The Munger State Trail connects Hinckley and Duluth. It highlights the picturesque scenery and rich history of East Central Minnesota. The paved trail offers hiking, bicycling, in-line skating, mountain biking and winter snowmobile riding. Horseback riding is allowed on some trail portions and on parallel grassy trail from Finlayson to Willow River.
Landscape
This trail passes through northern hardwood forests and stands of jack, red, and white pine, as well as the spruce fir community. Ranges of hills pocked with countless lakes and bogs cover the region.
Common mammals noticed along the trail include whitetail deer, raccoon, red fox, porcupine, beaver and muskrat. The observant trail user may also spot coyote, timber wolf, weasel, mink, bobcat or black bear.
The 70 mile Hinckley - Duluth segment of the trail is completely paved, and passes near Banning State Park and Moose Lake State Park, through the towns of Finlayson, Willow River and Moose Lake, General C.C. Andrews State Forest, and through the spectacular scenery of Jay Cooke State Park. The northeast portion of the trail provides scenic views of the St. Louis River and the twin ports of Duluth and Superior.
- Trail uses
Accessible Outdoors (electric wheelchairs allowed)- Trail events
Events calendar
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- Permits
- You will need a Horse Pass if you will be horseback riding or carriage driving.
- Snowmobiles must be registered or have a snowmobile state trail sticker.
- You will need a require a vehicle permit to park in a state park.
- No other fees or passes are required to use the trail.
- Trail segments
This 70-mile segment of the Munger State Trail is completely paved. The trail passes near Banning State Park and Moose Lake State Park. It passes through the towns of Finlayson, Willow River and Moose Lake, General C.C. Andrews State Forest, and through the spectacular scenery of Jay Cooke State Park. The northeast portion of the trail provides scenic views of the St. Louis River and the twin ports of Duluth and Superior. Most of the trail is on the former St. Paul to Duluth railroad that saved many lives in the historic Hinckley, Moose Lake and Cloquet fires in the nineteenth century. A 37-mile segment of the Munger Trail memorializes the route the fire took between Hinckley and Barnum and may be referred to as the Hinkley Fire Trail segment.
The Willard Munger Trail System includes the Gateway, Brown’s Creek, Mondale, James L. Oberstar, Munger and Alex Laveau state trails. The system is named after a legendary lawmaker known for his environmental legislation and support of Minnesota’s state bike trail systems. See mndnr.gov for more maps and information about Minnesota State Trails.
- Parking
Do not leave valuables in your vehicle!
- Hinckley: 107 2nd St NW, Hinkley, MN 55037
- Finlayson: Front St, south of Hwy. 18, Finlayson MN 55735
- Willow River: 2291 Church St, Willow River, MN 55795
- Sturgeon Lake: 8978 Main St, Sturgeon Lake, MN 55783
- Moose Lake: 4563 S Arrowhead Ln, Moose Lake, MN 55767
- Barnum: 3896 Main St, Barnum, MN 55707
- Carlton: 90 3rd St, Carlton, MN 55718
- Hemlock Ravine Scientific and Natural Area (S.N.A.): 288 Jay Cooke Rd, Esko MN 55733
- Duluth: 7261 Pulaski St, Duluth, MN 55807 (Near Lake Superior Zoo, Indian Point Campground and City of Duluth Trails.)
- Jay Cooke State Park (vehicle permit required)
- Moose Lake State Park (vehicle permit required)
- Restrooms
- General C.C. Andrews State Forest: Dago Lake Day-Use Area, Willow River Campground
- Jay Cooke State Park (vehicle permit required)
- Moose Horn River Water Access Site: located in Barnum, on County Highway 6
- Moose Lake State Park (vehicle permit required)
- Sand Lake Water Access Site: located in Sturgeon Lake, two miles north of the city
- Public water access locations often have seasonal toilets available.
- Facilities may also be available in city and regional parks along the state trail. (May require additional fee.)
Hiking
Biking
In-line skating
Mountain biking
Horseback
Snowmobiling