Trail passes wild river, 400-year-old trees

A section of the West Manitou River Trail.
Photo courtesy of Minnesota DNR.

Day hikers can enjoy rustic North Shore landscapes on a scenic loop at Minnesota’s George H. Crosby Manitou State Park.

The 3.3-mile Middle-West Manitou-Misquah-Yellow Birch Loop combines four trails as it winds through the highlands overlooking Lake Superior. Along the loop, day hikers can experience a river rumbling over ancient rock and an old growth forest boasting centuries-old trees.

George H. Crosby Manitou State Park is perfect for hikers and campers who prefer a primitive nature setting. The park has no developed facilities, in accordance with the wishes of its namesake, a famous Minnesota mining executive who was an avid outdoorsman.

To reach the park, from Silver Bay travel north on Minn. Hwy. 61, turning left/northwest onto Minn. Hwy 1. In Finland, go right/northeast onto County Road 7 (aka Cramer Road). Take a right/east into the park, using the lot where the road loops back on itself.

Superior Hiking Trail
The first leg of the loop, the Middle Trail, starts on the lot’s north side. This portion of the trail also is part of the Superior Hiking Trail.

In keeping with the park’s primitive nature, the gently rolling dirt trail is narrow and crosses several small stones and tree roots. A boardwalk runs over a wet, boggy area, then the trail climbs a rocky slope.

After 0.3 miles, a side trail heads to an overlook. The view is worth the few extra steps. Past the overlook, the side trail rejoins the main route; at that junction, go right/north onto the Middle Trail.

Among the interesting sights following the overlook is a birch tree growing atop a boulder with roots clinging to the rock as breaking into the ground. The trail next passes an open log shelter that is a great spot for a break.

At 0.9 miles, the Middle reaches the West Manitou River Trail. Go left/northwest onto the latter.

River views
An overlook is 0.15 miles from the intersection. The rock knoll offers great view of the river valley below. The vista is stunning in autumn, when the changing leaves paint the forest in a rainbow of harvest colors. From there, descend several wooden steps to the Manitou River’s cascades.

After taking in the rapids, turn back, following the trail southwest along the river, which can be seen through several tree breaks. The Manitou River rushes over basalt set down in lava flows some 1.1 billion years ago. The water is the color of frothy root beer due to the dead leaves, grasses and other organic material that drain into the waterway; the hard rocky river bottom causes the water to tumble and aerate. Manitou means “spirit” in Ojibwe.

In 0.6 miles, after passing several spurs to campsites, the Superior Hiking Trail splits to the left/north where it crosses the river. Instead, go right/south onto the Misquah Trail and away from the Manitou.

This section of the loop heads through an old growth forest for a half-mile with a couple of overlooks just off the trail.

Ancient birch
After passing a spur to campground site 7, the trail curves west. In 0.4 miles from the spur, you’ll reach the Yellow Birch and Cedar Ridge trails. Go right/northwest onto the Yellow Birch.

This portion of the loop also runs through an old growth forest. Some of the birch trees here are around 400 years old, starting as saplings when the Pilgrims first arrived in America. Because of the thick forest, the trail here is rugged.

Wildlife frequently can be spotted along this part of the loop. Be forewarned that black bears are among the park’s denizens; should you see a bear, simply make loud noises to scare it off. Being noisy while you hike usually is sufficient to keep bears deep in the woods.

At 0.3 miles, the trail passes a connector to Bensen Lake. Stay on the main route. Then, in another 0.3 miles, you’ll reach the road to your parking lot. Follow it right/north to your vehicle.

Learn about trail guidebooks available in the Hittin’ the Trail series.

Hike heads along scenic MN’s Beaver River

Beaver River Falls. Courtesy briandjan607/flickr.

A scenic wilderness hike to the Beaver River awaits day hikers on Minnesota’s North Shore.

The Superior Hiking Trail segment runs 2-miles round trip.

To reach the trailhead, from Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, drive north on Minn. Hwy. 61 to Beaver Bay. One there, turn left/north on County Road 4/Lax Lake Road. A parking lot is on the road’s right/northeast side in 0.8 miles.

From the lot, head northeast on the trail. ATVs share the route for about 0.4 miles.

At that point, the trail crosses a metal bridge over the Beaver River then turns onto a footpath hugging the waterway. The Beaver River rises out of the highlands and runs 23.4 miles before spilling into Lake Superior.

Initially along the trail, the Beaver River is wide and gentle as it flows past fragrant cedar and white pine groves. Soon, though, the river turns into a raging cascade.

The trail then comes upon two small campsites. The North Beaver River Campsite is first, and a quarter mile later is the South Beaver River Campsite.

After the south campsite a mile into the hike, the trail turns away from the Beaver River and gains elevation through a forest of birch, cedar and spruce. Given the loss of the river view and the ascent, turn back at the south campsite.

Beaver River Falls
The Superior Hiking Trail unfortunately won’t get you to thundering Beaver River Falls. To see that, you’ll need to head south from the parking lot on County Road 4. Just before the Hwy. 61 intersection, turn left/northeast into the falls’ large parking lot.

From the lot, hike about 0.05 miles downhill to the falls. There, the river spills over ancient black rock that is around 1.09 billion years old. Several drops make up the falls, totaling about 55 feet in height.

Learn about nearby hiking trails in Day Hiking Trails of Split Rock Lighthouse State Park.

Ridge trail overlooks Lake Superior, river

Map of trail from Beaver Bay to eastern (E) and western (W) Cove Point
(solid yellow) and of Cove Point Spur Trail Loop (dotted yellow).
Map courtesy of  www.shta.org.

The second longest segment of Minnesota’s Superior Hiking Trail stretches between Split Rock Lighthouse State Park and Beaver Bay with 10.6 miles of uninterrupted trail. While that's a little long for a day hike, you can get a good taste of what awaits there via short segments from Beaver Bay to either eastern or western Cove Point.

The entire hike runs 6-miles round trip, though it can be shortened to half of that by stopping at a great vista of Lake Superior.

To reach the trailhead, from Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, travel north on Minn. Hwy. 61. Upon reaching the north side of Beaver Bay – the North Shore’s oldest Euro-American settlement – turn left/northwest onto County Road 4/Lax Lake Road. A parking is in 0.8 miles on the road's right/north side.

After parking, carefully cross the road and head straight into the woods on the narrow Superior Hiking Trail. You'll begin with a steady climb up a slab of moss-covered bedrock. When you begin to descend this hill, you're on the backside of the ancient volcanic slab. This up and down walk over a solid rock surface repeats itself four more times between Beaver Bay and Split Rock.

The trail sports a variety of trees, including balsam, birch and maple. Cedar groves dominate in lower areas.

