Northern Minnesota’s Superior National Forest extends westward along the Canadian border from the north shore of Lake Superior to Voyageurs National Park and includes the pristine Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Outside the Boundary Waters, the forest is criss-crossed with rugged forest roads and trails, many of which are open to 4×4 vehicles. And given its location along the northernmost latitudes of the Lower 48, you can bet that Superior National Forest gets plenty of snow to challenge your 4×4. During winter, some of the forest’s roads are fully maintained, others only somewhat, and many are not maintained at all. Depending on where you are in the forest, you may find yourself sharing the road with snowmobilers, snowshoers and cross-country skiers, logging trucks, as well as possible moose and wolves. Set up your basecamp at Gunflint Lodge, on the edge of the Boundary Waters and in the heart of the forest, from where you can jump off to many forest service roads and enjoy some non-motorized winter fun, as well.
5 Tough Winter Destinations to Challenge Your 4×4
