[1] In summer about 69 miles (111 km) are suitable for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking, while the northern section is blocked by areas of wetness and standing water.
The northern section of the trail from International Falls to the Ash River is fairly flat, passing through forests of aspen on higher ground and spruce and ash on lower ground.
[1] The southern section is more rugged, featuring rolling hills with large, exposed boulders interspersed with many lakes and streams.
[3] This thickly wooded area is part of the Laurentian Mixed Forest Province.
[3] Since 2005 the trail has hosted the Arrowhead 135, a 135-mile (217 km) extreme endurance race in which contestants are challenged to carry all of their own gear under their own power via foot, ski, or bicycle, in mid-winter.