Young's
More than 7 miles of groomed trail loop around Scott Lake, just across County Road 424 from the George Young Recreational Complex.
Young's fat-bike trails906-214-2308
906-265-9100
40 E Adams St
Iron River, MI 49935
Fat Tire Biking in Iron County, Michigan
Iron County • Michigan
On a cold, still morning a fat bike floats over packed snow the way a canoe rides flat water, and the only sound is the crunch under four-inch tires. Iron County has two groomed trail systems near Iron River, and here's where they are, where to get a bike and how to ride without wrecking the trail.
2 SYSTEMS
Groomed winter fat-bike trails near Iron River
FREE
The groomed trails at Young's in Gaastra
RENTALS
Fat bikes for rent at both trail systems
KIDS FREE
Kids' trails and kids' rentals at Young's
Start With The Trails
Where Can You Fat Tire Bike in Iron County?
Two places groom for fat bikes, and they're about ten minutes apart. Young's in Gaastra has the most trail, and it's free. Ski Brule outside Iron River winds its trail through the woods around the base of the mountain.
Both rent fat bikes, so you can come up without one. Ride one in the morning and the other after lunch if your legs hold out.
Ski Brule
About 15 kilometers of trail around the base of Ski Brule, shared with skiers and snowshoers. Helmets are required, and bikes stay off the downhill runs.
Ski Brule trailsInto The Wild Bikes
Into The Wild Bikes on Washington Avenue sells and services bikes of every make, sets fat bikes up for winter riding, and hosts winter fat-tire and snowshoe get-togethers.
Into The Wild BikesHours and rates are the most recent each place has posted. Check before you go.
Stay In Iron County
Where to Stay for a Fat-Bike Weekend
Before You Ride
How to Ride Without Wrecking the Trail
A groomed trail is somebody's hard work, and a soft one rides like sand. Follow these and the trail stays good for the next rider.
- Run wide tires, low pressure. At least 3.7 inches wide and no more than 4 psi. If you're leaving a rut, let more air out.
- Stay home when it's above freezing. Over 30 degrees the snow goes soft and tires dig in. Ride early on warm days.
- Keep off the ski tracks. Ride beside the set tracks, never in them.
- Stay right, and check whether the trail runs one way or both.
- Leave the snowmobile trails to the sleds. Stick to trails that are groomed for bikes.
- Dogs on a leash, six feet or shorter, and clean up after them.
Worth The Drive
More Fat-Bike Trails an Hour Away
About an hour east in Dickinson County, the Dickinson Trail Network looks after more winter trail around Fumee Lake, Millie Hill and Norway. Check the grooming before you load the bikes.
When To Go
When Is the Snow Good for Fat Biking?
January and February are the surest months, cold enough to keep the trails firm and with a deep base underneath. The groomers usually have trail set by late December, and good riding often holds into March.
How Often There's 6 Inches or More on the Ground
Share of days with 6 inches or more of snow on the ground near Iron River, winters 1996–97 through 2025–26.
Questions
Fat Tire Biking in Iron County: Common Questions
Where can I fat bike near Iron River, Michigan?
Young's in Gaastra and Ski Brule both groom winter fat-bike trails, about ten minutes apart. Young's trails are free.
Can I rent a fat bike in Iron County?
Yes, at Young's and at Ski Brule, by the half day or full day. Kids' rentals are free at Young's. Call ahead, since bikes can run out.
Do I need a trail pass to fat bike?
Not at Young's, where the trails are free. At Ski Brule a trail pass, lift ticket or bike rental covers it.
Can I ride a fat bike on snowmobile trails?
Stick to trails groomed for bikes. Snowmobile trails are built for sleds, and Young's and Ski Brule have plenty of groomed riding.
What tire pressure should I run on snow?
No more than 4 psi, on tires at least 3.7 inches wide. If you're leaving a rut, let a little more air out.
Is fat biking good for beginners and kids?
Yes. A fat bike is stable and forgiving on packed snow, and Young's has kids' trails with free kids' rentals.
About The Photos
Photographs by Kevin Zini
The photos in this guide were taken in Iron County by Kevin Zini, a photographer from Iron River. See more of his work on his website.
Kevin Zini PhotographyStart Planning
Plan a Fat-Bike Weekend in Iron County
Pick a cold weekend in January or February, ride Young's one day and Ski Brule the next, and book a warm room for the evenings.
Winter and tagged fat bike trails, fat tire biking, iron county michigan, iron river michigan, upper peninsula michigan, winter, winter biking.
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Rewarding Places to Stay in Michigan
AmericInn
by Wyndham
Chicaugon
Lake Inn
906-265-9244
1700 County Road 424
Gaastra, MI 49917
Lakeshore Motel
Ice Lake
906-265-3611
1257 W Ice Lake Rd
Iron River, MI 49935
Pioneer
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800-362-7853
373 Brule Mountain Rd
Iron River, MI 49935
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800-DO-BRULE
906-265-4957
397 Brule Mountain Rd
Iron River, MI 49935
Tall
Pines
906-822-7713
1968 US 141 Highway
Amasa, MI 49903
Iron County Michigan Visitors Guide
Iron County is one of the Upper Peninsula’s best kept secrets. From camping to fishing, hunting to canoeing, mountain biking to forest bathing – no matter your interests, the great outdoors and clear crisp air await you here.