At 1.3 miles is a spur trail to first of two vistas – eastern Cove Point. If looking for a short walk, head through the birch forest to this view of Lake Superior. It's in 0.2 miles. Turning back for the parking lot at the vista equals a 3-mile roundtrip hike.

Alternately, you can skip that spur trail and continue straight on the main trail to western Cove Point, which is 3 miles from the parking lot. The trail runs atop a cliff overlook the Beaver River to the north and offers some views of the railroad linking Iron Range taconite mines to a processing plant up the lake in Silver Bay.

The trail then turns south on the last leg to western Cove Point, running atop Fault Line Ridge. Red pines dominate the ridge and cliff overlooking the river. Turning back at western Cove Point is 6-miles round trip.

Another way to reach the points is via the Cove Point Spur Trail Loop. Start by parking at the Cove Point Lodge, cross Hwy. 61 and head uphill. You’ll head over a stream then pass a former mink farm and a communications tower. At 1.2 miles is the first junction. Going right/north leads you to a eastern Cove Point. Going left/west brings up to the main Superior Hiking Trail in 1.1 miles; go right/north on for 0.7 miles to western Cove Point. While part of the loop is wide, it’s an ascent the whole the way to the ridgelines where the two points sit.

Learn about nearby hiking trails in Day Hiking Trails of Split Rock Lighthouse State Park.

SHT walks ridgelines over Split Rock park

Superior Hiking Trail - DOT Wayside to Southeast Split Rock River
Campsite segment, courtesy Minnesota DNR.

Superior Hiking Trail - DOT Wayside to ATV Trail on
Chapins Ridge segment, courtesy shta.org.

Minnesota trail
offers views of
Lake Superior

Day hikers can enjoy great views of Lake Superior on two segments of the Superior Hiking Trail in Minnesota’s Split Rock Lighthouse State Park.

While the segments share the same access trails, upon reaching the SHT, hikers can go in one of two directions – left/southwest to the Southeast Split Rock River Campsite or right/northeast to an ATV trail on Chapins Ridge. The former is shorter while the latter offers better vistas of Lake Superior.

To reach the trailhead, from Two Harbors travel north on Minn. Hwy. 61. Park at the Split Rock River Wayside. Take the access trail around the lot and under the highway to the Gitchi-Gami Trail. Go left/northeast on the trail.

In 0.3 miles, look for the Merrill Grade Trail. It is to the left on the other side of Hwy. 61 and is marked with a yellow gate. Carefully cross the busy highway to the trail; you may need to walk a ways in the ditch or along the shoulder to reach the gate.

After walking 0.2 miles up a steep grade, you’ll reach the first junction with a connector to the SHT. Go left/northwest onto in. These by far are the most arduous portions of the hike. In 0.2 miles, you’ll reach the SHT. You’ll have to decide there which segment you want to take.

Left/southwest to Split Rock River campsite
This route heads to the Southeast Split Rock River Campsite for a 3.2-mile round trip from the DOT Wayside.

When the connector reaches the SHT, go left/southwest. For most of this segment, the trail follows the ridgeline at about 850 feet elevation. It’s about 0.9 miles from the connector to the campsite.

The campsite marks a good spot to turn back. Alternately, you can continue on; in 0.6 miles is the footbridge across the Split Rock River. This reaches the end of the Split Rock River Trail described in another entry.

Right/northeast to ATV Trail
Following the ridgeline, the trail offers excellent vistas of Lake Superior and the Split Rock Lighthouse below for a 5.6-mile round trip.

When the connector and the SHT meet, go right/northeast.

Along the way, the trail passes several rock outcroppings. Most of these mark the former shoreline of ancient Glacial Lake Duluth.

The trail soon begins a long but gradual descent to a wetlands surrounding Split Rock Creek. A footbridge heads over the stream, and then it’s uphill once more.

Next the SHT junctions with the Merrill Grade Trail at 0.8 miles from the connector. From there, the SHT leaves Split Rock State Park, as heading north along the century-old railroad line that was used to haul fallen logs out of the highlands to the lake.

Eventually the SHT splits from the old railroad grade and heads through a spruce forest. Rocky ridges with steep drops and lichen-covered boulders offer visual delights.

In 1.3 miles from the Merrill Grade Trail, the SHT intersects an ATV trail. This marks a good spot to turn back. If continuing on, however, the SHT reaches the Chapins Ridge Campsite in 0.4 miles.

Learn about nearby hiking trails in Day Hiking Trails of Split Rock Lighthouse State Park.

Beach, forest walks await in Two Harbors

The Silver Creek Cliff Segment of the Gitchi-Gami trail runs on old Minn.
Hwy. 61 roadbed north of Two Harbors. 

Many visitors to Two Harbors, Minn. – the first major city on the Minnesota North Shore after leaving Duluth – think the only great sights of nature to enjoy are those at Gooseberry Falls and Split Rock Lighthouse state parks. There are plenty of fantastic outdoors sights to see before ever reaching those parks, though.

Among the best trails in and around Two Harbors (not including the state parks) are:
• Flood Bay Beach – The crescent-shaped, agate-laden beach with a panoramic view of Lake Superior runs about 0.9-miles round trip if walking from the parking lot to one end of it then to the other end and back to the lot. About a mile north of town on Minn. Hwy. 61, between mileposts 27 and 28, look for signs to the wayside/beach and turn right/east into the parking lot.
• Kelsey Beach Trail – This gem is one of the North Shore’s best kept secrets. Less than a couple of hundred feet in distance, the cobblestone beach sits at the mouth of the Stewart River as it flows into Lake Superior. To reach the trailhead, from Two Harbors take Hwy. 61 north; immediately past the Stewart River Bridge, turn right/southeast into the parking lot.
• Knife River Rest Area Trail – Day hikers can amble across billion-year-old rock along a river’s edge at the Knife River Rest Area. To reach the Knife River Rest Area Trail, take Hwy. 61 south from Two Harbors. After milepost 18, exit to the left and double back to a parking area. The trail runs about 250-feet round trip.
• Gitchi-Gami Trail, Silver Creek Cliff Segment – The 1-mile round trip trail makes use of the Old Hwy. 61 roadbed and offers a 4000-foot vista of Lake Superior. Park at the Silver Creek Wayside Park and walk south/west to the western end of Silver Creek Cliff.
• Lake County Demonstration Forest Trail – About four miles of trails on an equal number of stacked loops can be found in the county forest. Parking and a trailhead are off of County Road 131/Drummond Grade at 2.7 miles from County Road 124/Holm Road.
• Lighthouse Point Trail – The rugged 1-mile trail runs along a rocky coast and through a cedar grove on a point separating Agate and Burlington bays. Start at the southern end of the Agate Bay Beach parking lots and turn back upon reaching the junction with the Sonju (aka Two Harbors Lake Walk) Trail.
• Sonju Trail – A number of great sights – a trio of Great Lakes docks, wildlife including white-tailed deer, and a lakeside pine forest – await hikers on the Sonju. Perhaps the most impressive part of the trail is the rock beach overlooking Burlington Bay. The paved bicycle and walking trail runs from Paul Van Hoven Park through Lakeview Park for about 2.4-miles round trip.
• Superior Hiking Trail, Camp Creek to Encampment River segment – The 4.5-mile round trip trail through a fragrant evergreen forest connects Crow Creek and the Encampment River south of Gooseberry Falls State Park. The trailhead is on Lake County Hwy. 106/W. Castle Danger Road north of Hwy. 61; at the Castle Danger Trailhead parking lot, go west and cross Hwy. 106.
• Superior Hiking Trail, McCarthy Creek segment – The 6.2-mile round trip trail heads through a sugar maple and a balsam fir forest. The parking lot off of County Road 261/Rossini Road; head east to the McCarthy Creek crossing.
• Superior Hiking Trail, Wolf Rock segment – Day hikers can enjoy impressive views of Lake Superior on the 1-mile round trip. It generally is considered one of the Superior Hiking Trail’s most visually dramatic sections. Use the same lot as for the SHT's Camp Creek to Encampment River segment.
• Two Harbors Breakwall – You can head about a third of a mile (0.66-miles round trip) into Agate Bay along the breakwall. Park in the lots for Agate Bay Beach at the end of Third Street.

