Virginia Expansion Trail
The Virginia Expansion — officially the Iron Range OHV State Recreation Area West Unit — is one of the best-kept secrets on the Iron Range. At 2,700 acres it’s more than twice the size of the Gilbert unit, and it rides completely different. Less mining theater, more pure northern Minnesota wilderness. Rock ledges, native forest, wetland crossings, and a couple of legitimate scenic overlooks that’ll make you stop the rig and just sit for a minute.
I’ve run the 6-mile core loop personally. Plan on 2+ hours if you’re stopping to actually look around — and you will stop. Someone in our group broke down on the last run out there, so do yourself a favor and go with at least one other vehicle.
Trail Stats
| Total System | 13 miles |
| Core Loop | ~6 miles |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Location | Virginia / Gilbert, MN (Iron Range) |
| Season | Year-round (closed during firearms deer season) |
| Vehicles | ATV Class I & II, OHM, SxS over 65″, Full-Size ORV |
What to Expect
The West Unit is more wilderness-focused than Gilbert. You’re moving through upland and lowland terrain — native MN forest, rock outcroppings, and wetland zones. Two lookouts worth finding: Ely Lake Lookout and Lone Pine. Both offer long views across the range that are worth the stop. The trail eventually connects to the city of Virginia via the Thomas Rukavina Memorial Bridge.
Winter use is allowed with reduced hours — there’s a snowmobile trail that passes through on one of the perimeter routes but OHVs need to stay off the groomed snowmobile trail. Porta-potty is stocked year-round at the main lot.
Permits & Passes
Minnesota residents need a current MN OHV registration. Non-residents need an MN OHV Trail Pass — pick one up before you go. More info at the DNR link below.
Getting There
From Gilbert, head east on Hwy. 135 to the entrance on Enterprise Trail. Iron Range OHV SRA Office: 7196 Pettit Road, Gilbert, MN 55741 — (218) 735-3831.
