North Shore Adventures: The Best Hiking, Biking, and Paddling from Duluth to Grand Portage

By Katie Berg

Step out of your car and into adventure!

Minnesota’s North Shore is a paradise of trails, waterways, and scenic beauty. It’s meant to be explored. No one knows this better than local author and outdoors enthusiast Katie Berg. She has hiked, biked, and paddled her way through the entire region. Now, she’s sharing the best trips with you. If your idea of fun involves hiking boots, bicycles, or kayaks, grab this guidebook and gear up! You’ll be introduced to more than 40 options for outdoor adventure. From pedaling one of the Midwest’s top-rated bike parks at Spirit Mountain to paddling along the shoreline of the Lake Superior Water Trail, experience the adventures that this unparalleled region has to offer. Each featured outing includes maps, full-color photographs, driving directions, and a detailed description, so you know what to expect on every trip. Plus, if you seek extreme adventure, this guidebook includes bonus destinations for climbing and scuba diving. With North Shore Adventures at your fingertips, you’ll always know what to do and where to do it!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Adventure Publications
• Release date: Aug 14, 2018
• ISBN: 9781591937593

Book preview

JAY COOKE STATE PARK

Jay Cooke’s famous swinging bridge

GPS

46° 39.296' N, 92° 22.257' W

GETTING THERE & PARKING

Jay Cooke State Park is south of Duluth on MN 210. Take exit 235 for Carlton and go 7 miles east on MN 210 to the parking area on the right.

A Minnesota State Park Vehicle Pass is required for parking.

TRAIL CONDITION

Moderately difficult. The trails can get slick or muddy, and you’ll need to keep track of where you’re going. Overall, the trails are well maintained. You can expect to find muddy areas and occasionally long grass or a fallen tree, so just be mindful when hiking and keep an eye on your map. This trail is well marked with signs for the different trails.

DISTANCE

Depending on your trail choice, anywhere from 3 to 6 miles. Jay Cooke State Park has a total of 50 miles of hiking trails, so it’s fun to create your own adventure! The route I’m including here, the St. Louis River Loop, is popular and travels across the park’s famous swinging bridge. It is 5.5 miles long.

TIME

Day hikes can be anywhere from 1 to 3 hours, but multiday backpacking hikes are also