The best cycling routes in Lake Vermillion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park

There are 5 touring cycling routes available in Lake Vermillion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park. These routes range in difficulty from easy to difficult, offering options for various skill levels.

The touring cycling routes in Lake Vermillion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park offer a mix of challenges. You'll find 2 easy routes, 2 moderate routes, and 1 difficult route, ensuring options for cyclists of all experience levels.

Lake Vermillion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park is particularly appealing for touring cyclists due to its connection to the paved Mesabi Trail. This trail offers a dedicated and scenic route through diverse landscapes, from dense forests to stunning lake views, without heavy vehicle traffic. The park also combines natural beauty with historical intrigue, including the Soudan Underground Mine and historic boathouses.

Yes, touring cyclists can experience a rich blend of natural beauty and historical sites. You'll find nearly ten miles of stunning shoreline along Lake Vermilion, picturesque views of Cable Bay, and wild scenery of Mattson Bay. The park also features ancient lava flows, old-growth pine forests, and unique geological formations like banded iron formations. The historic Soudan Underground Mine, a National Historic Landmark, offers surface tours to explore its mining operations.

The park is home to diverse wildlife, offering opportunities for birding and wildlife watching. Cyclists might spot signs of wolves, bears, and deer, especially in the quieter forested sections of the park.

Absolutely. Many routes in the park provide scenic views of Lake Vermilion. For example, the Lake Vermilion State Park – View of Armstrong Lake loop from Soudan offers beautiful vistas, and the Lake Vermilion State Park – Tower loop from Lake Vermillion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park also features sections with lake views.

Yes, there are easy routes suitable for families. The paved sections of the Mesabi Trail, which connect to or run through the park, are generally well-maintained and offer a smooth ride. Consider the Lake Vermilion State Park – Tower loop from Lake Vermillion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park or the Lake Vermilion State Park loop from East Two River for a more relaxed experience.

Yes, several routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end your ride in the same location. Examples include the Lake Vermilion State Park – Tower loop from Lake Vermillion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park, the Lake Vermilion State Park – View of Armstrong Lake loop from Soudan, and the longer Jasper Peak – Lake Vermilion State Park loop from Tower.

The park is generally best enjoyed for touring cycling during the spring, summer, and fall months. These seasons offer pleasant weather for riding and allow you to fully appreciate the lush forests, lake views, and geological features. Fall brings vibrant foliage, making it a particularly scenic time.

The park provides public access points and parking. Boat launches at Cable Bay and Armstrong Bay are available, which can also serve as starting points for cyclists accessing the Mesabi Trail or other park areas. Always check park signage for designated parking areas.

For experienced riders looking for a longer challenge, the Jasper Peak – Lake Vermilion State Park loop from Tower is a difficult route spanning over 92 km. Another substantial option is the Lake Vermilion State Park – Ely loop from Clear Lake, which covers approximately 64 km.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the seamless connection to the scenic Mesabi Trail, the stunning views of Lake Vermilion, and the unique blend of natural beauty with historical sites like the Soudan Underground Mine. The well-maintained paved paths are also frequently highlighted.