Avenue of Pines - TH 46, Deer River to Northome
Avenue of Pines - TH 46, Deer River to Northome is a State Scenic Byway in Minnesota. Within Minnesota it covers roughly 45 miles. The map below shows its route. Use “Plan a drive” to open it in the Road Sorties route planner — already routing along Avenue of Pines - TH 46, Deer River to Northome with scenic roads turned on, ready to add your own stops.
The Avenue of Pines is a 47-mile Minnesota scenic byway cutting through the heart of Chippewa National Forest between Deer River and Northome. Following State Highway 46 northwest from US Highway 2 in Deer River to US Highway 71 in Northome, the route runs alongside Lake Winnibigoshish, prized by anglers for walleye and northern pike, beneath mature stands of red pine that give the byway its name. Marshes, smaller lakes, and dense forest line the road for most of its length, and wildlife sightings, including bald eagles, deer, black bear, and osprey, are common. Nine U.S. Forest Service campgrounds sit along or near the route, supplemented by private resorts and campgrounds for travelers wanting to stay overnight in the forest. The drive is a straightforward, unhurried route through one of northern Minnesota's larger blocks of national forest land, with little development to interrupt the pine canopy.
- 47 miles, Deer River to Northome on Hwy 46
- Chippewa National Forest
- Lake Winnibigoshish walleye fishing
- mature red pine stands
- bald eagle sightings common
Plan a drive on Avenue of Pines - TH 46, Deer River to Northome →
What is a State Scenic Byway?
State Scenic Byways are roads a state has formally recognized for their scenic, natural, historic or cultural value — each state's own curated collection of drives worth taking slowly.
Where to Stay along Avenue of Pines - TH 46, Deer River to Northome
9 campgrounds and RV parks sit within about 5 miles of Avenue of Pines - TH 46, Deer River to Northome.
Campsite, lodging, RV rental and membership links are affiliate links — booking through them may earn Road Sorties a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Recreation.gov links are not affiliate links.