North Shore State Trail
🏆🏆🏆🏆 Snowmobile Highway — Minnesota’s most famous snowmobile trail — 146 miles through the North Shore wilderness
North Shore State Trail is Minnesota’s premier snowmobile corridor — a 146-mile route from Duluth to Grand Marais through the boreal forests, ridgelines, and river valleys of the North Shore. The trail follows the rugged highlands above Lake Superior, passing through some of the wildest terrain in the state. In summer, portions are open for ATV/OHV use and mountain biking. The trail connects to the Superior National Forest and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness — creating access to millions of acres of wilderness.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Duluth to Grand Marais, MN |
| Length | 146 miles |
| Primary Use | Snowmobiling (winter) |
| Summer | ATV/OHV, mountain biking |
| Fee | MN Snowmobile registration/trail sticker |
Frequently Asked Questions
When is snow season?
The North Shore typically has reliable snow from late December through March. The inland highlands receive more snow than the lakeshore. Trail conditions are updated daily by the DNR.
About North Shore Trail
North Shore State Trail runs 146 miles from Duluth to Grand Marais along the North Shore of Lake Superior — the most dramatic shoreline in the Midwest. The trail passes through boreal forest, crosses rivers tumbling into the largest freshwater lake on Earth, and skirts the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. In winter, it becomes a premier snowmobile corridor.
Things to Do
Snowmobiling the 146-mile corridor (winter — the primary use), hiking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing for moose and wolves, birdwatching, and accessing the North Shore’s waterfalls and scenic overlooks.
Insider Tips
146-mile adventure: North Shore State Trail stretches 146 miles from Duluth to Grand Marais — one of the longest state trails in Minnesota. Pro tip: The trail parallels Lake Superior through boreal forest, crossing rivers, and connecting to state parks along the way. Multi-season: Snowmobiling in winter, ATV riding in summer — the trail serves different user groups by season.
Best Time to Visit
Fall: North Shore foliage (late September). Winter: Premier snowmobiling — consistent snow cover. Summer: ATV riding and hiking sections. Spring: Waterfall viewing along connecting trails.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much snow does the North Shore get?
Minnesota’s North Shore receives 80-120+ inches of snow annually — lake-effect snow from Lake Superior adds significantly to regional totals. The consistent snowpack makes this one of the premier snowmobiling destinations in the Midwest. The Superior National Forest’s boreal landscape creates a winter wonderland from November through March.
🏔️ Visit North Shore State Trail
146 miles of North Shore wilderness — Minnesota’s snowmobile legend.
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