Trail Riding
Your Forward Operating Base
for an Iconic Iron Range Expedition
Brief
Find yourself at the center of Northern Minnesota’s most exciting motorized arteries: the Prospector Loop, the Stony Spur, and the Taconite State Trail.
These interconnected systems provide over 250 miles of world-class access through the Superior National Forest, linking the historic communities of Babbitt, Ely, Tower, and Embarrass into a single adventure network.
Our "accessible isolation," gives you a rare combination of deep-wilderness immersion and direct trail connectivity. Whether you are a "Motorhead" seeking high-mileage technical endurance or a family unit seeking a "Memory-Making Adventure," our resort is your launchpad for any expedition through the Iron Range.
“Key-On” Advantage
Under St. Louis County Ordinance 64, riders can legally operate ATVs on the shoulder of county roads. Our driveway is directly on the Stony Spur trailhead. This means you can turn your key at the cabin door and be on the trail in minutes without ever deploying a trailer ramp or dealing with the "load/unload" cycle.
“Hybrid” Expedition
Timber Bay is the only destination in the region where you can bridge the gap between water and woods. Positioned on the shores of a 20-mile-long, motorized haven, we offer the "Mothership" advantage: Ride awe inspiring trails in the morning, return to a vintage houseboat moored at your private island for the evening.
Memberships
Babbitt ATV &
Snowmobile Club
Our local clubs are ready to help get you connected and to collaborate with your hometown clubs as well.
Support
High-performance ATV and snowmobile rentals at Lossings provide critical mechanical service.
Trail passes and any other registrations you may need are easily obtained online from the MN DNR.
As a proud member of both ATVMN and WATVA, Timber Bay is pleased to offer our fellow members special discounts on stays with us.
Resources
Mission Profile
You’re not coming to the Northwoods to figure out where you’re heading next. You have a mission in mind and you’re here to accomplish it.
Good news: We’re here to help.
Whether you’re an explorer looking to crank miles, a family making memories for a lifetime, or a couple getting away from it all… You’ve found your starting line.
for the Motorhead
Access the high-fidelity technical challenges you want with the local intelligence and mechanical redundancy you expect. Drive straight into "Hero Sections" like the Jackpot Loop and leverage our partnership with Lossing’s Power Sports , ensuring trip continuity .
for the Explorer
We meet you at the starting line to your endurance-focused adventure with "Meal Circuits" (restaurant to bar to restaurant to…) like the 100-mile Trestle Run. These high-mileage tours offer "True Wilderness" immersion and historical waypoints, such as the Soudan Underground Mine, providing a "Trophy" experience for those seeking high stakes engagement.
for the Family
Tackle simplified, low-stress routes like the Kawishiwi River "Picnic Run". We’ll take care of your "Director of Fun" with safety checklists and "Bail-Out" points, ensuring a secure environment for multi-generational groups. And of course, always a comfortable landing back here at home in your cabin or on your houseboat!
for the Couple
Take a revitalizing trail cruse with the best stress relief and "Up North" vibes you’ve ever experienced. We’re here for a "Logistics-Free" getaway and a totally secluded landing point. Snuggle in to a knotty pine cabin with a rock fireplace or live it up in a hybrid cabin / houseboat combo.
Explore the Seasons
S P R I N G
Early Season
May – Jun
Bring your A-game, read the terrain
The terrain is unpredictable, the air is crisp, and you’re among the first to carve the trails for the year. This isn't a lazy Sunday cruise; it’s a gear-shakedown that demands sharp reflexes, smart riding, and precision handling. The ultimate test of an early-season rider isn't how much mud you can throw—it’s about picking the smartest lines, navigating the changing hardpack, and respecting the woods so the trails stay pristine for the rest of the year.
S U M M E R
Dust Season
July – Aug
Trails hardened into fast, high-speed corridors
This is the time for the "Ride-to-Swim" tactical play: hammer the Prospectors Loop in the morning heat, then retreat to Timber Bay’s private beach to kill the engine and cool off. It’s high-visibility, high-speed, and high-reward. Perfect for the group leader looking to balance trail runs with a sunset beer on the dock. The Northwoods is open—go wide open.
F A L L
Color Season
Sept – Oct
The "Golden Window" for serious high-mile riders
The biting bugs are dead, the autumn rains have locked down the dust, and the "Harlequin Forest" is on fire with color. The crisp air means your radiator stays cool and your tactical gear feels right. It’s time for the 100-mile "Trestle Run" endurance push. No heat exhaustion, no distractions—just you, a full tank of premium, and a canopy of gold and red: The trophy hunt of riding seasons.
W I N T E R
Snow Season
Dec – Mar
When the lake freezes, the game changes
The Northwoods transforms into a high-speed network of groomed routes and untouched powder. This is the season of the wide-open throttle. With the heat of summer a distant memory, your sled's engine breathes deep and runs crisp. Carve your way through the white-out silence of the Superior National Forest, skip across the frozen expanse of Birch Lake, and navigate back to a roaring fireplace at your cabin. The trails don't close; they just get faster. Own the frost.
