The North Shore State Trail is a 146 mile natural surface trail
from Duluth to Grand Marais. Primarily used by snowmobiles, it
traverses St. Louis, Lake and Cook counties in northeastern Minnesota.
The trail winds its way through the forests behind the outer bluffs
that overlook Lake Superior, and provides access to some of the most
rugged and beautiful scenery in Minnesota. The trail also connects the
Grants-In-Aid (GIA) trails at Silver Bay, Beaver Bay, Finland, Tofte
and Lutsen, as well as numerous local trails, created and maintained
by local snowmobile clubs.
The portion of the trail suggested for summer use is from the town
of Finland to Grand Marais (70 miles). The remainder of the trail may
have standing water on it during the summer months.
For most of its length, the North Shore Trail provides a
backcountry experience and, in some areas, wilderness conditions. The
great majority of the trail is in a remote, natural and undeveloped
setting, although some logging and farms are included. Trail visitors
may encounter moose, deer, bear, fox, hawks, waterfowl and possibly
timber wolves.
| Getting
there: |
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Eastern Section: From Highway 61, take
Highway 1 to Finland, turn right on County Road 7, trail is one
and one half miles on the right.
Parking available at the trailhead.
Western Section: From I35, take the 21st
Ave. east exit to Woodland Ave. Turn right on Woodland Ave,
follow to the Martin Rd., turn right. Parking is half mile down
on the right.
Martin Rd. parking lot is available for parking.
|
Use trail with caution as it is open to skiing, snowshoeing, and
snowmobiling.