Learn about trail guidebooks available in the Hittin’ the Trail series.

Lake views, Arctic plant awaits day hikers

Superior Hiking Trail segment in yellow. Map courtesy of Minnesota DNR.

Dazzling vistas of Lake Superior and massive tufts of Arctic lichen await day hikers on a segment of the Superior Hiking Trail north of Gooseberry Falls State Park.

After leaving Gooseberry Falls , Minnesota’s Superior Hiking Trail meanders for six miles across a ridge overlooking Lake Superior on its way to Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. This route could be treated as a point-to-point trail; another approach that is more convenient to day hikers is to split it into two sections by starting at Blueberry Hill Road.

Go east
To reach this access point, from Gooseberry Falls State Park, drive north on Minn. Hwy. 61. Turn left/northwest onto Blueberry Hill Road, whose dirt surface as it climbs into the forested hills quickly will have you feeling like you've truly entered a remote wilderness.

Watch closely for a break in the woods where the Superior Hiking Trail crosses the road. Park off the side of the road.

Going west toward Gooseberry Falls is peaceful as the trail runs through birch groves along the ridge’s base. Gooseberry River is 2.8 miles away from the road.

Heading east, however, offers several great vistas. The somewhat challenging path starts with a steep but short climb to the top of Bread Loaf Ridge. Spectacular views of Lake Superior and the forest below abound for about a mile.

Lichen, rocks and roses
There’s also a lot of rare sites to see in the forest itself.

You’ll likely notice reindeer moss, a lichen that usually is found in the polar regions. On the ridge, they form hemispherical tufts about the size of a bushel basket; when that large, the moss probably is about a century old.

There’s also a lot of weathered rock. These outcroppings mark the top of a series of lava flows that 1.1 billion years ago covered this section of the continent. Exposure to wind, rain, freezing and glaciers over the eons have exposed this ancient, underlying basalt at several spots on the forest floor.

You also won’t be able to help but smell the wild roses when they bloom in June through July. The sweet-scented five-petaled pink flower with its yellow center stands starkly against kelly green leaves.

At 1.6 miles from trailhead, the Superior Hiking Trail descends into the Split Rock River Valley. This marks a good spot to turn back for a 3.2-mile round trip.

Should you continue on, the trail makes a steep climb back up the other side of the valley then an easy descent through a birch grove before reaching a waterfall on a branch of the Split Rock River. The waterfall is 2.7 miles (one-way) from Blueberry Hill Road but can be more easily reached by taking the Superior Hiking Trail from the Split Rock River DOT Wayside.

Learn more about the park's day hiking trails in my Day Hiking Trails of Split Rock Lighthouse State Park.

Trail heads into red rock gorge, past falls

Split Rock River runs through a gorge of red rhyolite, 

volcanic rock that is 1.1 billion years old. 

Photo courtesy of Minnesota DNR.

Map of Split Rock River Trail, courtesy Minn. DNR.

Split Rock River Trail
popular at Minnesota
North Shore state park

A red rock gorge with waterfalls awaits day hikers of the Split Rock River Trail on Minnesota’s North Shore.

The 4.4-miles round trip trail sits in Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. Due to the great scenery and ease of access, it’s also among the Superior Hiking Trail’s most popular segments.

Split Rock Falls
To reach the trail, from Two Harbors, drive north on Minn. Hwy. 61. At mile marker 43.2, turn into the parking lot for the Split Rock River Wayside on the road’s north side.

The path heads up the west shore of Split Rock River through a birch grove on a spur trail. The spur is a gradual climb, offering nice views of the river valley below. Be aware that the clay banks on this side of the root beer-colored river at times are steep and after a rainfall can be slick; boardwalks, timbers and bridges make up part of the rugged trail’s surface.

At 0.5 miles from the trailhead, the spur reaches the junction with the actual Superior Hiking Trail; go right/north, remaining along the river. Watch for the blue blazes that mark the SHT.

A wooden bridge crosses the West Fork of the Split River, a small creek that drains into the main waterway, at about 0.8 miles from the trailhead. Large, mature cedars grow near the confluence, and a rock ledge allows a great place to rest and even enjoy a picnic as viewing Split Rock Falls, which tumbles 20 feet over gray rock.

Red rock gorge
From the creek, the trail swerves back to the river and enters a magnificent red rock gorge. The rock is rhyolite, a form of granite that appears red though its crystals are pink, black and white It formed during a massive lava flow 1.1 billion years ago.

A bare, shear five-story cliff of rhyolite is visible on the opposite shore. The green conifers atop this wall nicely contrast with the red rock.

Cascades and a small waterfall also can be found within the gorge.

Also among the highlights is the Pillars, twin chimneys of rhyolite. They sometimes are referred to as “Split Rock,” though that appellation probably came after the park was named. Passing the formation, look back as the pillars frame the waterfalls in the gorge.

Leaving the gorge, the trail levels out. At 2.4 miles, it reaches a bridge over the Split River; this marks a good spot to turn back to the parking lot.

Additional hike
If you have a little extra energy, consider making a loop around the river. Rather than turn back at the bridge, cross it to the river’s east side for a 5-mile round trip.

This trail on the eastern/northern shoreline is higher, staying above the gorge. Combined with the greater amount of sunlight the slopes on this side of the river receive, this is a drier portion of the trail. The cliffs also offer a unique vantage for seeing the Pillars.

