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Mesabi Trail sustains damage from June 18 storm event

Recent hard-hitting storms have caused significant damage to the Iron Range, especially in the Giant’s Ridge area, where a utility corridor and Mesabi Trail bypass the Quarry golf course. Several significant washouts have occurred through this mile-long section that will close the trail indefinitely. This section is located between Embarrass Lake and the Giant’s Ridge entry road. Trail staff and various other stakeholders have been onsite to see the damage firsthand to start preparing for the rebuilding of the trail and utility corridor. For now, if you are heading west, the trail can be accessed at the Embarrass Lake parking area. For those heading east, the trail can be accessed by the Narrow’s Bridge. The forecast indicates more rain, so be aware of potential flooding and stay safe.

While there have been many challenges due to the sheer amount of water northern Minnesota has seen lately, the Mesabi Trail is currently approximately 90% open for use. Grand Rapids to McKinley is all in good shape aside from some small areas of standing water, general vegetative debris, and loose gravel from adjacent ATV routes that have washed onto the trail. Our crews are out working hard to ensure it is safe and clean, but with so many miles needing extra attention, it will take some time. A little bit of patience and slower speeds will go a long way to making your time spent on this part of the trail a memorable experience.

From Tower to Ely, the trail is open and clear. Some shouldering has been damaged due to high river levels in the Tower area, but the trail itself is in great condition. There are a few places between Giant’s Ridge and Ely where water is seeping out of the ground and running across the trail surface. This can potentially be a bit slippery, so be aware of your speed through these areas. Otherwise, it’s good to go.

Flooding has occurred at Palo Tia Road and Waisanen Road in Embarrass and on the gravel portion of the Darwin Myers WMA. It is recommended that trail users avoid these sections for at least a few more days to let the water levels recede. However, with rain potentially coming over the weekend, it may be a while before the water goes down. The floating bridge is, of course, floating and still offers a great ride with awesome scenery and plenty of wildlife, but the ¾ mile gravel road is under a good 8” of water. So come ride the floating bridge, but be prepared to do an out-and-back type of trip rather than riding through.

In the week since the storm event occurred, additional damage has been noted as higher-than-normal water levels pass through the area. Giant’s Ridge again made the list with flooding, small sinkholes, and one smaller collapse of a portion of the trail found east of the Narrow’s Bridge. The trail is still passable through this area. Many of the sinkholes are marked and filled with gravel, but some new ones may still pop up, so watch your speed and remain alert to potential hazards.

Two large washouts of slopes alongside the trail have occurred in Gilbert. Only the very edges of the trail itself have been impacted, but because of how steep the edge is right off the trail and how deep the ravine is, the Rail Authority will be closing this section until further notice. The pictures don’t do the slope washout justice. It is a long, steep drop out there. Along with those two collapsed areas, two culverts have collapsed near the Hwy 97 crossing in Sparta. These are smaller collapses, but for the safety of our trail users, this section will be closed as well.

Finally, between Eveleth and McKinley are several areas where thick layers of dirt washed over the trail. Be aware of places with loose gravel. Our crews are working diligently to clean up the aftermath of the weather, but it will take some time to get to all the trouble areas.

Despite these challenges, the Mesabi Trail is still largely open, and we encourage you to come up for the coolest trail you will ever experience! Wildflowers are blooming, the air is pleasant and warm, and a nice breeze is keeping things comfortable. Even if the rain does make another appearance, it usually passes through quickly. That time could be spent enjoying the many amenities in our local communities.

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