Gitchi-Gami State Trail
Minnesota

Gitchi-Gami State Trail

Available Activities
  • Hiking
  • Biking

๐Ÿ†๐Ÿ†๐Ÿ†๐Ÿ†๐Ÿ† Lake Superior Shoreline Trail โ€” 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 โ€” 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

DetailInformation
LocationTwo Harbors to Grand Marais, MN
Length89 miles (paved, some gaps)
FeeFree (no pass required)
Name“Gitchi-Gami” = Ojibwe for “Great Sea”
ParksGooseberry, 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 โ€” “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.

๐Ÿšด Visit Gitchi-Gami State Trail

“Great Sea” trail โ€” 89 miles along Lake Superior past waterfalls and lighthouses.

๐Ÿ“ MN State Trails

Sarah Mitchell

About the Author

Outdoor Editor & Trail Expert

Sarah Mitchell is an outdoor writer and trail researcher with over 8 years of experience exploring state parks across America. As the lead editor at AmericasStateParks.org, she has personally visited more than 200 parks in 42 states, logging thousands of trail miles and hundreds of campground nights. Sarah specializes in detailed park guides, accessibility information, and family-friendly outdoor planning. Her work focuses on helping first-time visitors feel confident and well-prepared for their state park adventures.

200+ state parks visited across 42 states | 8+ years of outdoor writing

Last updated: May 9, 2026

Park Location