Gateway State Trail

🏆🏆🏆🏆 Twin Cities Urban Trail — Popular 18-mile paved trail from St. Paul to Stillwater through suburban woodlands

Gateway State Trail is one of the most popular urban trails in Minnesota — an 18-mile paved path running from St. Paul northeast to Pine Point Park near Stillwater. The trail passes through suburban woodlands, wetlands, and small communities, providing a car-free commuting and recreation corridor for the Twin Cities metro area. Near its eastern terminus, the trail connects to the historic river town of Stillwater on the St. Croix River — one of Minnesota’s most charming downtowns.

Visitor Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bike to Stillwater?

The trail ends at Pine Point Park, about 3 miles from downtown Stillwater. Local roads and connections bring you to Stillwater’s shops, restaurants, and the scenic St. Croix River lift bridge.

About Gateway Trail

Gateway State Trail runs 18 miles from St. Paul to Pine Point Regional Park — providing a critical commuter and recreation corridor in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The paved trail was one of the first rail-trails in Minnesota and remains one of the most heavily used trails in the state, connecting urban neighborhoods to suburban parks and rural landscapes.

Things to Do

Biking, inline skating, and walking the paved trail, commuting by bike, birdwatching in the wetlands, cross-country skiing in winter, and connecting to the Twin Cities regional trail network.

Insider Tips

Twin Cities trailhead: Gateway State Trail runs 18 miles from St. Paul into the rural countryside — one of the original paved rail-trails in Minnesota. Pro tip: The trail connects to the extensive Twin Cities metro trail network — you can ride from downtown St. Paul to Pine Point Park entirely on paved trails. Winter option: The trail is plowed in winter — one of the few year-round paved trails in Minnesota.

Best Time to Visit

Year-round: One of few year-round paved trails. Summer: Peak cycling. Fall: Foliage along the trail. Winter: Plowed for walking and fat-tire biking.

Frequently Asked Questions

How extensive is the Twin Cities trail network?

The Twin Cities metropolitan area has 200+ miles of paved off-road trails — one of the most extensive urban trail networks in the US. Trails connect to state trails, regional parks, and the Mississippi River corridor. Minneapolis and St. Paul consistently rank among the most bikeable cities in America.