The trail soon moves away from the river and climbs a bit higher to a ridgeline. The result is a wide, commanding view of Lake Superior with the Apostle Islands in the distance. A lean-to shelter is near this vista.

At 4.2 miles from the parking lot, the Superior Hiking Trail comes to a junction; take the spur trail right/southeast. The trail then makes a steep descent. At the bottom, you’ll cross Hwy. 61. From there, go left, southwest on the paved Gitchi-Gami Bike Trail.

The trail then crosses Split Rock as it spills into Lake Superior. Use the pedestrian tunnel to cross Hwy. 61 to your parking lot.

Learn about nearby hiking trails in Day Hiking Trails of Split Rock Lighthouse State Park.

Trail passes three falls in Gooseberry SP

Map for Fifth Falls Trail. Click on map for larger version.

Fifth Falls loop
offers quiet
from crowds

Day hikers can enjoy a riverside walk to a little seen waterfalls on the Fifth Falls Trail at Minnesota’s Gooseberry Falls State Park.

Though not as high or as wide as the other Upper and Middle falls, Fifth Falls is still impressive, especially during autumn. The looping trail runs 2.4–miles round trip.

To reach the trailhead, from Two Harbors, drive north on Minn. Hwy. 61, turning into the Gooseberry Falls Wayside (near mile marker 39) and park. Walk northeast past the visitor center. At the first T-intersection, go left/north toward Upper Falls. Along the way, watch for and follow signs pointing to the Fifth Falls Snowshoe Trail.

At the Hwy. 61 bridge over the Gooseberry River, continue north along the waterway’s west bank past Upper Falls. This waterfalls is about 0.2 miles from the trailhead.

West bank
After passing Upper Falls, the crowd thins considerably. Most park visitors stick to the lower three falls clustered near the visitor center, but there’s plenty to see on the way to Fifth Falls.

Gooseberry River’s west side definitely is the rougher of the two banks. After crossing a floodplain, the trail climbs up a steep bank. The upside: A lot of ledges along the riverbank prove fun to explore, especially for any kids accompanying you.

After passing a horseshoe bend north of Upper Falls, the trail comes to a bridge crossing the river. Stepping onto the bridge offers good views. Once taking in the sights, stay on the river’s west bank continuing straight/south.

Following a smaller horseshoe bend, the river and trail head primarily north to northwest. You’ll pass a tiny waterfalls, the fourth on the river (Of the Gooseberry River’s five waterfalls, this hike skips Lower and Middle Falls, the two closest to Lake Superior).

Fifth Falls
At the junction with the Superior Hiking Trail, go right/east. This takes you to a bridge over the river, about 1.1 miles from the trailhead, and delivers a great view of Fifth Falls, which is upstream.

With a 15-foot drop over ancient volcanic rock, Fifth Falls is most impressive in spring when water levels are higher from the snow melt. Autumn offers a chance to see more of the rock formations and potholes, however. You can continue north past the bridge to the falls and explore the rocks up close, but be careful of any wet stones, which can be slippery.

Once across the bridge to the Gooseberry River’s east bank, turn right/south/east. This takes you down the river, as it makes its way toward Lake Superior. This part of the route, which is shared with the Superior Hiking Trail, is wider and generally better maintained than what you walked up on the opposite shore. It also offers another view of both the river’s fourth waterfalls and Upper Falls.

At the Hwy. 61 bridge, which is 2.2 miles from the trailhead, take the walkway back to the Gooseberry River’s east shore. Retrace your steps to the visitor center and parking lot.

Learn about more day hiking trails at and near Gooseberry Falls State Park in my Day Hiking Trails of Gooseberry Falls State Park guidebook.

Great sights await on Superior Hiking Trail segments in Gooseberry Falls State Park

A catwalk bridge heads over Gooseberry River on its way
to the Superior Hiking Trail. Photo courtesy of MN DNR.

Map of Superior Hiking Trail in Gooseberry Falls State Park,
courtesy of Minnesota DNR.

One direction leads to waterfall, rugged river shore; other way to lake vista

A waterfall, rugged river country, and great vistas of Lake Superior await day hikers on two segments of the Superior Hiking Trail in Minnesota’s Gooseberry Falls State Park.

The highly acclaimed SHT runs 310 miles from near Jay Cooke State Park along the North Shore to the Canadian border. In Gooseberry Falls State Park, it stays north of Minn. Hwy. 61, connecting the corner of the park’s backcountry while dipping close to the main area where the waterfalls are clustered.

There’s no parking lot off the Superior Hiking Trail in the state park, so you’ll need to take a spur trail from the visitor center to reach it. To reach it, from Hwy. 61, turn southeast into the rest area/visitor center parking for the state park.

Take the paved trail heading north to the visitor center then from there watch for the signs pointing you to the Gateway Plaza. Cross under Hwy. 61 and take the footbridge over the Gooseberry River below Upper Falls. At the first trail junction, turn left/north.

In 0.34 miles, you’ll find yourself the intersection with the SHT alongside the Gooseberry River just above Upper Falls. As the waterway splits the park in half, this puts you at about the center of the SHT’s run through the park.

West segment
Going left/north takes you up the Gooseberry River through the park’s northwest corner. Among the highlights are a waterfalls and rugged river country in a 4.2-mile round trip.

The first section of the trail shares duty with a part of the park’s Fifth Falls Trail, reaching that waterfall in 1.1 miles from the parking lot. Though only a 15-foot drop, Fifth Falls offers dramatic scenery and – unlike the popular waterfalls downriver – solitude.

Take the footbridge across the Gooseberry River above Fifth Falls. The trail then climbs away from the river shore. At the next trail junction, head right/northwest.

The trail continues to parallel the river but now is on its southwest side. In this segment, you’ll notice a large 10-foot high fence that keeps whitetail deer away from the young trees on the other side. Deer love the sapling’s shoots and would kill them by overgrazing.

Next, the trail heads downhill. The route becomes wide and grassy here.

The river meanders in this section. The gravel bars are excellent spots to search for agates. In spring and autumn, watch for migrating birds who stop off along here for a meal or to rest.

Where Skunk Creek joins the Gooseberry River, there’s a shelter. This is about 2.1 miles from the trailhead and marks a good spot to turn back.

If you continue on, the trail then veers southwest as it follows the river and ultimately exits the park. From there, the trail heads for about seven miles to Lake County Road 103.

East segment
Alternately, at the junction above Upper Falls, you can go right/southeast, which takes you up the Gooseberry River through the park’s northwest corner. Among the highlights are fantastic views of Lake Superior and the crossing of a backwoods creek in a 1.4-mile round trip hike.

The trail heads uphill through a birch and pine forest into the bluffs. This segment of the trail curves behind a knoll that blocks any views of Lake Superior, though.

