🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 Lake Superior Shoreline Trail — Epic 89-mile paved trail along the North Shore from Two Harbors to Grand Marais
Gitchi-Gami State Trail is one of America’s most spectacular bike trails — an 89-mile paved path tracing the shore of Lake Superior from Two Harbors to Grand Marais. “Gitchi-Gami” is the Ojibwe name for Lake Superior, meaning “Great Sea.” The trail hugs the rocky North Shore coastline, passing waterfalls, lighthouse viewpoints, state parks (Gooseberry, Split Rock, Tettegouche, Temperance, Cascade), and dramatic volcanic headlands. Completed segments offer some of the most breathtaking cycling views in North America.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Two Harbors to Grand Marais, MN |
| Length | 89 miles (paved, some gaps) |
| Fee | Free (no pass required) |
| Name | “Gitchi-Gami” = Ojibwe for “Great Sea” |
| Parks | Gooseberry, Split Rock, Tettegouche, more |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the trail complete?
Approximately 70 of the 89 planned miles are paved and open. Some gaps require riding on Highway 61’s shoulder. Check the Gitchi-Gami Trail Association website for current segment status and detour information.
About Gitchi-Gami Trail
Gitchi-Gami State Trail (named from the Ojibwe word for Lake Superior — “Great Sea”) is an 88-mile paved trail along the North Shore from Two Harbors to Grand Marais. When complete, it will be one of the finest lakeshore trails in the world. The trail hugs the shore of the largest freshwater lake on Earth, passing waterfalls, rocky headlands, and boreal forest.
Things to Do
Biking along the Lake Superior shore, hiking connecting segments, waterfall viewing, agate hunting on cobblestone beaches, birdwatching, fall foliage touring, and cross-country skiing. One of America’s most scenic bike trails.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Ray Berglund State Wayside is a short drive away, and Tettegouche State Park is a short drive away.
🚴 Visit Gitchi-Gami State Trail
“Great Sea” trail — 89 miles along Lake Superior past waterfalls and lighthouses.
Wildlife & Nature
Gitchi-Gami Trail — a planned 89-mile paved trail along Minnesota’s North Shore of Lake Superior — currently has 29+ miles completed. The trail hugs the dramatic volcanic coastline. Moose cross the trail. Bald eagles fish Lake Superior. Common loons call offshore. Lake Superior agates wash up on the beaches.
Nearby Attractions
Two Harbors to Grand Marais — the trail connects North Shore communities. Split Rock Lighthouse — along the trail. Gooseberry Falls — along the trail. Tettegouche SP — along the trail.
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