Burnt River Heritage Mining Circuit

The Burnt River Heritage Mining Circuit threads through what used to be Ontario’s iron ore heartland east of Sudbury. Starting from the ghost town of Sellwood, this loop connects a dozen abandoned mining sites via original haul roads and prospector tracks that haven’t seen maintenance since the 1960s. The route passes the massive Steep Rock Mine pit, flooded open cuts that now serve as unofficial swimming holes, and enough rusted machinery to stock a mining museum.

Difficult technical rating demands true 4WD with skid plates—these mining roads weren’t built for comfort. Rock gardens, mud holes, and steep grades are standard. Best attempted June through September when the worst boggy sections dry out. No permits required on Crown land, but notify someone of your route—cell coverage is nonexistent for 60+ miles. Bring recovery gear and extra fuel. The payoff is exploring genuine industrial archaeology in pristine Canadian wilderness, plus camping spots beside lakes that have been undisturbed for decades.