Switchback

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Allowed

Switchback is a remote feeling route that connects the Mahnomen and Portsmouth trail units.

It can be ridden in either direction with a steeper climb on the west end and a more gradual one on the east.

The western side starts just north of the Pennington Mine Lake parking area and climbs through a couple of switchbacks to get up along a small ridge. The vegetation is fairly dense and you're likely to see some sort of wildlife, maybe a grouse or deer.

About half-way through the route, you'll descend a few switchbacks to get to lake level. From here you'll cruise for a bit in the trees and then break out to nice views as you cross a bridge connection Pennington Mine Lake and Mahnomen Mine Lake 1.

The eastern side of the trail ends at County Rd 30, across from Portsmouth Lake.