Explore the best rated trails in Bayfield, WI, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the C.J. Ramstad/North Shore State Trail and Western Gateway Trail . With more than 7 trails covering 583 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
It sounds like the trail is partly rerouted due to "slumping" that undermines the trails stability. But they're actively making progress toward a permanent solution.
https://landmarkwi.org/brownstone-trail-updates/
I found the trail conditions to be in good condition but I should say I did not do the entire trail. I would alert others to the fact that this is not a rail trail so expect a bit more small to moderate hill climbing.
I should have specified that the rough trail section we rode was from Gooseberry Falls State Park north to Beaver Bay.
Could be a great ride, however there are hundreds upon hundreds of tarred cross trail cracks; however none of them have tar in them anymore. Many frost heaves that aren’t marked The lighthouse is worth a visit. Some nice views of the lake but probably more views of cars as the trail parallels the highway for many miles.
On three occasions we rode the Gitchi Gami trail from Gooseberry Falls to Split Rock Light house & Beaver Bay to Split Rock Light house, but the best part of the trail- for relatively flat riding & great Lake Superior views- was from Lutsen Mountain Rd to Schroeder, MN. There’s a new trail parking area off Lutsen Rd/Hwy 5 & Hwy 61. A great coffee stop was in Tofte at Coho’s Cafe with pastries & sandwiches. This stop broke the 24 mile round trip into a manageable morning ride. Another stop would be to see the falls at
Planned to stay in the area for three days riding this trail based on the positive reviews. Rode 14 m section from Gooseberry Falls to Beaver Bay. Trail follows natural contours so some steep hills, sharp curves. Have to leave trail and enter parks for views , trail does allow access to parks. . Can’t escape constant noise from adjacent highway.
We Rode From Gooseberry Falls State Park to Split Rock Light House and Back. One of the Prettiest Rides you'll ever see! Gorgeous Cliff Views of Lake Superior! This part of the trail is a bit challenging in sections. Many ups and downs but well worth it. Our Time was limited to one afternoon so we couldn't explore it further north. I can't wait to go back. There are a number of State Parks to visit all the way to the Canadian Boarder. Hat's Off to the State of MN for envisioning and constructing a bike trail that will one day connect all these Parks up to the Canadian Boarder!
Thank You
BN
We started at the trail head in Bayfield where there is parking and a bathroom. Within minutes, bikes were detoured to highway 13 (a busy highway). We took city streets back to our car since we didn’t know how long the detour on highway 13 was going to be. The description of the trail sounded great. Maybe starting on the south end would have been better?
We rode the entire trail beginning at the train depot in Ironwood to Ramsay and then back to Ironwood. There are bathrooms and parking in Ironwood and a portable toilet in Bessemer. The entire trail is paved and very smooth. From Ironwood to Bessemer the trail is quite flat. After Bessemer and into Ramsay (about 7.5 mile mark) the trail gets hilly. The hills were manageable in low gear for my 60+ age. Use caution at the few street crossings; the cars do not give the bikes the right of way. Overall, it was a great ride.
Biked Ironwwod to Ramsey on this sweet PAVED trail teeming with wild flowers. At mile 3.5 it leaves Hwy 2 and becomes completely wooden. Saw a deer and beaver dam. Loved reading the historic signs.
A plus of the trail is that is stays dry unless there are heavy rains. Lots of towns for food, gas, etc. However, it is "washboardy" and the gravel is loose in many areas. From a Motorcycle perspective, it is not much fun. I understand most railroad trails are straight and level, so if it's not "challenging" with some curves and hills, then they could at least get some gravel, a grader and roller out there and maintain it better!
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