Looking for the best trails around Duluth?

Explore the best rated trails in Duluth, MN, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the DWP Trail and C.J. Ramstad/North Shore State Trail . With more than 20 trails covering 1304 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.

Recent Trail Reviews

Gitchi-Gami State Trail

Very Rough - Part 2

September, 2023 by shumakers

I should have specified that the rough trail section we rode was from Gooseberry Falls State Park north to Beaver Bay.

Gitchi-Gami State Trail

Very Rough

September, 2023 by shumakers

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.

Mesabi Trail

Beautiful (and Hilly!)

September, 2023 by mikaspaso

We did the Virginia-to-Buhl segment over Labor Day and wished we had rented electric-assist bikes. We're used to the flatter trails AND we have not biked a lot this summer because of the heat, and I can say we were fairly disappointed in our inability to make it to Chisolm. The 95-degree weather didn't help - LOL! The trail winds past beautiful scenery, particularly the quarries. There is a section east of Buhl where the trail runs through a swamp and it was like biking over moguls. Ouch! The trail is maintained well and once we figured out how to get out of Virginia, the signage is pretty good. Finding places for water/shade within the smaller towns is a challenge (maybe because of the holiday?) so pack a lot of water/snacks if you're going to be out for the day. The ATVs alongside the trail east of Virgina were nice and polite, but the 2 sets of trails merge over the bridge (in which the view is stunning, BTW). We will do more of the trail once we get our legs back in shape and look forward to more fun!

Accordion

Mesabi Trail

Good option for bikepacking

September, 2023 by yury.shafirin

08/23, Grand Rapids to Biwabik section. I was choosing between Paul Banyan and Mesabi Trail for bikepacking and chose the last one mainly because there are more camping options. Paul Banyan has some camping options, but our group included 7 yo girls who just switched to a geared 20" bike and we were limited by about 20-25 miles per day. Mesabi worked out for us better. Our itinerary was the following:
Day 1. A night at the trailhead in Itasca County Fairgrounds Campground in Grand Rapids. There is an ongoing reconstruction, but you can camp there, booking is not required, campground host is right there. Payment is on-site by cash, $25 or so. Avoid camping there during events, the place can be noisy.
Day 2. 21 mile ride. A night in Swan Lake Campground and Resort in Pengilly. 3 miles ride from the trail over public roads. Road shoulder is wide so it was an ok ride. We tried to workaround over ATV trails, but they were too difficult for kids and we were towing a cargo trailer. The campground has limited number of tent only sites so plan ahead. Reservation by calling the host. Payment is $30 or so cash.
Day 3. 3 + 18 miles ride. A night in Hibbing. The only night not in camping. The closest campground in Chisholm did not work for us as it adds 5 or so miles and the campground itself is terrible according to the reviews. There are very few options for staying in Hibbing. I ended up booking a house for $170 per night close to the trail.
Day 4. 19 miles ride. A night in West Two Rivers Campground. It is 1.5 miles away from the trail, but the road goes to the campground only, so there were only few cars. The only problem was to cross the hwy 169 with kids, but after some wait we did that safely. Reservation online. They have tent only sites, but they are smaller for the same rate - $35 or so. I switched to an RV one. I recommend sites 23 and 24.
Day 5. 23 + 1.5 miles ride. A night in Biwabik Vermilion Trail Campground. It is a popular campground, especially on weekends. Reservation online. Payment is $35 or so. Last section of 5 miles or so on a public road with a wide shoulder. That was not the best experience with kids, but drivers were respectful to us.
Originally we planned Day 6 riding to Heritage Park & Campground in Embarass, but shuttle guy have not responded to us quickly and we cut our route by one day planning me to ride all the way back to the car while my family is waiting in the campground. He responded last night and gave us a ride from Biwabik to Cedar Rapids for $128. It is a good price for 80 miles of 4 people with 4 bikes and backpacks. Plan ahead. I planned only one week prior to the trip.
About the trail. First of all it is a tremendous work! The shuttle driver was from the trail management. He said how much time and money they invest in it for us to be able to ride it. So please, don't forget to buy a Wheel Pass - it is a minimum to pay back for all their effort. Europe countries natively have extensive network of trails and driving culture allowing bikers and drivers to coexist. Those who promote healthy lifestyle through building bike trails in the US deserve all sorts of endorsements. The towns we passed seem to know about cyclists and drivers where very respectful to us. Don't loose your attention though, we had couple of issues in one town. Drivers made excuses to us so the great work in progress in this aspect too. As I said the trail is not 100% serenity in the woods, the trail direction is planning to build the Biwabik section, but over it was an excellent ride and we were very happy. August is a beautiful time to bikepacking. I bet Fall time will be amazing too, even though colder for bikepacking.

Gitchi-Gami State Trail

Scenic Schroeder to Lutsen

September, 2023 by nancybro5

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

Gitchi-Gami State Trail

Disappointed

September, 2023 by joglazewski

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.

Soo Line Trail (Northern Route)

not for bikes

August, 2023 by rranguette

We hopped onto the trail in McGregor and we’re very disappointed with the trail. It’s a mixture of large rocks and sandy soil. Probably better for all terrain vehicles and snow mobiles, not suitable for bikes.

Duluth Cross City Trail

An easy access to Canal Park from West Duluth

July, 2023 by fswwq98dzt

It’s a nice smooth ride running parallel with I-35. It has some interesting scenery along different areas of the trail. There are a couple of long but short inclines when getting close to downtown Duluth. Traffic may get a little heavy on Superior St.

Gitchi-Gami State Trail

One of the Prettiest Trails I've Ever Ridden!

July, 2023 by bkn94

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

Soo Line Trail (Southern Route)

Poor Maintenance

July, 2023 by bgau

From highway 10 (Soo Line Trailhead) to the Morrison County/Stearns County line, the trail has not been maintained the past few years. The cracks don’t get repaired, debris doesn’t get blown off, big branches don’t get removed for days, dogs are off leashes. I had to remove a large branch that was blocking the trail for at least a week. The Morrison County maintenance crew needs a lesson from the Stearns County crew.

Soo Line Trail (Southern Route)

Rough bike trail in places

July, 2023 by bethw67

Lots of rocks kicked up from ATV side when bike riding and a lot of cracks and holes in the trail. It was fun but not as fun when ATVs were frequently riding on the paved part. We expected them to keep left but apparently it’s common for them to keep right?

Alex Laveau Memorial Trail (Willard Munger State Trail)

The Sad State of the Willard Munger State Trail

June, 2023 by breebertz

It’s really sad that this trail is now virtually unrideable on a road bike. I drove 75 minutes to Hinckley with the plan to ride 20 miles north and 20 miles back. I turned around after 10 miles due to the condition of the trail. It’s one of the more beautiful trails in the state, yet so very sad that maintenance has obviously been non-existent for years. I had ridden it three years ago and don’t remember it being so neglected. I hope they get the word around if they ever decide to maintain it, as I would love to use it if I could.

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