The 146-mile (235 km) unpaved trail passes through the largely undeveloped backcountry inland from the North Shore of Lake Superior, between the cities of Duluth and Grand Marais.
It serves primarily as a winter snowmobile route, though the 70 miles (110 km) from the community of Finland to Grand Marais are suitable for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking in summer.
In contrast, the southwestern half of the trail is interrupted by many areas of wetness or standing water.
95% of the land along the trail is public property, so opportunities for camping, fishing, and hunting are abundant.
Trail users can take advantage of 14 overnight shelters with pit toilets, or camp on any public land not posted otherwise.