David Dill/Arrowhead State Trail

The 135 mile David Dill/Arrowhead State Trail extends from the intersection with the Taconite State Trail (near Tower) to three miles south of International Falls. The natural surface trail is used primarily for snowmobiling. This long-distance trail was developed primarily for winter use. Sections of the trail may be impassible during warm weather months when the ground is not frozen, due to wet soils and standing water.

Map
Interactive map
Snowmobile trails GPS data

Approximately 69 miles of the trail are suitable for horseback riding, mountain biking and hiking in the summer; however, there may be wet areas. Mountain bikers and horseback riders are urged to call the nearest Parks and Trails Area office before leaving for their destination to inquire about local trail conditions and amenities.

Landscape

The southern part of the trail features rolling hills with numerous lakes and streams. Many of the hills have large areas of exposed rock and enormous boulders. This part is heavily timbered with a mix of hardwoods and conifers. This mix of trees is spectacularly colorful in autumn.

The northern part of the trail is relatively flat between International Falls and the Ash River. The higher ground is mainly forested with aspen; lower ground has a mix of spruce and ash. The trail goes through a number of areas that have standing water in the summer which makes these portions of the trail mostly suited to winter use.

Trail uses

Approximately 69 miles of the trail are suitable for horseback riding, mountain biking and hiking in the summer; however, there may be wet areas. Mountain bikers and horseback riders are urged to call the nearest Parks and Trails Area office before leaving for their destination to inquire about local trail conditions and amenities.

Hiking

Mountain biking

Horseback

Snowmobiling

Permits

You will need a horse pass if you will be horseback riding, a ski pass for cross-country skiing, and for snowmobiling, a snowmobile must be registered or have a snowmobile state trail sticker. No other fees or passes are required to use the trail.

Trail shelters

From International Falls, east to Tower. For winter trail users, use the Interactive Snowmobile Trails map.

• Western trailhead
  • Junction of the Blue Ox Trail map and David Dill/Arrowhead State Trail.
  • Junction of the Haggerman Trail and David Dill/Arrowhead State Trail.
  • Junction of the Voyageur Trail and David Dill/Arrowhead State Trail west of County Road 122.
• Kabetogama State Forest 
  • Located east of Ash River.
  • Located along the Black Duck River.
  • Joint paths of the Voyageur Country Trail and David Dill/Arrowhead State Trail, west of County Road 180.
  • Located along the north edge of Myrtle Lake.
  • Located along West Elbow Lake at the junction of the Orr Spur South/Voyageur Trail and David Dill/Arrowhead State Trail.
  • South of the junction of the Cook Area Trail along the David Dill/Arrowhead State Trail.
• Sturgeon River State Forest
  • North of County Road 115 along the David Dill/Arrowhead State Trail, southeast of Lake Vermilion.
• Superior National Forest
  • Located along County Road 65, west of Highway 73.
  • North of Lake Leander, near Lake Leander Road.
• David Dill/Arrowhead and David Dill/Taconite Junction
  • Along the Pike River Flowage, south of State Highway 1, west of Tower.

Parking

Do not leave valuables in your vehicle!

Parking is available along trail communities and along winter grant-in-aid snowmobile trail network that connect to both the David Dill/Arrowhead, Taconite State Trails. For an interactive snowmobile trail map and more information about snowmobiling opportunities, check the website.  For more information about cross-country ski trails, check the website and the interactive Ski Pass Trails Map.

• Cook: Parking available within town.
• International Falls: Parking available within town.
• Kabetogama River State Forest: parking available at campgrounds within the forest.
• Tower: Trailhead parking 2 miles west of Highway 169 on Highway 1.

Restrooms

Most communities provide public restrooms nearby with some in local parks in proximity to the trail. Organizations such as chambers of commerce or tourism agencies provide restroom facilities within some larger communities. Local businesses provide restroom facilities for customers.

• Bear Head Lake State Park: Parking and interpretive center located within the state park.
• George Washington State Forest: Campgrounds offer seasonal facilities, check ahead.
• McCarthy Beach State Park: Parking and campgrounds located within the state park.
• Soudan Underground Mine State Park: Parking and interpretive center located within the state park.
• Restrooms and amenities are also available in the towns along the trail.

Etiquette

Share the trail with others!

• Stay on designated trail.
• Keep to the right so others can pass.
• All pets must be on a leash.
• Clean up all pet waste.
• Obey traffic signs and rules.
• Pack out all garbage and litter.
• Respect adjoining landowners' rights and privacy.
• Warn other trail users when passing by giving an audible signal.
• Overnight camping and campfires are permitted only on designated campsites. Never leave campfires unattended.
• Enjoy the beauty of wild plants and animals, but leave them undisturbed for all to enjoy.
• Trail users are legally responsible for obeying the rules and regulations provided in Minnesota Rules, 6100.3000.

Master Plan Review

The DNR is in the process of updating the master plan for the David Dill/Arrowhead State Trail. The current master plan was written in 1980 and revised in 1983. This project will result in a new master plan for the trail. Before final approval, the public will have the opportunity to review and comment on the draft plan. The DNR anticipates the plan to be completed in 2020.

Frequently asked questions 

Commonly used terms

1980 Master Plan