The first waypoint is Nelsens Creek, which is 0.7 miles from the parking lot. The stream flows out of the highlands to the northwest into Lake Superior.

Take the footbridge over the creek. A small trail that runs directly east of the bridge leads to a great vista of the lake in 0.35 miles (one-way). That vista also marks a good spot to turn back.

The main trail does continue on into the forests above Lake Superior. Upon reaching the state park boundary, the trail heads 7.5 miles to Split Rock Lighthouse.

Map

Learn about more day hiking trails at and near Gooseberry Falls State Park in my Day Hiking Trails of Gooseberry Falls State Park guidebook.

Hike to Wolf Rock offers Lake Superior view

Topo map of Wolf Rock segment. Click for larger map.

Day hikers can enjoy impressive views of Lake Superior on the Wolf Rock segment of the Superior Hiking Trail.

The segment runs 1-mile round trip. It generally is considered one of the Superior Hiking Trail’s most visually dramatic sections.

To reach the trailhead, from Two Harbors, Minn., head north on Minn. Hwy. 61 for about 10 miles. Turn left/northwest onto Lake County Hwy. 106/W. Castle Danger Road (The highway becomes Silver Creek Township Road along the way.). In 2.3 miles is the Castle Danger Trailhead parking lot for the Superior Hiking Trail on the right/north. Take the trail heading east from the lot.

The terrain with its pines, rocky outcroppings and steepness gives you a Rocky Mountain feel. In fact, “steep” might be a kind word, as the trail gains more than 200 feet elevation in a mere half-mile.

The effort is worth it. At the top, you’re rewarded with a fantastic view of the surrounding countryside, blue Lake Superior to the east and south (which is some 600 feet below), Crow Creek to the south and west.

The summit is made of diabase, an erosion-resistant stone that has survived more than a billion years. It formed when lava flowed into fractured rock and is similar in makeup to basalt.

The summit is so named because the trail builders heard wolf howls while camping near it.
If you have a little more energy, you can continue north along the ridgeline. Going another 0.6 miles (one-way) heads through a cedar grove to a spur trail that in a mere 215 yards offers an incredible overlook of Crow Creek below.

Learn about trail guidebooks available in the Hittin’ the Trail series.

Enjoy wildflowers on streamside trail

Topo map of Nelsens Creek Trail. Trailhead is in lower left near "719."

Minnesota route
follows creek
flowing into
Lake Superior

Day hikers can enjoy a variety of wildflowers as walking alongside a pleasant stream flowing into Lake Superior at Minnesota’s Gooseberry Falls State Park.

The Nelsens Creek Trail is not the official name of the route described here but merely a name assigned for convenience’ sake, as the 3.6-mile round-trip consists of segments of other trails, including cross-country ski routes.

Gooseberry Falls sits along Minn. Hwy 61 northeast of Two Harbors. To reach the trailhead, upon entering Gooseberry, park in the first set of lots for the visitor center. Head past the center, but rather than take the trail to Middle and Lower Falls, go left toward Upper Falls. Cross the Gooseberry River via the suspended walkway.

An asphalt pathway then passes the park’s original visitor center. The material used to build the center is representative of the North Shore’s geology. The black gabbro rock came from a quarry at Beaver Bay to the north, the red granite from a quarry in Duluth to the south, and the clay and sand for the mortar from Flood Bay near Two Harbors. The roof consists of cedar shakes.

Array of colors
The path in short order joins the Superior Hiking Trail. Go straight/northeast onto the SHT.

It’s an uphill walk from here. Fortunately, the trail is wide and grassy – and also quite beautiful. The path skirts a hill composed of 1.1-billion year-old volcanic rock as heading through a forest of paper birch. During spring and summer, a variety of wildflowers bloom on this section, including Canadian mayflowers, dewberry, Mertensia, trilliums, and wood anemones.

In about a quarter mile from the old visitor center, the trail separates from the SHT upon reaching Nelsens Creek. Go left/northwest alongside the stream.

As the trail passes along the wetter and cooler stream, the wildflowers here change as well. While wood anemones are a constant, there now also are blue flag iris, coltsfoot, goldenrod, marsh marigolds, violets (both yellow and purple), and white asters. The dominant birch tree also begins to give way to spruce and aspen.

The trail soon veers northeast and crosses the creek via a footbridge. It continues uphill along the stream’s east side. Look for wild rose bushes and strawberries.

Signs of ancient lake
Upon reaching an intersecting ski trail, continue straight/north next to the creek. Note how the dominant tree species change with aspen and spruce displacing cedar and poplar as you gain in elevation. Nelsens Creek begins at about 900 feet elevation, dropping almost 300 feet before flowing into Lake Superior.

At about 860 feet elevation, the trail veers west and crosses the creek again. Consider walking just a little beyond the footbridge; in about a tenth of a mile, the trail surface turns to red clay and pebbles, remnants of what once was Glacial Lake Duluth, the precursor to Lake Superior that around 9000 BC filled the entire valley below this point with cold meltwater.

Once you’ve spotted the red clay, turn back and retrace your steps to the parking lot.

Be aware that much of the trail is grassy; parts of it can be wet and even muddy in spring or after a rain, so be sure to wear good hiking boots. Also, different sources, including official park documents, provide alternate spellings for the creek, such as Nelsons, Nelson’s and Nelsen’s. The spelling used in this book is what appears on U.S. Geological Survey maps.

Learn about more day hiking trails at and near Gooseberry Falls State Park in my Day Hiking Trails of Gooseberry Falls State Park guidebook.

Trail runs along creek overlooks Great Lake

Map of Peace Ridge Trail

Short segment
often named
among best
of Superior
Hiking Trail

Day hikers can traipse along a rugged Northwoods creek then head out of the gorge to a fantastic view of the city of Duluth and Lake Superior on Minnesota’s Peace Ridge Trail.

The 3.4-mile round trip segment of the Superior Hiking Trail opened in 2005. Located in the city of Duluth, it’s easy to reach.

From Interstate 35 in Duluth, exit onto Central Avenue (Exit 252). Go north. Turn left on Highland Avenue. In one mile, the trail street reaches a five-way intersection with a parking lot on the right. Leave your vehicle at the lot.

The trail heads east from the lot. In 0.3 miles, it crosses Skyline Drive, and in another 200 feet, you’ll spot the Superior Hiking Trail marker.

Historic bridge
From there, the route descends into a rugged gorge where rustling Keene Creek flows off the bluff. Such streams are common in Duluth with most having formed at the end of the last ice age about 10,000 years ago.

The trail crosses the creek via a historic bridge. Motor vehicles once used the bridge when this route was Skyline Drive connecting Duluth and Proctor; it was built in 1914.

Next the trail veers northwest, paralleling the creek for the next 300 yards through Oneota Park. This is a rugged portion of the trail, built atop steep clay cliffs. The trail passes a few old structures along the way as well.

