended that all users stay close to the trail.

  Hiking Trail Tips

  • For a short stroll: Water, sunscreen, and a light jacket
  • Brisk walk: Water, Sunscreen, jacket, and a light snack
  • Day hikes: Water, sunscreen, jacket, lunch, map, flashlight, matches, some coins for telephone calls where telephone is available.
  • Extended overnight hikes:
    This type of backpacking takes more experience and preparation. Follow guidelines for camping such as preparation for sleeping and cooking. Always be sure to tell someone where you are going and how long you plan to be gone. Consider your shoes and the distance you’re going to travel.
• Snowmobiling

  Certain sections of the Mesabi Trail trail allow snowmobile use. The following sections are posted NO MOTORIZED VEHICLES – EXCEPT SNOWMOBILES:

  • Grand Rapids to Prairie River Bridge
  • Coleraine to connection of Taconite Trail
  • Hibbing to Buhl

  The rest of the trail is posted NO MOTORIZED VEHICLES and snowmobiling is not allowed. Any further information you may need please contact the Mesabi Trail offices directly at (218) 744-1388 or (877) 637-2241.