Northen Minnesota Recreational Trails

Map of the Gitchi-Gami State Trail

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Gitchi-Gami State Trail, Minnesota

The Gitchi-Gami State Trail is currently 4 separate sections of paved trail totaling 28 miles situated along the north shore of Lake Superior in North Minnesota. In the future, these segments will be connected with other stretches of trail to form an 86 mile long recreational trail system that stretches from the community of Two Harbors to the community of Grand Marais.

This area is a beautiful portion of the State of Minnesota with fantastic views of Lake Superior, quiet coves, crashing waves, lighthouses, dramatic cliffs, trestle bridges, waterfalls, fishing, bird watching and lovely paths through wooded stretches. This is a fantastic place to see the autumn colors as well. There are also many opportunities for hiking up in the several state parks along the route.

First Section - 0.5 miles

Starting at the southwest end of the current trail system, there is a short 0.5 mile stretch located just to the northeast of the community of Two Harbors. This portion is located along Silver Cliff about 4.5 miles from Two Harbors along Highway 61. The paved trail is along the shoreline near the location of the large tunnel on Highway 61. There is parking available at both ends of this stretch.

The next section of the Gitchi-Gami State Trail is 6.25 miles to the northeast along Highway 61.

Second Section - 14 miles

The next stretch is located at 12.5 miles northeast of Two Harbors along Highway 61. This is the longest completed stretch of the Gitchi-Gami State Trail with 14 miles of paved trail. This southwest end of this section of trail is located near Gooseberry Falls State Park. A portion of the trail wraps around to take you down to the shoreline. The rest of the trail roughly follows alongside Highway 61 and takes you past Split Rock Lighthouse State Park.

The trail wanders through the forests and offers several views out over the lake and the coves below. The route takes it right past the lovely lighthouse then continues north along the shores of Lake Superior. The north end of this portion of the Gitchi-Gami State Trail is located in the community of Beaver Bay. This section of trail ends at a parking area at Highway 61 and Lax Lake Road on the northeast end of town.

The next section of the Gitchi-Gami State Trail is 28 miles northeast along Highway 61.

Third Section - 10 miles

The next completed stretch of the Gitchi-Gami State Trail consists of about 10 miles of paved trail that extends along the north shores of Lake Superior from the community of Schroeder, through Tofte and then up as far as the entrance road up to Ski Hill Road. The southeast end of this section of the trail is located on the north end of the community of Schroeder. The trail takes off to the north side of the roadway, a spot about 0.4 miles from the Schroeder Post Office. The stretch of the completed Gitchi-Gami State Trail is located on the north side of the road and wanders through forests and meadows.

There is a pretty bridge that crosses the Temperance River and there are hiking trails that head into the forest to the north along the river from this area. The main paved trail continues for another 2 miles beyond the bridge and comes out to Highway 61 just to the northwest of the Tofte Ranger District Office. You can continue on Highway 61 or head up Tofte Park Road to get to the next portion of the trail.

The next section of the Gitchi-Gami State Trail is 1 mile northeast along Highway 61.

Fourth Section - 5.7 miles

The Gitchi-Gami State Trail starts up again on the south side of Highway 61, at 0.2 miles north of where County Road 2 meets the highway. It follows alongside Highway 61 for 5.7 miles or so then crosses under the highway. The trail then stays on the north side of the highway for another mile and a half to end at Ski Hill Road, the entrance to the ski area to the north.

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Resources

Following are links to official off-site resources to find out more details about the Gitchi-Gami State Trail along the shores of Lake Superior in Minnesota.