On the edge of Lake Superior and bordering Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is an ATV paradise called Iron County. A combination of wellthought-out trails, friendly towns, active ATV clubs and an involved local government has produced a sophisticated network of summer-only and year-round trails, making it one of the top go-to places in the state. The trail system is so well developed that you can visit nearly every major town in the county on an ATV.
The area has the welcome mat out all year long, allowing ATVers to enjoy the trails in their favorite season. A perfect time to visit is during the Memorial Day Weekend ATV Rally. This popular event features competitions, activities and, of course, lots of riding. At the Rally’s 20th anniversary in 2005, a Guinness record was set for the largest ATV parade ever. A total of 687 ATVs participated. (Since then, the record has been broken, but Iron County aims to get it back.) Another popular event is the annual Pumpkin Run ATV Rally which takes place in October. In addition to some great and colorful fall riding, there’s food, live music, dancing and other fun activities.
Even when the Hurley-Mercer area isn’t hosting a rally, there’s plenty to see and do on ATVs. The county’s 200 miles of well-marked trails thread between towns, making the entire area well connected. Adventurous types might be tempted to take in as much as possible in a single day. With the wide network of trails, though, it’s best to make a weekend (or more) of it.
Trail 17 forms the major north-south artery between Hurley and Mercer; a quick and easy 24-mile roll. While the trail is a thoroughfare of activity, the real fun starts on the county’s many spur trails.
