Explore the best rated trails in Two Harbors, MN, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Wild Rivers State Trail and Gandy Dancer Trail (Northern Section) . With more than 20 trails covering 1206 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.
My husband and I rode the Mesabi trail in early September. The maples were just beginning to change and fall was in the air. It’s a beautiful well-maintained trail. We liked the variety of up and down, something you don’t always get on a strictly rail trail. The small towns along the way are charming. However, know that you are often riding on streets and some towns have better signage than others. Notes from SpiketheBiker were especially helpful. (Referenced below.) We are 65 year olds who ride in Colorado and Wyoming with hills and wind. We usually do anywhere from 20 to 40 mile rides 2 - 3 times a week. We bikepacked from Grand Rapids to Ely in 3 days, (loaded with 20 lb panniers) staying in campgrounds most nights. We did get rerouted around Giant’s Ridge due to work on the trail and ended up just riding the highway all the way into Tower (25 miles). It had an OK shoulder most of the way, but would not recommend riding it with weekend traffic. It was hard to find many details about the trail online until I found SpiketheBiker’s post on Trip Advisor dated June 26, 2023. A big shoutout to them. The post was helpful and accurate. Several had mentioned a long 8% grade hill which had me a bit concerned, but never really said where it was and I never figured it out either. There are definitely some leg burning hills, but the only one that caused me to stop several times was one on the highway to Tower, other than that the others were manageable and I didn’t think terribly long even riding loaded. Our favorite part was between Tower and Ely. It is the newest and smoothest section. Absolutely beautiful at the top by Eagle’s Nest where we did see a bear, but it seemed more scared of us than we were of it. We stayed at Itasca County Fairgrounds in Grand Rapids, Chisholm Iron Trail Campground in Chisholm, and Hoodoo Campground in Tower (although the Vermillion state park might have been a better choice because you don’t have to leave the trail and it’s less expensive, but also no showers). A big shoutout to Ron and Lara in Ely for the warm shower and bed. Also recommend Brainstorm Cafe in Ely for coffee/tea/smoothies and bakery goodies. Yum! Highly recommend the Mesabi Trail even though it’s not a rail trail per se, it is just the right amount of challenge. There are also plenty of entry points to do out and backs if you don’t want to do the whole trail.
We had ridden the Munger Trail from Jay Cooke campground to the Skihut near the Spirit Bike Park and Ski Hill and a clerk in the store told us about this trail as an alternative to get back. We loved it. In that direction it’s mostly uphill, so be young and fit or have an e-bike like we did. The ride is through beautiful birch forests with views of the St. Louis River. The entrance is through the paved parking lot near the ski lift and then further up and to the right on the gravel lot. At the entrance of the trail signs warn of rocks and jumps, but that refers to the groomed mountain bike trails off to the side in the first mile or two of the trail. None of that is actually on the trail.
Rode the trail the week of August 11, 2025....rode from Virginia to Biwabik, Virginia to Chisholm, Hibbing to Keewatin, and Tower to Ely. Tower to Ely was by far the part of the trail that was in the best condition...the others were a bit rough in spots. Tower to Ely had a couple good climbs in them. Thought the signage for the trail could be better. There are places to go to the bathroom along the way, although not always that frequent. However, if it's a hot day...make sure you have enough water as there are no spots to fill up.
Signage to trailheads is poor or non-existent. Although this trail is listed as wheelchair accessible, it is not a smooth trail and gravel is fairly rough. I did not see any asphalt. The first mile or so from the western trailhead at Becks Road is shown on the on-site map as mountain biking and mostly OK for hybrid bikes but rough. The connection with the Willard Munger Trail has no signage at junction
Rode the trail from Tower to Ely and back. The best ride I have done. Smooth path and curvy, hilly route. Great ride! Next day planned to ride from Hibbing to Naswauk. I made it to Keewatin and turned around. Trail is cracked, has quite a few roots and lots of weeds. The trail passes through in a couple of small town streets and they were horribly cracked and rough. I then ride from Hibbing to Chisholm and back. That was quite a bit better. 5 stars for Tower ride 1 star for Kewatin ride.
This is not, I believe, a flat, converted railroad line. It is hilly, but flying down the hills is part of the fun. The blacktop can be bumpy with tree roots. You'll pass abandoned open-pit mines, now filled with gorgeous, turquoise water. The trail is full of the proud history of the iron mining that helped win World War II. Some of the tiny towns have seen better days, but all are part of the story. Would have appreciated more ice cream shops and cute lunch places along the way. Bar food too often was the only option. Can't wait for the final leg, Tower to Ely, to be completed (2026?). Greatly recommend in Hibbing the Red Rock Hotel. Newly renovated, reasonably priced, and HIGHLY accommodating to bikers with friendly, personalized service.
Outside of Ashland, the tarmac ends. Some mud due to recent rains, but nothing the all terrain tires couldn’t handle. Washboard at the intersections. No other cyclists encountered. Just side by side ATVs, but actually light traffic mid week. I’d do it again.
The trail from Ely to Tower is simply the best. The smooth pavement, the beautiful forest gives the rider a wonderful experience. You feel you should expect wildlife of any kind could pop out from the trees.
Great bathroom at Tower's trail access.
The Gilbert to Chisholm ride had more 'bumps' but still provided a neat, scenic trip. Each mining town shared their proud history in some type of display.
Black Bear Bakery in Chisholm made the best donuts.
I am eager to see the new trail updates later in summer of 2025 and 2026 between Embarrass and Tower so the trail will be complete.
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.
Rode from Ely to Mountain Iron. Loved the scenery and the history. Towns are great! Will be back to ride the rest!
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