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The Great Northern Trail offers a paved north-south route through the city of Elk River and into the city of Zimmerman on northwest outskirts of Minneapolis.
For 8.5 miles, the rail-trail winds through the community along a former railroad bed operated by the Great Northern Railroad 1886–1976. It offers scenic views and includes a pedestrian tunnel under CR 33 (Ranch Road) that provides users with an unimpeded route through Elk River.
From the trail's southern end by the intersection of Elk Lake Road NW and Upland Street NW in Elk River, the route passes several school fields and residential areas before heading into the woods.
The Great Northern Trail meanders through lush stands of hardwood forests and several parks, including Big Tooth Ridge Park and Top of the World Park, where there are unpaved trails which are limited to hiking only.
Continuing north, the rail-trail runs past the Elk River Golf Club and along east edge of the Woodland Trails Regional Park (20135 Elk Lake Rd NW, Elk River), a beautiful natural park featuring dense woods, prairies, and wetlands, all spanning more than 400 acres. The park has picnic tables, benches, parking, a dog waste station, a biathlon range, an archery range, and a nature play area.
Heading through the pedestrian tunnel under CR 33 (Ranch Road), the trail continues through woods and fields, passes streams and small ponds, and occasionally crosses residential streets. The trail's northern end is by the Frisbee/Disc Golf Course in Zimmerman City Park (25850 Main St, Zimmerman).
Future plans include transforming the remaining 19.5 undeveloped miles. The project's next phases will extend the trail north from Zimmerman to Princeton.
Parking is available at the northern end of the trail in a paved lot by the Frisbee/Disc Golf Course in Zimmerman City Park (25850 Main St, Zimmerman). Midway along the route, park at Woodland Trails Regional Park (20135 Elk Lake Rd NW, Elk River) and access the trail via a paved paths that wind through the park. At the southern terminus of the trail, park at Meadowvale Elementary School.
Visit the TrailLink map for all options and detailed directions.
Twice we've taken this trail for a Sunday outing from Woodland Park in Elk River to Zimmerman, enjoying a light lunch @ D's Smokehouse & then back. Can't wait for the continued expansion north.
I just went for my first road bike experience yesterday on this trail, driving to zimmerman to hop on it. To my luck, I came to find it was newly paved! It’s a lovely route to elk River and I actually think it may be closer to 8 or 9 miles one way, according to mile markers. The only down side is the stretch of land east to the elk River landfill…depending on which way the wind is blowing, it can be stinky. I can’t wait to bike again!
Fun trail.
Great paved trail with mile markers to either go for a quick mile or two or a full rollerblade workout! Dog friendly and a beautiful scenery!
This is my daily ride trail. Only two miles from where I live. Very well maintained. I’ve seen as many as 12 deer during an early morning ride. Love the fact it has now been extended to Zimmerman.
The trail is now paved to the compost site in Zimmerman. A very nice and wide trail with great scenery
We went to the trail 7/10/2020 at the south trail head to find the trail completely blocked off and posted for construction. They have torn out sections of pavement to be replaced.
No date was posted for reopening.
This is a beautiful and well-kept paved path for easy and enjoyable biking. Off-street parking available with a potty. The first stretch includes walkers, families with dogs and biking with the kids, then it turns pretty quiet. The trail is absolutely beautiful through birch, frog ponds, and a fun tunnel. This is on the edge of the City of Elk River so when you are done it is just a mile or two to the nearest DQ.
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