Gitchi-Gami State Trail

Several segments of the Gitchi-Gami State Trail have been completed, totaling over 36 miles. When complete, the trail will be an 86 mile paved trail for non-motorized use, connecting Two Harbors to Grand Marais along the North Shore of Lake Superior. Much of the trail will be located in abandoned segments or right-of-way on Highway 61, while other segments will allow you to sample a diversity of the North Shore's varied environments.

Landscape

This 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, travel through charming and historic towns, and have the opportunity to access beaches of Lake Superior.

Virtual tours

Panoramic tour | Snapshot tour

Trail uses

Accessible Outdoors (electric wheelchairs allowed)

Trail events

Events calendar

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There are currently no event listings.

Permits

No special fees or passes are required to use the trail.
You will need a vehicle permit if you want to park in a state park.
Electric-assisted bicycles with pedals are allowed on state trails without the use of a permit. Power output cannot exceed 1,000 watts and may not exceed speeds of 20 miles per hour.

Trail segments

Two Harbors - .9 miles

This segmenet starts at the east end of the city, running parallel along Hwy 61, ending at a private resort

Silver Creek Cliff - 1 mile, round-trip

This segment follows the old Scenic Highway 61 and bypasses the Silver Creek Cliff tunnel. It offers 4,000 feet of continuous Lake Superior views.

Gooseberry Falls State Park to Silver Bay - 17.3 miles

This is the longest continuous trail segment, taking you through both urban and natural environments. It also has steep hills and curves that can be challenging for recreational use. The segment begins at Gooseberry Falls State Park and continues northeast through Iona’s Beach Scientific and Natural Area and Split Rock Lighthouse State Park before entering Beaver Bay and Silver Bay. There are numerous rest stops along the way, as well as access to camping and fishing through the state parks.

Note: This trail segment has steep hills and curves that can be particularly arduous for recreational use. There are numerous rest stops along the way, and access to camping and fishing through the state parks.

Schroeder to Tofte (south) - 3.6 miles

This segment begins at the rest area in Schroeder. It travels inland of Highway 61 to the Temperance River gorge and waterfall, offers a scenic view of Carlton Peak, and then continues northeast to Tofte’s Homestead Drive. The trail through Tofte has not yet been completed. Trail users can cross Highway 61 to Tofte Park Road and pick up the trail at the Tofte Commercial Fishing Museum.

Tofte (north) to Lutsen (Ski Hill Road) - 8.9 miles

This segment begins at the Tofte Commercial Fishing Museum and travels northeast, paralleling Highway 61. You’ll find exceptional views of Lake Superior's vast waters and shoreline. The nearby Ray Berglund State Wayside offers a rest area between the communities of Tofte and Lutsen. This wayside also features its own trail connection to the Onion River Trail, a short and rustic hiking trail. As the state trail continues to Lutsen, it crosses below Highway 61 to the inland side of the highway and offers a more quiet ride. The trail currently ends 0.3 miles west of Lutsen.

Cut Face Creek Wayside to Grand Marais - 5.1 miles

This segment begins at 3^rd Avenue and joins the Grand Marais Corridor Trail to the east, traveling to the Cut Face Creek State Wayside and Cascade River State Park.

Parking

Please be respectful of public and private lands use, parking only in designated areas. Do not leave valuables in your vehicle!

Two Harbors

R.J. Houle Visitor Center

Silver Creek Cliff

Silver Creek Cliff Wayside Rest

Gooseberry Falls State Park to Silver Bay

Gooseberry Falls State Park campground, picnic area and the Gitchi-Gami State Trail trailhead
Twin Points public water access/Iona's Beach Scientific and Natural Area
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park trail center
Beaver Bay Wayside Rest
Rukavina Arena in Silver Bay

Schroeder to Lutsen

MNDOT wayside on the east side of Schroeder
Temperance River State Park
Tofte public water access/town park
Poplar River Trailhead at Ski Hill Road

Cut Face Cree Wayside to Grand Marais Segment

Cut Face Creek Wayside
Grand Marais public water access near the U.S. Coast Guard station

Restrooms

Gooseberry Falls State Park
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
Tettegouche State Park
George Crosby Manitou State Park
Temperance River State Park
Cascade River State Park
Cut Face Creek Wayside
Ray Berglund State Wayside
Iona's Beach Scientific and Natural Area
Restrooms and amenities are also available in the towns of Two Harbors, Castle Danger, Beaver Bay, Silver Bay, Schroeder, Tofte, Lutsen and Grand Marais