• Iron County ATV Trails

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. Along many of those trails, remnants of Iron County’s logging and mining eras are still visible. Near Montreal, the Plummer Mine Headframe is a reminder of the county’s heyday as a regional center of iron mining. The 80-foot headframe is the last one standing in the state and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Iron County boats fifteen waterfalls. South of 3,300-acre Gile Flowage, ATV Trail 13 passes Spring Camp Falls on the Montreal River. You’ll also find waterfalls near Upson, Saxon Harbor, Montreal and Hurley.

While rated difficult, Trail 6 west of Hurley and Montreal is a popular destination. The narrow, winding trail can make for some anxious moments – especially if it’s wet – but those who venture on it are rewarded with spectacular vistas of the Lake Superior landscape.

Another popular destination is Saxon Harbor on the shore of the lake. Trails 2 and 3 wind through the dense forest to the harbor. With several miles of sandy beach, you can take a break from riding in exchange for a hike on the beach while the clear, fresh water laps at your feet.

Iron County’s off-trail attractions are many. Hurley’s 19th century courthouse has been turned into the Iron County Historical Museum with two floors of mining, farming and logging exhibits, (715/561-2244, www.hurleywi.com). To the south, Mercer is the gateway to the pristine, 19,000-acre Turtle-Flambeau Flowage perfect for fishing, boating, canoeing and wildlife observation. History buffs can also check out the Mercer Historical Museum housed in its 1905 railway depot (715/476-9191).

In Iron County, the ride is fine.

Click here to download the Iron County ATV trail map.


DISTANCE: 200 miles

DIFFICULTY: Easy to difficult

TRAILHEAD LOCATION(S): You can park for the day at six spots: Oneida Sales in Hurley, the Frontier Bar & Campground
in Saxon, Sidekick’s Bar & Restaurant in Iron Belt, Squeak’s Bar & Restaurant in Pence, the Yukon Inn in Oma, and on
Railroad Street in Mercer.

SEASON: Each year, the trails close for a few weeks during the spring thaw. Call ahead or check the Web for closures.

OTHER TRAILS IN THIS REGION: Dead Horse Run, Flambeau ATV Trails

NOTE: Many towns allow ATVs on the roads. Be sure to follow the 25mph speed limit. Snowmobile trails posted with ATV
signs are open to ATVs in the winter. However, when the temperature rises above 30 degrees, ATVs are prohibited.

CAUTION: Because of the popularity of these trails, always use caution and watch for oncoming traffic.

FEES: None.

AREA ATTRACTIONS: Iron County Historical Museum, Mercer Historical Museum, Plummer Mine Headframe, area waterfalls.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Iron County Development Zone
715/561-2922
www.ironcountywi.com
Hurley Area Chamber of Commerce
866/340-4334
www.hurleywi.com
Mercer Area Chamber of Commerce
715/476-2389
www.mercercc.com

3f0c

---

Social Bookmarks