After the route then crosses Skyline Drive a second time, and the pathway turns to boardwalk crossing a lowland.

In quick order, the trail climbs out of the gorge through a rapidly changing mixed Northern hardwood forest. Aspen grows at the bottom with sugar maple and ironwood as nearing the top. Keep an eye out for wildlife in the area; whitetail deer and coyotes have been spotted here.

Peace Ridge
After passing a boulder split in two, the trail enters a forest of maples and red oak trees with Pennsylvania sedge as ground cover. This section includes crossing of a second, smaller creek.

At 1.3 miles from the parking lot, the trail at last reaches Peace Ridge in Brewer Park. The open side overlooks western Duluth from Minnesota Point to the St. Louis River mouth on Lake Superior. Among the many visible landmarks are the Enger Tower, Spirit Mountain, and the Aerial Lift Bridge.

The ridge gained its name because of major world events that occurred during scouting hikes for it. The first hike for the trail occurred on Sept. 11, 2001, and the second on Oct. 7, 2001, the day allied forces began bombing the Taliban in Afghanistan in response to the 9/11 attacks. A member of the scouting party suggested the trail be christened “Peace Ridge,” and the name aptly stuck.

The trail briefly re-enters the woods then at 1.7 miles comes to another overlook. This marks a good spot for a picnic or snack. After taking in the views, retrace your steps back to the trailhead.

Learn about trail guidebooks available in the Hittin’ the Trail series.

Hike to skyscraper view of Lake Superior

Carlton Peak rises over Lake Superior, as seen from Britton Peak.
Photo courtesy of  U.S. Forest Service.

Carlton Peak rock
rose to surface
billion years ago

Grand views of Lake Superior and the surrounding countryside await day hikers atop Carlton Peak on the Minnesota North Shore.

A moderately steep segment of the famous Superior Hiking Trail heads to the peak, whose bald rock summit towers 85 stories over Lake Superior. Carlton Peak is in Temperance River State Park, but much of the 7.6-mile (round trip) trail heads through the Superior National Forest.

To reach the trailhead, from Tofte, Minn., take County Hwy. 2 (aka Sawbill Trail) north for two miles. Park in the Britton Trail Trailhead lot on the road’s east/right side. Don’t park in the Carlton Peak overlook, which is more of a wayside.

Head south on the trail, which crosses a mixed hardwood forest. There’s lots of birch and pine, but also a good amount of maple along the way.

Spur trail to overlook
The trail is a gradual uphill climb most of the way. It crosses County Road 2, so watch for traffic, and then make sure you don’t accidentally turn onto the intersecting Lutsen Trail.

Next, the trail crosses Carlton Creek, which flows down the hill into Lake Superior. Boardwalks are in place here and wherever else the trail dips through wet areas.

You’ll soon notice a lot of rocks and boulders along the trail, giving you the same feel as if hiking a mountain out west. Carlton Peak is one of the points on the Sawtooth Mountains range, which stretches along the North Shore.

A spur heading east leads to the Ted Tofte Overlook (look for the sign nailed to a birch tree), which offers unobstructed views. The Carlton Peak summit looms over the overlook.

Heading back to the main trail, continue south/west. Watch for signs that point to the summit. The trail becomes much steeper here with some cliffs, so keep a close eye on any children accompanying you.

Summit
The peak sits at 1526 feet above sea level. From there, you can see Lake Superior, the village of Tofte, the Temperance River Valley, and Taconite Harbor.

The bald rock summit is a massive chunk of anorthrocite, a rock consisting of hard green and pink crystals. About 1.1 billion years ago, the light rock floated up through lava to the surface.

During the last ice age, glaciers scraped away the volcanic rock above the anorthrocite. Since then, humans have quarried rock from the peak to face the lower portion of the Tofte Ranger Station, to construct Taconite Harbor, and as a building material for other structures.

The trail is named for Reuben Carlton, who guided surveyors into the area during 1848. For the next several decades, commercial fishermen in Lake Superior relied on the peak for navigation.

An alternate Superior Hiking Trail route to the peak leaves from Temperance River State Park.

Read more about day hiking Northeast Minnesota in my Headin’ to the Cabin: Day Hiking Trails of Northeast Minnesota guidebook.

Multiple day hiking trails surround North Shore's Lutsen

Gitchi-Gami State Trail south of Lutsen, Minn.
Photo courtesy of Minnesota DNR.

Minnesota village boasts several miles of walking paths

Lake Superior vistas, mountain summits, and a scenic aspen-birch forest await day hikers on trails in the Lutsen, Minn., area.

The tiny village sits about two-thirds of the way up the North Shore between Duluth, Minn., and the Canadian border. The best way to reach Lutsen is to take Minn. Hwy. 61 north from Duluth.

Among the many great day hikes around Lutsen are:
g C.J. Ramstad/North Shore State Trail (Lutsen segments) – Head 0.75 miles (1.5-miles round trip) west to the Tait River or go east 1 mile (2-miles round trip) to the stream flowing out of Mistletoe Creek into Vat Lake in the Superior National Forest. Park in the lot off of County Road 4 north of the County Road 164 intersection, about 6.5 miles north of Lutsen.
g C.J. Ramstad/North Shore State Trail (Tofte segments) – In Superior National Forest, walk west a little more than a mile (2.25-miles round trip) across the Temperance River to Blind Temperance Creek or go northeast 5.2 miles (10.4-miles round trip) to the Lutsen Trail intersection. Park in the pullout lot at the County Road 2 and County Road 166 intersection about 4.5 miles north of Tofte.
g Gitchi-Gami State Trail (Lutsen Segment) – The trail heads south/west from Lutsen Ski Hill Road. Take it to Rollins Creek for a 3-mile round trip. Park at the designated GGST parking area.
g Gitchi-Gami State Trail (Tofte Segment) – Starting at Tofte Town Park, the trail heads north/east. LeVeaux Creek is about two miles away for a 4-mile round trip.
g Gitchi-Gami State Trail (Ray Berglund State Wayside segments) – Parking at the wayside, either head south/west to LeVeaux Creek for a 4-mile round trip or north/east to Rollins Creek for a 2-mile round trip.
g Lutsen Access Trail – Day hikers can head through a forest of aspen and birch overlooking Lake Superior in the Lutsen Scientific & Natural Area. From Lutsen, take County Road 5 (aka Ski Hill Road) north. In about 1.5 miles, you’ll come to a ditch crossing the road; park off the road here. The trail heads east into the woods for a 3.33-mile round trip.
g NF-1230 Ski Trail – An old forest road turned ski trail makes for a solid hike up the bluffside starting in the Superior National Forest and ending in the Lutsen Scientific & Natural Area. The 3-mile round trip crosses all three of the SNA’s forests. Park in the dirt lot off of County Road 5, about 1.1 miles north of Hwy. 61 in Lutsen.
g Oberg and LeVeaux Mountains Trails – Day hikers can choose between these trails, each of which leads to the summit of two prominent hills in Superior National Forest’s Sawtooth Mountains. Both are well-worn paths and spurs off the Superior Hiking Trail. To reach the trails, from Lutsen take Hwy. 61 south. Turn right/north onto the unpaved Onion River Road (aka Forest Road 336); after passing the mountains, a parking lot is on the road’s left/west side.

