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| Home > Minnesota > Big Aspen Trail |
Big Aspen Recreation Area
Thursday, August 21, 2025
| Other Names | Big Aspen Trail, Superior National Forest |
| Last Known Status | Open |
This multiple use recreation area offers about 21 miles of mostly easy to moderate trails, which make it a decent place to take beginners. Trails mainly consist of railroad grades and old forest roads that wind through a scenic pine and hardwood forest. Call before you haul.
REGULATIONS
| Permit Required | Yes | MN OHV Permit |
| Dates Open | May 1 - November 28 | |
| Other ATV Stickers Accepted | Unknown | |
| Spark Arrestor | Yes | A spark arresting exhaust silencer or end cap is required for all vehicles. |
| Noise Limit | Yes (99 dB) | must not exceed distance of 20 inches |
| Whip Flags | Not Required | |
| Maximum Vehicle Width | No Restriction | |
 Motorcycles & Dirt Bikes | Permitted | |
 ATVs | Permitted | |
 UTV & SXS | Permitted | |
 SUVs & Jeeps (registered) | Prohibited | |
| Dune Buggy & Sand Rail 4x4 (unregistered) | Prohibited | |
| 2 Stroke Engines | Prohibited | |
| MX Helmet Required | Youth Only | required for operators under 18 by state law (RiderPlanet strongly recommends helmets for all riders.) |
 Camping | ||
 Campfires | ||
| Night Riding | Unknown | |
| Trail Blazing | Prohibited | stay on designated trails |
| Rule Enforcement |
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TYPE OF AREA
| Area | Motorized Trails |
| Land | National Forest |
FEES & PASSES
| Parking | (None) |
| Entry | (None) |
| Riding | (None) |
| Camping | (None) |
RATINGS
| Our Rating |  |
| Recommended Stay | Full Day |
| Comments | (Scroll Down For Rider Reviews & Comments) |
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
| Nearest City | Virginia, MN | ||
| From: Virginia, MN
1) Take US-169 North (US-53) about 7 miles 2) Turn right on CR-131, continue 1 mile 3) Turn left at T-intersection, continue 2.4 miles 4) Staging area is on the left. |
OFFICIAL CONTACTS
| Contact Info | Superior National Forest - Laurentian Ranger District 318 Forestry Road Aurora, MN 55705 (218) 229-8800 mailroom_r9_superior@fs.fed.us www.fs.usda.gov |
| Contact Info | Minnesota DNR License Bureau 500 Lafayette Road St. Paul, MN 55155 (888) 665-4236 info.dnr@state.mn.us www.dnr.state.mn.us |
| Comment | OHV Permit Info |
Big Aspen Trail Photo
Photo Submitted 9/2/2016 (Thanks!)
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TERRAIN
| Approx Size | 4,480 acres (7 sq mi) | |
| Miles Of Trail | 21 | |
| Climate Type | Forest | |
| Elevation | 1300 to 1500 ft. | |
| Trail Maintenance | Marked, Not Rated, Lightly Maintained | |
| Hazards |  Few | (hazards assumed marked but use caution) |
 Novice |  Mostly | |
 Amateur |  Some | |
 Expert |  Little |
GPS POINTS
KEY SERVICES
 Gasoline | 1-5 Miles (SW) | Britt Short Stop (218) 741-9171 |
| Diesel | 1-5 Miles (SW) | Britt Short Stop (218) 741-9171 |
 Water | Virginia, MN | |
 RV Hookup | 5-20 Miles (S) | West Two River Campground (218) 748-7570 or (218) 735-8831 |
 RV Disposal | 5-20 Miles (S) | West Two River Campground (218) 748-7570 or (218) 735-8831 |
| Campground | 5-20 Miles (S) | West Two River Campground (218) 748-7570 or (218) 735-8831 |
 Conv Store | 1-5 Miles (SW) | Britt Short Stop (218) 741-9171 |
RIDER COMMENTS & REVIEWS