Here’s Where You Get On…
And Here’s Where You’ll Go…
map downloads
Stop Dreaming. BOOK. IT.
Need Something Fully Customized?
Call us to combine cabins, houseboats, lake rentals and more. We’re happy to help customize the exact mix you need to achieve your goals.
Need More Trail Info…?
Common Questions
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No. Timber Bay features "Key-On" access. Our lodge is located on Timber Bay Road, which feeds into legal "pavement connectors" (CR 21 and CR 70). You can ride directly from your cabin or houseboat to the Stony Spur II and Prospectors Loop without ever deploying a trailer ramp.
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We offer 24 acres of secure, drive-through trailer parking. Our parking area is specifically designed for large rigs, ensuring you never have to worry about complex reversing maneuvers in tight spaces.
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The Northwoods terrain is beautiful, but it demands respect. Whether you are carving the early-season hardpack or plotting a multi-day destination ride, being prepared is the difference between an epic day on the trails and a long walk back to the lodge. Here is your operational checklist before you fire up the engine:
The Non-Negotiables (Safety First)
DOT-Approved Helmet: Protect the command center.
Eye Protection: Goggles or a shatter-resistant visor are mandatory to block dust, mud, and stray branches.
Over-the-Ankle Boots: Leave the sneakers at the cabin. You need real ankle support and grip.
Riding Gloves: Essential for grip control and protecting your hands from brush and blisters.
The Elements (Weather & Comfort)
Reliable Rain Gear: Minnesota weather can pivot in 15 minutes. Pack a stowable rain suit.
Layered Clothing: The temperature drops fast in the deep woods, especially near the lakes.
Bug Spray & Sunblock: The mosquitos are as legendary as the trails. Defend yourself.
Hat/Beanie: For when the helmet comes off at the lunch stop.
The Tactical Gear (Navigation & Recovery)
Navigation: Cell service is notoriously spotty in the Superior National Forest. Download your maps offline (like onX Offroad or Avenza) and always carry a physical trail map as a backup.
Headlamp & Extra Batteries: Because sometimes the ride takes longer than the daylight lasts.
Portable Power Bank: Keep your phone charged for emergencies and photos.
Basic Tool & Recovery Kit: A tire plug kit, a tow strap, and a basic multi-tool. Be self-reliant out there.
The Fuel & Trail Care (Respect the Woods)
Hydration & Trail Rations: Pack more water and high-energy snacks than you think you'll need.
A Heavy-Duty Trash Bag: We are incredibly proud of our pristine trails. If you pack it in, you pack it out. Pick up any rogue trash you see along the way to leave the woods better than you found them.
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We maintain a "Lossing’s Lifeline"—a priority service agreement with Lossing’s Power Sports in Babbitt. If a registered guest has a mechanical issue, you receive priority "front of line" triage to ensure your trip continues.
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Yes. Our full-service marina provides on-site fuel. We also offer a "Jerry Can Valet" service, where staff can top off your fuel cans while you’re at breakfast so you’re ready for a 9:00 AM departure.
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Late Season (September–October) is the "Golden Window". The dust is settled by autumn rains, biting insects are gone, and the cool air is perfect for wearing full tactical gear while logging high mileage through the "Harlequin Forest".
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Yes. We are a year-round operation. In winter, the landscape transforms into a sweeping white playground. We even target Giants Ridge overflow dates, offering a secluded alternative to crowded roadside motels.
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High Season (July–August) is perfect for social cruisers. Trails harden into fast hardpack, making it the ideal time for "Ride-to-Swim" itineraries where you hit the trails in the morning and cool off at our private beach in the afternoon.
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It’s the TBLH specialty: "Water meets Woods". You can ride 100 miles of technical trail in the morning and captain a houseboat on Birch Lake in the evening. You don't have to choose between adrenaline and relaxation.
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Yes. We recommend the "Picnic Run" to the Kawishiwi River or the Big Aspen Recreation Area. These routes offer wide corridors and gentle loops, removing the stress of technical obstacles for first-time families.
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We provide "Co-Pilot Checklists" and clearly marked "Bail-Out" points on our maps. Knowing there is a paved "escape hatch" back to the lodge reduces the barrier to entry for novice riders.
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Absolutely. Our Bear Trap cabin sleeps up to 18 guests. For larger squads, we use a "Mothership" strategy: book a large lodge for communal meals and add nearby cabins or a houseboat for additional sleeping capacity.
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Unlike crowded regional competitors, 85% of Birch Lake’s shoreline is protected federal wilderness. You get "True North" seclusion and direct trail access without the shared hallways, noise, or cramped asphalt lots of hotel-style resorts.