Cuyuna Country Recreation Area Iron Ore Pit Trail

The Cuyuna iron range tells Minnesota’s mining story through a network of backroads that weave between flooded open-pit mines and towering red tailings piles north of Brainerd. This 18-mile loop starts at the Portsmouth Mine Lake overlook and follows old haul roads through the heart of what was once one of Minnesota’s most productive iron districts. You’ll navigate steep grades up massive tailings piles for panoramic views of the turquoise mine lakes, then drop down through reclaimed forest where mining equipment still rusts among the birches.

Most of the route is accessible to stock high-clearance vehicles, though a few steep climbs on loose tailings require 4WD and careful throttle control. The loop is best run late spring through fall when the mine lakes show their famous colors. Several established camping areas exist within the recreation area, and the trail connects to the broader Cuyuna Lakes State Trail system. No permits required, and cell service is decent throughout most of the route.