With stunning views of the St. Louis River as it curves around its adjoining lakes to meet the ocean, the DWP Trail offers a pleasant experience on a gentle, meandering path through the woods to the city of Duluth. The trail follows a former rail corridor previously used by the Duluth, Winnipeg, and Pacific (DWP) railroad. The route includes a tunnel under Elys Peak and two steel trestles, which now serve as pedestrian bridges. There are gates and signs with wayfinding maps at the trail's access points. The trail connects with another rail-trail, the Munger State Trail, to create a loop.
With its primarily gravel surface and gentle grading, the trail is available for walking, running, biking, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, and snowshoeing. This 10-foot-wide multi-use trail is ADA-compliant, making it accessible for those using mobility aids.
Parking is available by the eastern end of the trail at the Spirit Mountain Trailhead (8551 Grand Ave, Duluth). Near the western end of the trail, parking is available at the Mission Creek Parkway Trailhead (2509 Becks Rd, Duluth).
We biked the DWP from Becks Road parking lot to Spirit Mountain then hopped on the Munger trail for the return route. I liked this route because it’s all down hill on the DWP which is dirt. Then back on the Munger all up hill because it’s paved. Trails were both in good condition & not too busy.
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails conservancy
(a non-profit) and we need your support!