C.J. Ramstad/North Shore State Trail

The C.J. Ramstad/North Shore State Trail extends more than 140 miles through some of Minnesota's most spectacular scenery, winding through the rugged woodlands that line the shore of Lake Superior. Duluth, the trail's southern gateway, was built on the steep cliffs overlooking the seemingly infinite water, which is the world's largest freshwater lake. The trail ends in Grand Marais, a charming town that sits in the northeastern tip of the state, not far from the Canadian border.

The trail has a natural surface with some challenging terrain and is best for those who enjoy a remote wilderness experience. Moose, deer, bears, foxes, wolves and other wildlife may even be spotted from the trail. Trail offshoots connect the path to nearby communities for restaurants and other amenities, and there are also several campsites along the way that offer pit toilets.

In the winter, the trail is especially popular with snowmobilers. In 2009, the trail was renamed in memory of Clifford (C.J.) Ramstad, a well-known advocate of multi-use motorized recreation trails and an influential figure in the snowmobile industry.

During the summer, portions of the southern half of the trail may have standing water. Therefore, it's recommended that trail-goers only travel on the segment from the town of Finland to Grand Marais during those months.

Parking and Trail Access

A parking lot is available at the southern trailhead off Martin Road (near its intersection with Eagle Lake Road) on the northern outskirts of Duluth.

Superior Hiking Trail

Minnesota - 310 miles

The Superior Hiking Trail is a long distance footpath modeled after the Appalachian Trail that follows the shore of Lake Superior in northeastern...

Duluth Lakewalk

Minnesota - 7 miles

The Duluth Lakewalk extends between Canal Park and S. 60th Avenue E. near University Park. The southern half of the trail follows the shore of Lake...

Osaugie Trail

Wisconsin - 5 miles

The Osaugie Trail leads users past various landmarks along Superior’s waterfront, including the S.S. Meteor Whaleback Ship Museum, Barker's Island,...

Accordion

Western Waterfront Trail

Minnesota - 3.4 miles

Developed in 1988, the Western Waterfront Trail (WWT) offers direct access to the shoreline of the St. Louis River estuary in southwestern Duluth. The...

Willard Munger State Trail (Hinckley-Duluth)

Minnesota - 70 miles

The Willard Munger State Trail is a collection of three multiple use trails roughly stretching between the towns of Hinckley and Duluth. The three...

Tri-County Corridor Trail

Wisconsin - 61.8 miles

Get away from it all on the Tri-County Corridor Trail. Pick up this North Woods rail-trail in Superior, where it connects with the more urban Osaugie...

Saunders State Trail

Wisconsin - 8.4 miles

The 8.4-mile Saunders State Tail links with the Gandy Dancer Trail at Borea, southwest of Superior, and continues into Minnesota, where it is known as...

Wild Rivers State Trail

Wisconsin - 104 miles

The Wild Rivers State Trail runs for 104 miles through Douglas, Washburn and Barron counties in northwest Wisconsin along an old railroad route...

Oliver-Wrenshall Trail

Wisconsin - 6.5 miles

The 6.5-mile OliverWrenshall Trail runs between Oliver, Wisconsin, and the Minnesota state line, where it continues to Wrenshall as the Alex Laveau...

Willard Munger State Trail (Alex Laveau Memorial Trail)

Minnesota - 8.7 miles

The Willard Munger State Trail is a collection of three multiple use trails roughly stretching between the towns of Hinckley and Duluth. The three...

Gandy Dancer Trail - Northern Section

Minnesota - 51 miles

This 98-mile, "interstate" trail crosses into Minnesota and then back again into Wisconsin on its way from St. Croix Falls to its connection with the...

Soo Line Trail - Southern Route

Minnesota - 105.6 miles

The Soo Line Trail Southern Route is more popularly known as the Soo Line South ATV Trail. The converted rail-trail runs for 105.6 miles in Minnesota...