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When completed, the Gitchi-Gami State Trail will traverse 88 paved miles between the cities of Two Harbors and Grand Marais on Lake Superior’s northern shore. Currently, the trail exists in five segments across 33 miles that are open between the two endpoints. The trail provides a nonmotorized, safer alternative to MN 61 along the North Shore.
The trail's segments pass through five Minnesota state parks along the North Shore, winding through birch and aspen forests, along cascading rivers and waterfalls, and through historic communities, while providing incredible vistas of Gitchi-Gami herself, Lake Superior.
Bicycle tune-up stations have been installed at Gooseberry Falls State Park behind the visitor center along the trail and at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park near the park office. Restrooms are available at each of the state parks along the trail and in each town or community along the route.
About the Route
The southernmost segment of the trail is also the shortest and runs alongside Silver Creek Cliff, which features more than 4,000 feet of continuous vista along its short 1-mile section just north of Two Harbors, along MN 61.
A 17.6-mile section from the Gooseberry Falls State Park (3206 MN-61, Two Harbors) north to Silver Bay cuts inland, paralleling the Northshore Mining Railroad. From the ridgeline above Lake Superior, the route offers spectacular views of the region. This section is also the longest and considered to be the most scenic section of the trail, with a sometimes steep and curving trail.
The Temperance River segment connects the 3 miles between the towns of Schroeder and Tofte. At Tofte, the trail continues northward along the shore for another 7.5 miles, ending in Lutsen at County Road 5 (also known as Ski Hill Road).
The northernmost completed segment of the trail runs 5.15 miles west from the Cut Face Creek Wayside through Grand Marais to 1st Ave West by Harbor Park (110 Wisconsin St), which is the northern end of the Gitchi-Gami State Trail network along the shore. The section from 8th Ave West to 1st Ave is also known as the Grand Marais Corridor Trail.
The Gitchi-Gami State Trail 2025 Silver Creek Cliff Tunnel (Two Harbours) and Bear Tree Park, 102 Wisconsin St (Grand Marais) in several disconnected segments.
Parking is available at:
Please see the TrailLink map for all options and detailed directions.
I found the trail conditions to be in good condition but I should say I did not do the entire trail. I would alert others to the fact that this is not a rail trail so expect a bit more small to moderate hill climbing.
I should have specified that the rough trail section we rode was from Gooseberry Falls State Park north to Beaver Bay.
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.
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
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.
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
Very hilly, make sure your fit. It was a gorgeous, clean and fun trail.
Wow, this trail is stunning and fun! Some sections offered beautiful expansive views of Lake Superior, while others were more forested. Lots of hills and twists and turns made for a fun and varied ride. We started at the very beginning of the trail in Gooseberry, which takes you through the state park. We went on a Monday and the section through the state park was mildly busy, but as soon as we got outside the park we hardly saw anyone.
A great trail for inline skating. It is paved 10 feet wide and well maintained. There are some hills that had me breathing hard while skating up, and I was braking coming down quite a few.
The VIEW TRAIL MAP on this website is out of date. It shows the trail ending at a gravel parking lot at Beaver Bay (at the intersection of Rt 61 and Lax Lake Road). That gravel lot has been replaced by a paved lot with bathrooms and drinking fountains. Also there is now a nice smooth 10 foot wide paved bike path from there along Rt 61 to West Road, and up along West Road to the next segment of Gitchi Gami that leads to Silver Bay.
The segment from this new parking lot to Silver Bay was my favorite. Once you start up West Road it is quiet & hilly.
I was able to do about a 5 mile section at south e d before cold rain came in. Trail Is challenging with plenty of hills. It was a pleasure to ride. Here and there roots and plants are poking through the asphalt, but it does not take the joy from the ride.
I rode the Lutsen-to-Tofte section. It mostly runs alongside the highway and crosses driveways every few feet, so there's not of beautiful scenery. The trail is in good shape and well signposted.
Even though the lake is nearby, there aren't many sections when you even see it because of the trees and lakefront property between the trail and the shore.
On an overcast but pleasant summer afternoon, it was nearly deserted.
We rode this trail in September of 2015. Very nice and well maintained trails. There are several steep climbs both ways as you approach Split Rock Lighthouse. Be careful on the downhills as they're some serious switch backs and sharp turns. They're are numerous signs warning you of these as you approach. We're looking forward to biking more of the North Shore next Summer.
Awesome!
The sections of completed trail are phenomenal!
The paved trail makes it easy to take in the north shore without a car. Each turn of the trail offers new views of Lake Superior. Be prepared for the quickly changing weather.
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