Are you looking for an excuse to get out of the cities and venture north for some fresh air and exercise (not to mention taking in all the gorgeous fall colors)? Load up your bike and helmet and head to the North Shore for plenty of trail options for cyclists of all ages and experience levels. Here are 5 trails that are perfect for pedaling and worth checking out.
Willard Munger State Trail
This 70-mile trail starts down in Hinckley but ends in Duluth, so it’s one worth considering if you’re headed north. It is split into three segments, letting you bike whatever you feel up for. The paved trail goes through scenic wooded areas and follows the route of a historic railroad. The trail ends near the twin ports of Duluth and Superior, letting you finish off with a view of Lake Superior.
Gitchi-Gami State Trail
Spanning from Two Harbors to Grand Marais, this 89-mile paved trail follows Highway 61 along the shore and is split into numerous segments so you can bike as far as you’d like. The Silver Creek segment goes past the Silver Creek Tunnel and is a half mile long which is great for families and people who just want to go for a casual spin. The Gooseberry Falls to Beaver Bay segment is for those who are looking for something a bit more intense with unforgettable views. It’s 14.1 miles long starting at Gooseberry Falls and goes past Split Rock Lighthouse. The trail ends with the mile-and-a-half Grand Marais segment. Bike any of these or any of the various sections in between to experience the beauty that the North Shore has to offer.
Britton Peak Mountain Bike Trails
For those who are preparing your mountain bikes, the Britton Peak Mountain Bike Trail located in Tofte is a great option for all experience levels. Pedal through this wooded course and get a thrill . With separate trails for beginner, intermediate, and advanced mountain bikers, you can ride them all or choose whichever one you’re the most comfortable with.
Lima Mountain Grade Trail
With varying options of trail length to ride, this is a great choice for both beginner and advanced bicyclists as well as families and groups. This trail goes through forests, over creeks and rivers, and into open areas, giving you a variety of landscapes and scenery as you ride. If you want to turn your weekend getaway into a camping trip, pitch your tent at Twin Lakes Campground for easy access to the trail.
Sonju Trail
This one-mile trail is great for an easy bike ride or even a stroll down by Lake Superior. It is partially paved and goes right along the shore past the Two Harbors Lighthouse for those wanting to stop to snap a photo or take a tour. This is trail is also near a campground, making it great for packing your bags for an overnight trip up north.
Some of these trails are open in the winter for those that love fat biking, so be sure to make the trip up during the winter months as well. Before you head out, be sure to check out our bike shop to find all the proper bike parts and bike accessories to make your trip the best it can be.
