We Minnesotans are lucky to live in a state full of unbelievable natural beauty. And we’re luckier still to have plenty of accessible parks and paved trails to make it easy to visit our natural wonders. Whether you want to see a waterfall or an endless prairie, you’ll find a path that leads there. The same holds true for Minnesota’s North Shore, where a series of trail segments form the Gitchi-Gami State Trail. Take a look:
Gitchi-Gami State Trail will one day span 86 miles to connect five state parks on the North Shore. While it is not yet finished, there are five completed segments that are absolutely breathtaking.
Gitchi-Gami Trail Association/Facebook
The completed portions are paved, making them excellent for biking. You’ll travel alongside the thick forests of northern Minnesota.
Gitchi-Gami Trail Association/Facebook
In the fall, it’s an incredible way to see the leaves change.
Gitchi-Gami Trail Association/Facebook
You’ll also see some of the most famous monuments of the North Shore. The southernmost segment is a trail around the famous Silver Creek Tunnel.
Steve Moses/Flickr
There are plenty of natural landmarks as well. The longest section of the Gitchi-Gami Trail is just under 15 miles. It starts at Gooseberry Falls State Park, passes through Split Rock, and ends in Beaver Bay.
Joe Ennesser/Flickr
Of course, you’ll have plenty of jaw-dropping views of Lake Superior along the way. You just can’t get these views from the car.
Josh Haroldson/Flickr
You’ll also get to visit some of the North Shore’s most famous beaches. This bridge is near Iona’s Beach, known for its pink sand and musical rocks.
Gitchi-Gami Trail Association/Facebook
A bit further north, the trail connects the towns of Tofte and Schroeder. Along the way, it passes through Temperance River State Park, home to several waterfalls and a fascinating river gorge.
Justin Meissen/Flickr
The northernmost section of the trail is 1.5 miles in Grand Marias. This segment links up with the Grand Marais Corridor Trail.
Dale Bohlke/Flickr
These trails are not yet connected to one another, but they cross 29 total miles of the North Shore.
Gitchi-Gami Trail Association/Facebook
There are plans underway to continue the construction of the trail. In the future, the remaining segments may span 89 miles along the North Shore.
Gitchi-Gami Trail Association/Facebook
But in the meantime, the Gitchi-Gami State Trail remains one of the most beautiful ways to take in the North Shore’s incredible beauty. For more information and to access maps of the trail, click here.
Gitchi-Gami Trail Association/Facebook
Want to travel another stunning trail up north? Try out the magnificent hike near Ely that leads to a little-known waterfall.
Gitchi-Gami Trail Association/Facebook
Steve Moses/Flickr
Joe Ennesser/Flickr
Josh Haroldson/Flickr
Justin Meissen/Flickr
Dale Bohlke/Flickr
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