Read more about day hiking Northeast Minnesota in my Headin’ to the Cabin: Day Hiking Trails of Northeast Minnesota guidebook.

Twelve must-do hikes in Grand Marais, Minn.

Brule River from Superior Hiking Trail at Judge CR
Magney State Park. Photo courtesy of Minnesota DNR.

Fantastic vistas of Lake Superior, multiple waterfalls, and Minnesota’s highest point all await day hikers on trails in or near Grand Marais, Minn.

Located on Minnesota’s famed North Shore, the small city is distant yet well worth the trip. To reach Grand Marais or the two state parks nearby, travelers should take State Hwy. 61 north from Duluth, Minn. The drive itself with its sweeping views of Lake Superior will be impressive and set the right mood for discovering all that Grand Marais has the offer.

Among the many great day hikes in the Grand Marais area are:
g C.J. Ramstad/North Shore State Trail (Little Devil Track River area) segments – Walk 2.1 miles (4.2-miles round trip) northwest to Blueberry Lake’s shores or go southeast about 0.45 miles (0.9-miles round trip) over the Little Devil Track to the Superior Hiking Trail intersection. Park in the pullouts at the intersection of County Road 6 and Forest Road 1367 in the Superior National Forest.
g C.J. Ramstad/North Shore State Trail (Grand Marais city) segments – Walk southwest 0.45 miles (0.9-miles round trip) to the Gunflint Trail or head northeast for the same distance to the trail’s second stream crossing in Superior National Forest. Park on the turnaround at the end of Cedar Grove Drive, north of the Cedar Grove Drive intersection in town.
g Eagle Mountain Trail – Day hikers can ascend to the highest point in Minnesota via the rugged but incredibly scenic Eagle Mountain Trail in Superior National Forest.. The 7-mile (round trip) out-and-back trail is lengthy and can be steep at spots, and parts of it also are rocky; still, if the challenge isn’t rewarding enough, the views at the top certainly are. The trailhead is at the junction of Forest Road 158 (aka Bally Creek Road) and Forest Road 170 (formerly named Forest Road 153 and aka as The Grade).
g Gitchi-Gami State Trail (Grand Marais Segment) – Park in downtown Grand Marais near the trailhead off of Minn. Hwy. 61 near Eighth Avenue. Head south/west until the trail runs out for a 3-mile round trip.
g Grand Marais Corridor Trail – An urban hike, the 1-mile (one-way) paved bike trail heads through downtown Grand Marias. It does connect with the Grand Marais segment of the Gitchi-Gami State Trail, however, and so can be extended by 1.5 miles (one-way).
g Lake Trail – Off Cascade River State Park’s shores, the glacial lake the Ojibwe called gichigami – “the great sea” – stretches for 31,700 square miles. The trail runs 1.2 miles (2.4-miles round trip) along Lake Superior’s rocky beaches and white cedar trees.
g Lookout Mountain Trail – After Labor Day, the park’s birch leaves turn gold, making for an impressive site against the green spruce and fir. The 3.5-mile loop takes you through the forest to an overlook 600 feet above the shoreline, offering a view of the Sawtooth Mountain Range and of blue Lake Superior in the distance.
g Superior Hiking Trail segment to Cascade Falls – The Cascade River drops over two waterfalls as it rambles through a fern-laden gorge of 1.1 billion-year-old volcanic rock. A segment of Minnesota’s Superior Hiking Trail heads about 0.85 miles round trip to Cascade Falls and the Cascades, a set of small drops just above it.
g Superior Hiking Trail segment to Devil’s Kettle – About a mile from Lake Superior, volcanic rock splits the Brule River in a formation known as the Devil’s Kettle. One side of the divided river drops 50 feet while the other half rushes into a pothole. A 2-mile round trip segment of the Superior Hiking Trail, in Minnesota’s Judge CR Magney State Park, crosses the Brule and heads alongside it to Upper Falls and then the Devil’s Kettle.
g Superior Hiking Trail segment to Gauthier Creek – Brook and rainbow trout are abundant in the Brule River and Gauthier Creek of Judge CR Magney State Park. You’re certain to see anglers landing one on either waterway. You can reach Gauthier Creek from the parking lot by taking a segment of the north to the stream for a round trip of about 2 miles.
g Superior Hiking Trail segment to Gauthier Creek loop – Moose, black bear, timber wolf, white-tailed deer, ruffed grouse, snowshoe hare, woodchuck, red squirrel, chipmunk, warblers, chickadees, jays, nuthatches, and woodpeckers all reside in Judge CR Magney State Park. To improve your chances of a sighting, go deeper into the park; that can be done via the same Superior Hiking Trail segment to Gauthier Creek, except extend the walk about two miles (4-miles total round trip) by crossing the stream and doing the loop on its north side.
g Superior Hiking Trail segment to Lake Superior – Containing 2,903 cubic miles of water, the world’s largest freshwater lake stretches across Judge CR Magney State Park’s eastern and southern horizon. For a grand view, from the campground parking lot take a segment of the Superior Hiking Trail south along the Brule River to just above its confluence with Lake Superior. The hike is about 1-mile round trip.

Read more about day hiking Northeast Minnesota in my Headin’ to the Cabin: Day Hiking Trails of Northeast Minnesota guidebook.

Enjoy scenic and historical urban hike along the Duluth Lakewalk

Duluth Lakewalk

Trail hugs Lake Superior shoreline for several miles

Fantastic views of Lake Superior, a historic lift bridge, and a walk on a pier await day hikers of the Duluth Lakewalk.

An urban trail, the Lakewalk runs along the Lake Superior shoreline for several miles in Duluth, Minn. The route described here, about 3-miles round trip, takes walkers past several of the paved trail’s major highlights.

June through August mark the best time to visit Duluth, when lakeshore temperatures provide welcome relief from inland heat waves. Sometimes remnants of piled snow remain in Duluth parking lots past Memorial Day. Still, depending on the year, late May and early September can be pleasant during the day albeit chilly at night.

To hike the Lakewalk, park at the Fitger’s Inn ramp off East Superior Street. Through the building’s backside, head to a platform for a vista of shimmering Lake Superior then take the staircase down to the Lakewalk, which serves as the urban segment of the Superior Hiking Trail. Turn right/southwest.

