There is a wide variety of road types in the area for your touring pleasure. You can head up State Highway 6 all the way to Remer. Once in the area, take some of the well maintained Country Roads intersecting Hwy 6.
County Road 11 is a gorgeous road trip traveling west toward Crosslake, or east toward Aitkin. Also off State Highway 6 north, you can go north of 11 and take County Highway 36 west to Crosslake or east into the wilds of eastern Crow Wing County. Don't be afraid to jump on a little gravel for awhile. Most of the county gravel is well maintainied and typically in great driving condition. 
Right out of Ironton (just west of Crosby) you'll see County Rd 30. This is a beautiful circular path through the heart of the Cuyuna Recreation Area. Here you can explore non-posted gravel roads and get the real flavor of the area. Please note, these roads are not routinely maintained. Travel at your own risk.
Another fantastic route is just southwest of Deerwood taking County Road 8 south, all the way to State Highway 18 which connects Garrison and Brainerd. When you hit 18 head east and take the County Road 124 north toward Clearwater Lake - unbelievable!
You will end up from the above route near Ruttgers Bay Lake Resort. Take County Rd 14 east and either stay on it or take little known County Road 10 north for fantastic fall colors. If you feel like a hike, stop at the Larson Lake wildlife area and take the breathtaking trail around this wonderful area.
Visit the beautiful fall color region around