Getting Oriented
St. Croix State Forest covers about 42,000 acres in Pine County, in eastern Minnesota where the Lower Tamarack River runs into the St. Croix, which forms the state line with Wisconsin. Aspen and red oak dominate the southern and southeastern sections of the forest, while red and white oak, maple, basswood, ash, and birch fill the western parts. The DNR classifies the forest as a LIMITED riding area, meaning ATVs and off-highway motorcycles stay on signed, mapped routes rather than traveling cross-country.
Trail Overview
The system totals about 26 miles, built and maintained by the Minnesota DNR in partnership with Pine County. Class II ATVs and off-highway motorcycles are permitted; the DNR rates the network easy, with some stretches more technical than others. The main access point is a parking area with an emergency-information kiosk at the Grace Lake-Tamarack intersection, reached from Hinckley by driving east 23 miles on Highway 48 to County Road 173, then north 5 miles to Tamarack Forest Road.
From that same trailhead, riders reach the Gandy Dancer Trail, a 30-mile former rail corridor that starts across the state line in Danbury, Wisconsin, and runs north back toward Minnesota. The connection turns a 26-mile network into a much longer day without loading a trailer for a second trip. In winter, ATVs share some groomed snowmobile trail sections in the St. Croix and Nemadji state forests, but only when the air temperature holds at 30°F or below; the state closes those sections to wheeled traffic once snow depth passes 7 inches during grooming.
Points of Interest
- Gandy Dancer Trail junction: reached from the Tamarack Forest Road parking area, this former railroad grade runs 30 miles south into Danbury, Wisconsin.
- Rock Lake: a small lake near the Boulder Campground boat launch, inside the forest boundary.
- Lower Tamarack River: crosses the forest and runs past the horse campground before joining the St. Croix.
- St. Croix River: forms the eastern edge of the forest and the Minnesota-Wisconsin border.
Where to Camp
Tamarack River Horse Campground sits along the Lower Tamarack River near the main trailhead, with about 55 pull-through sites, picket lines, and manure bunkers built for horse camping, though it also takes vehicle campers. Boulder Campground, on Rock Lake elsewhere in the forest, has 20 primitive drive-in sites with a fire ring and table at each. Both run first-come, first-served; the DNR collects state forest campsite fees in advance through its Yodel payment system rather than by reservation.
Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip
- Minnesota-registered ATVs and OHMs ride free; out-of-state riders need a non-resident OHV trail pass.
- Stay on signed, mapped trail. St. Croix State Forest is a LIMITED riding area, and cross-country travel isn't allowed.
- Winter riders should stay off groomed snowmobile sections once the air temperature climbs above 30°F, and expect closures once snow depth hits 7 inches during grooming.
- The forest sits along the St. Croix and Lower Tamarack Rivers; low crossings can run high after rain or snowmelt.
- Danbury and Duxbury, Wisconsin, have gas, food, and lodging closest to the trailhead; Hinckley, on Interstate 35, is the nearest full-service town in Minnesota.
Fuel and Water
Danbury and Duxbury, Wisconsin, just across the St. Croix River from the trailhead, have gas, food, and lodging. Hinckley, Minnesota, about 23 miles west on Highway 48, is the nearest full-service town on Interstate 35 with grocery stores and additional fuel options. Drinking water is available at Tamarack River Horse Campground and Boulder Campground; the DNR doesn't list water service at the Grace Lake-Tamarack trailhead parking area itself.
Nearby
St. Croix State Park, one of Minnesota's largest state parks, borders the state forest to the south along the St. Croix and Kettle Rivers, with its own hiking and paddling access. The Gandy Dancer Trail extends the riding network south into Wisconsin through Webster and Siren before reaching Danbury. St. Croix Casino in Danbury, Wisconsin, operated by the St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin, is the closest dining and lodging option right off the trail system.
