Gitchi-Gami State Trail

When complete, the Gitchi-Gami State Trail will connect Two Harbors to Grand Marais along the North Shore of Lake Superior. Much of the trail alignment will be located in Highway 61 right-of-way or on abandoned segments of Highway 61. However, there will be several segments that leave the right-of-way allowing trail users to sample a diversity of the North Shore's varied environments.

This 86-mile trail will eventually connect five state parks, several communities, four Scientific and Natural Areas, numerous historic sites, and provide vistas of Lake Superior. Trail users will travel through birch and aspen forests, cross numerous cascades and waterfalls, and have the opportunity to access beaches of Lake Superior.

Currently, 21 miles of the Gitchi-Gami State Trail have been completed and paved. The longest trail segment is 13.1 miles. This segment starts at Gooseberry Falls State Park and ends at the Beaver River in Beaver Bay.

The newest trail segment is the Gooseberry Falls State Park to the Split Rock River segment, this segment is about 3.5 miles long and connects Gooseberry Falls State Park to Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. This segment also provides access to the Thompson Beach, Twin Point Lake Superior Public Water Access and the Split Rock River Beach.

Available Parking
Silver Creek Segment - At the Silver Creek wayside Rest, located on the east side of the Silver Creek Cliff Tunnel.

Beaver Bay Segment - at the Twin Point Public Water Access at the trail center in Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, and at the trailhead parking lot in Beaver Bay near the Beaver River. In August 2008 a 1.5 mile trail segment will be completed in Gooseberry Falls State Park, trail parking will be available at the Picnic Area Parking Lot near Lake Superior.

Tofte Segment - At the Tofte Town Park Public Access.

Grand Marais segment - Near the public water access and the U.S. Coast Guard Station.

Do not leave valuables in your car.

Nearby DNR recreational opportunities
Gooseberry Falls State Park
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
Temperance River State Park
Lake Superior Water Trail
numerous Scientific and Natural Areas

Minnesota Conservation Volunteer article: Trifecta

Gitchi-Gami Trail Association