The first stop is a side trail that passes the Duluth Veterans Memorial. The half-dome pays homage to veterans from the city who gave their life during wars of the past century.

Beyond the memorial, the Lakewalk parallels Interstate 35 and railroad tracks and so can be a bit noisy. Lake Superior’s blue waters and its light lap of the shores as gulls glide overhead will be enough to distract you, though.

Parks, Piers and Lift Bridge
At Corner-of-the-Lake Park, the Lakewalk veers away from the freeway and railroad, heading south along a beach. In the distance is the Aerial Lift Bridge with the Wisconsin shoreline beyond.

At 1.5 miles into the hike, you’ll reach Canal Park and the lift bridge. Before walking over to the bridge, turn left/northeast onto North Pier for the Duluth Harbor North Breakwater Lighthouse (The South Breakwater Outer Lighthouse is on the pier on the other side of the Duluth Entry waterway.). After the sojourn on the pier, head back to the bridge.

A Duluth landmark, the 390-foot-long Aerial Lift Bridge was constructed in 1929. In addition to age, its vertical lift bridge design is rare. It still operates today, rising up to 30 times daily during the shipping season.

Turning back the way you came, head over to the Lake Superior Maritime Center. The center offers displays about commercial shipping and often hosts special events from spring through autumn. Boat and walking tours also are available.

If hungry or should your dawgs need a rest, consider stopping at one of the many restaurants northwest of the maritime center. Then return the way you came to Fitger’s.

The Lakewalk is a dog-friendly trail with bags for cleaning up after Fido or Queenie located at most trail entrances. Benches also can be found overlooking several peaceful vistas of the lake.

Hiking the Lakewalk north
If you want to avoid Canal Park’s crowds, at Fitger’s instead turn left/northeast for a 2-mile round trip hike.

The trail is squished between I-35 and railroad tracks on one side and the lake on the other, so it can be bit noisy until reaching Leif Erikson Park. The park boasts a full-scale wooden replica of a Viking ship used hundreds of years ago (Note: In 2013, the ship was moved until a new shelter could be built for it.).

Near the park’s north side, take the walkway over the railroad tracks north to the Rose Garden (I-35 runs in a tunnel beneath the garden), which will delight your senses. More than 3,000 rose bushes, as well as several other flowers and herbs, grow here.

After enjoying the Rose Garden, return to the main trail via the walkway and head on back to Fitger’s.

Read more about day hiking Northeast Minnesota in my Headin’ to the Cabin: Day Hiking Trails of Northeast Minnesota guidebook.

Trails amble along creeks, offer Lake Superior views in Duluth, Minn.

Aerial Lift Bridge from the Duluth Lakewalk. 

With a large urban population that values the outdoors, day hiking trails abound in the Duluth metro area. Among the many sites that can be experienced on Duluth trails are wooded streams, a sandspit in the world’s largest freshwater lake, and panoramic views of Lake Superior.

A short list of Duluth’s multitude of day hikes include:
g Chester Park Trail – The trail loops along Chester Creek, which sits in a wooded ravine. Park on the street and access the trailhead at Fourth Street and 14th Avenue East in Chester Park.
g Congdon Park Trail – The trail parallels Tischer Creek, as it flows toward Lake Superior. A trailhead is at St. Marie Street and Vermillion Road in Congdon Park.
g Duluth Lakewalk – Fantastic views of Lake Superior, a historic lift bridge, and a walk on a pier await day hikers of the Duluth Lakewalk. Park at the Fitger’s Inn ramp and head southeast on the paved walkway.
g Grassy Point Trail – A short trail heads over wetlands and Keene Creek near its confluence with the St. Louis River. Park at the end of Leisure Street.
g Hartley Park trails – Several trails run through Hartley Park, with a spur of the Superior Hiking Trail leading to the top of 1300-foot Rock Knob offering lots of scenery. Other trails head past Tischer Creek and up Hunters Hill to Gaebo Point. Park in the lot at the nature center.
g Lester/Amity MTB Trail – The loping trail follows wooded Amity Creek and the Lester River for several miles. Park in the turnout off Seven Bridges Road immediately south of the creek; cross the bridge north to the trailhead on the road’s east side.
g Lincoln Park Trail (Miller Creek segment) – The trail winds alongside Miller Creek in the narrow but forested Lincoln Park. The route is part of the Superior Hiking Trail. Park in the Piedmont Avenue lot immediately east of North 24th Avenue; the trailhead is south of the lot on North 24th Avenue.
g Miller Creek Interpretive Trail – The 0.66-mile loop circles Miller Creek behind Lake Superior College with signage for 14 points of interest. The trail can be accessed from a spur on the southwest side of LSC Entrance Road, across from the West Parking Lot.
g Mission Creek Trail – A pleasant walk alongside Mission Creek awaits in Fond Du Lac Park. Park in the turnout at the end of West Ninth Street in the park.
g Park Point Trail – The trail runs for more than two miles one-way in the Park Point Recreation Area and the Minnesota Point Pine Forest Scientific and Natural Area, a natural sandspit in Superior Bay. Reaching it requires crossing the Aerial Lift Bridge; park at Sky Harbor Airport.
g Ridge Loop Trail – Fantastic views of Lake Superior and raptors migrating along the shoreline await day hikers of this trail in the Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory. Park alongside East Skyline Parkway and hoof to Hawk Ridge’s summit.
g Rock Pond and Hill Hiking Trail – The trail runs through the Bagley Nature Area, a pleasant woodland with a pond and vista point on the northwest corner of the University of Minnesota Duluth campus. Park in the metered lot near Oakland Court.
g Superior Hiking Trail (Enger Park segment) – A segment of the North Shore trail rambles through Enger Park, crossing Coffee Creek along the way. Park in the lot along Piedmont Avenue south of North 24th Avenue, taking West Skyline Parkway northeast into Enger Park.
g Superior Hiking Trail (Magney-Snively Park segment) – Several miles of the North Shore trail run through forested Magney-Snively Park. A parking lot is available along West Skyline Parkway south of Stewart Creek with the trail leaving from the lot’s east side.
g Western Waterfront Trail – The lengthy 5-mile trail at Indian Point Park circles Kingsbury Creek’s confluence with the St. Louis River. Park in the lot across the street from the Lake Superior Zoo.
g Willard Munger State Trail – The northern tip of the trail can be accessed at a number of spots. Among the most popular with parking lots are (from south to north): off 123rd Avenue West via the Superior Hiking Trail; off Riverside Drive at Grand Avenue (Minn. Hwy. 23); and marking the trail’s northern terminus, off Pulaski Street east of Grand Avenue (Minn. Hwy. 23).

Read more about day hiking Northeast Minnesota in my Headin’ to the Cabin: Day Hiking Trails of Northeast Minnesota guidebook.