When they talk about riding Red Dirt, they’re talking about the Iron Range with its miles of converted mining trails. Tioga’s trails do not disappoint.
The Tioga Recreation Area west of Grand Rapids is an often overshadowed, yet distinctly exciting trail system that offers long zippy descents, punchy climbs and plenty more-where-that-came-from red dirt and rock to push your technical skills to their limits.
I rank Tioga among the best for its sheer magnitude. Boasting more than 25 miles within 500 acres of Minnesota School Trust Lands, the sounds of silence here run deep. Miles upon miles of old iron mining trails zip through dense forests. You’ll experience “Is this Heaven” moments as you cruise above the deep mine lakes and hear nothing but the whispering pines surrounding you.
My last time there, in 2021, was for the mostly annual “Tioga Thrillseeker” Minnesota Mountain Bike Series race and I remember distinctly on some of the descents experiencing flashbacks to some of the craziest lines I’ve ridden outside of Breckenridge, Colo.
It’s beautiful country up here — well worth a day trip and overnight excursion to the north country!
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