Gateway State Trail
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Located on a converted rail-trail, the Gateway State Trail offers 18 miles of paved trail for non-motorized use. The trail begins in the city of St. Paul, travels northeast through the cities of Maplewood, North St. Paul, and Oakdale, through Washington County, and ends at Pine Point Regional Park, just four miles northwest of the city of Stillwater. It is generally level and wheelchair accessible. |
Slide show of photos taken on the Gateway State Trail. This slideshow requires the latest version of
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Trail notes
Candlelight Hike
February 11, 2012 from 6-9 p.m.
Join us for the first candlelight hike on the Gateway State Trail! A one mile stretch of trail will be lit by candles from the 55th St parking lot in Oakdale east to Highway 36. Warm up by a fire and enjoy refreshments at the midway point of the hike. Recommended parking is at the 55th St parking lot, near the intersection of Highway 36 and Hadley Avenue.
Landscape
From St. Paul to Interstate 694, the Gateway State Trail travels through an urban setting that joins numerous parks and other local and regional trail connections, including the Phalen-Keller Regional Park and the Bruce Vento Regional Trail. Many trail users are surprised to find rural landscapes so close to the metro area.
The Gateway State Trail provides access to downtown St. Paul and the State Capitol Complex, yet also takes you past parks, lakes, wetlands, and fields.
Adjacent horse trail
East of Interstate 694, an adjacent unpaved trail is available for horseback riding and carriage driving. The unpaved treadway is approximately ten miles long, and runs through the more rural section of the trail.
Permits
You will need a horse pass if you will be horseback riding or carriage driving, and a ski pass for cross-country skiing. No other fees or passes are required to use the trail.
Proposed new trail segment
The DNR has signed an option to purchase the former Minnesota Zephyr railroad line, and intends to convert the railroad line to a 5.9-mile recreational trail connecting downtown Stillwater to the Gateway State Trail. Map of the proposed Browns Creek trail segment
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The trail is expected to be heavily used and to be of great benefit to the city of Stillwater. The proposed Browns Creek State Trail would be a segment of the Willard Munger State Trail, running parallel to Highway 95. It would:
- pass through stretches of scenic woods
- preserve the area around Browns Creek, a designated trout stream
- connect to the Gateway State Trail in the city of Grant
- create an unbroken trail from the urban Twin Cities into west central Washington County
- be constructed on a former railroad grade, making it generally level and highly accessible
Browns Creek State Trail planning and public input
Links
- Gateway Trail Association

- Virtual tour
- Overview of the trail

- History and use of the trail, plus its new art project

- Parking
- Restrooms
- In the area
- Etiquette
- Winter
ParkingDo not leave valuables in your vehicle! Parking is available at the following trail accesses: |
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RestroomsRestroom facilities are provided along the trail at these points: |
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In the areaNearby DNR recreational areas include: |
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The following links will take you off the DNR website.
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Trail etiquetteAll users must yield to horses. Stop and dismount if requested. |
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Winter use |
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During winter months the western portion of the trail between I-694 and Cayuga Street is plowed. The eastern portion between I-694 and Pine Point Park is left unplowed to allow cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and winter walking. You will need a ski pass if you will be cross-country skiing.
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