HAPPYTRAILS

6 Places To Explore In The

Area

Duluth News Tribune

There’s no better way to explore the Duluth area than by foot. There are dozens of hiking trails for all skill levels that make for memorable day trips. Many are multi- use — for hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and other activities — are dog friendly and can be used year-round.

Sweeping vistas, cascading waterfalls, dazzling foliage, historic bridges, colorful wildflowers, butterflies and birds — hikers do more than just break a sweat. Each trek offers an opportunity to unwind, breathe in the fresh air and marvel at the beauty of nature.

Distance: Multi-use trail (3.4 miles of cross-country ski trails, 9 miles of mountain bike trails)

Difficulty: Easy Trailhead: 2226 Hutchinson Road, Duluth

Highlights: Many creeks. Dog friendly; must be leashed. Numerous side paths to explore.

Tips: Hikers should stay off cross-country ski trails in the winter. More info: duluthmn.gov/media/8979/piedmont-xc-ski-trail-map.pdf

Distance: 1.2 miles, out and back

Difficulty: Easy Trailhead: East Superior Street and Congdon Park Drive, Duluth; park on Tischer Creek bridge.

Highlights: Bridges! Waterfalls! Dog friendly; must be leashed.

Tips: Take the unpaved path next to Tischer Creek. Can be icy in winter. More info: duluthmn.gov/parks/parks-listing/congdon-park

Superior Hiking Trail: Brewer Park Loop

Distance: 3.6 miles, out and back

Distance: 3.3 miles, out and back

Difficulty: Easy

Trailhead: Grand Avenue and Pulaski Street, near Munger Trail, Duluth

How to pronounce it: ojibwe.lib.umn.edu/main-entry/waabizheshi-na (means “The Marten Trail” in Ojibwe)

Highlights: Beautiful flowers; wildlife and bird watching; fishing pier and dock. Compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Great for running. Dog friendly; must be leashed.

More info: bit.ly/3inSG0u

Distance: 2.5-mile loop

Difficulty: Easy-moderate

Where to park: Fourth Street and North 14th Avenue East or Chester Park, 1800 East Skyline Parkway, Duluth.

Highlights: Small waterfalls; shady; listen to rushing water. Dog friendly; must be leashed.

Tips: Rocky terrain; wear sturdy shoes or boots.

More info: duluthmn.gov/parks/parks-listing/chester-park

Difficulty: Moderate

Trailhead: 2588 Haines Road, Duluth.

Highlights: Wildlife and wildflowers; shady; gorgeous views of Duluth and St. Louis River Bay. Dog friendly; must be leashed.

Tips: Great for snowshoeing.

More info: superiorhiking.org/trail-section/mnwi-border-to-duluth

Distance: 4.5 miles, out and back

Difficulty: Easy Trailhead: End of Minnesota Avenue, Duluth; park near Sky Harbor airport.

Highlights: View of Superior Entry Lighthouse and Lake Superior; see abandoned buildings and ruins of Minnesota Point Lighthouse. Dog friendly; must be leashed.

Tips: Watch out for poison ivy. Be prepared to walk in sand. Check out the side paths that go to Lake Superior. More info: duluthmn.gov/parks/parks-listing/park-point