Prospector Loop ATV Trail System

06/01/2026

Thanks!!

05/15/2026

With another repair made to a culvert washout, Trail 11 is now open. At this point, the Prospector Trail system is open. There is some construction on a connection from the new Bear Run Trail to Wolf Lake Road. We are hoping that will be completed any day now.

05/14/2026

Bear Run trail is open! For those who have not been there yet, it is a spur off the Taconite Trail. It does cross Hwy 169, so please be careful. There is decent visibility in both directions. It is approximately 18 miles total from the Taconite to the end of Mud Creek road to the Glenwood Lodge on Lake Vermilion. Glenwood has a quaint bar overlooking the lake and does have pizza, which was pretty good. There are a couple of short road sections, one of which is paved, running side by side with the bike trail. It is about six miles from Highway 169, and as the trail starts, turn left toward Mud Creek Road. The other choice is the section under construction that will connect to Mud Creek Road. The section of trail going north from Highway 169 is very cool with a great vista and some steep switchbacks. From 169, it is about 12 miles to where the trail meets Mud Creek Road, which will then take you to Glenwood Lodge. This trail is a down-and-back trail. Have fun and drive safely! Having ATVers riding to the resort will be a new experience for Glenwood, so enjoy the ride and relax at a cool, very old-style, laid-back resort.

05/13/2026

The unofficial unapproved use of the Fernberg shoulder from Winton to 13 Corners is closed. We are working with the DOT to put in a proper ATV trail. This is just one of four that is being worked on and all need to be done at the same time. Environmentals being done now, then permitting, then funding and it will be a good three years yet to trails being made. FYI

05/09/2026

GOOD NEWS! Trail 8 is open! The culverts at South Farm have been repaired. Thanks to Elroy & Crew!

05/01/2026

Prospector Trail system opened today including Bear Run from the Taconite to Mud Creek Road. Trail 8 is closed at South Farm and both Trail 11 and Trail 12 remain closed due to washouts. Please be careful as trail conditions can change rapidly. Thank you to our club members who have been out checking trails, clearing trees and making repairs.

04/30/2026

04/28/2026

The large amount of rain has caused damage to the trail system with a washout at South Farm.

Trail 8 will be closed for at least the first week (May 1-8) as the culverts were washed away at South Farm. This means riders will not be able to get from Ely to Mattila Shelter and vice versa. Please make alternate arrangements.

The rest of the Prospector System (with the exception of 10, 11 and 12) have been inspected and will open on May 1. We would note the wet conditions have created a lot of standing and moving water and people should take precautions on the trail.

04/25/2026

04/15/2026