On the 61-mile Superior National Forest Scenic Byway, you're more likely to see a wolf, moose or eagles than fellow motorists. With more than 3.2 million acres, Superior National Forest dwarfs most others in the country.

The byway officially begins near Aurora before winding its way east along former logging routes. Together, the iron and lumber from these areas helped build the nation.

Before setting out, give yourself time to see neighboring towns, such as Biwabik with its Bavarian architecture and nearby Giant's Ridge with 1,500-foot hills popular for cross-country and downhill skiing, two championship golf courses, hiking and mountain biking. Nearby Gilbert draws off-road riders to its exhilarating playground of former mining terrain. At Aurora, you can still drive up to an original A&W Root Beer Stand on a hot summer day.

About eight miles east of Aurora, stop at Skibo Vista for sweeping forest views or take a mile-long detour north on Highway 2 for a stroll among giants on the White Pine Interpretive Trail. Near the 88-year-old Toimi Schoolhouse, keep an eye out for gangly moose in marshy areas. Watch treetops for bald eagles and the edge of forests for wolves.

The byway is especially suited for motorcyclists, who hug "sweepers" and lean into "twisties." Inhale the heady blends of balsam and pine while passing gold and orange streaks of wildflowers.

Lee Radzak, motorcycle enthusiast and manager at Split Rock Lighthouse historic site just south of Silver Bay, ranks the Superior National Forest Byway among his favorite rides.

"It's hilly, curvy, and wide and smooth. You can go for miles-even in the summer-and not see anyone."

As the road gently descends toward Silver Bay, the view opens up. Forest stretches across the horizon, and fall colors blaze by the third week in September. The byway ends at North Shore Scenic Drive, where ore docks tower above the shoreline. Walk along the pretty Silver Bay Marina, built in 1999, to look for 1,000-foot ships that haul Iron Range ore across the Great Lakes. Better yet, find a charter boat, and head onto glittering Lake Superior. Look back for a fresh view of Split Rock Lighthouse, Palisade Head, and the rich forests that reach to Minnesota's Iron Range.