By trailgoot in October, 2011
I took three days to ride the trail out-and-back, covering the entire trail twice.
Overall, the trail surface was excellent with newer pavement around the Duluth trail head area.
Most of the ride is straight riding with very little variation in the terrain. There is a brief section There is an interesting curving and hilly section between mile markers 90 and 93 along with some nice semi-secluded river scenery by the Pine River. Additionally, the section between Carlton and Duluth offers a lot of variety with a bridge crossing the St. Louis River (nice views of the gorge area), the ride the Jay Cooke State Park, and the rock gorges as you enter into Duluth.
Wildlife seen included a bald eagle soaring high overhead around mile marker 91, garter snakes, wooly bear caterpillars, and some great white tail deer.
I also highly recommend Peggy Sue's Cafe in Willow River for a tasty breakfast and the Cozy Cafe in Carlton for a decent broiled walleye dinner!
All in all, a nice trail ride if a bit boring with the long, straight stretches, but there is plenty to see if you keep your eyes peeled and mind open as to what the surrounding countryside has to offer.