15 Best Duluth, MN Hikes in 2025: Local Trail Guide and Maps
Duluth has some amazing hiking opportunities. From Chester Creek and Park Point to Ely’s Peak, Lester and Amity, and nearby Jay Cooke State Park. Hiking is one of the best things to do in Duluth.
Really, all the hiking trails in and around Duluth are great. Whether you want a short day hike or an overnight adventure, you’ll find a route to love.
Ely’s Peak Trail
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Length: ~2.0 miles round trip
Trailhead: Becks Rd at Skyline Pkwy (signed access) | Official map
Ely’s Peak is a must-do for big views over Duluth and the St. Louis River estuary. Expect a steady climb with rocky footing, plus an optional spur to the historic DWP railroad tunnel.
Look for old building foundations along the way. Bring good shoes; rock can be slick when wet. If you want more miles, connect with the Superior Hiking Trail segments here.
Park Point Beach and Trail is a short drive away if you want an easy, sandy shoreline walk after your climb.
Lakewalk
Difficulty: Easy
Length: ~8 miles
Trailhead: Canal Park (multiple access points to 26th Ave E) | Official map
The Lakewalk runs along Lake Superior with views of the Aerial Lift Bridge, lighthouse, and rocky shoreline. It’s perfect for walking, running, strollers, and bikes. Don’t miss the Rose Garden and Leif Erikson Park.
Wind can be strong by the water; layer up. Watch for ice in winter and early spring.
Hartley Nature Center Loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: ~3–4 miles
Trailhead: 3001 Woodland Ave | Official map
Forested loops, ponds, and rolling hills make Hartley a local favorite. Trails are multi-use; some are bike-focused. Grab a map at the nature center or download one to your phone.
Expect roots and occasional muddy sections after rain. In winter, some trails are groomed for ski and fat bike; follow signs.
Lester River & Amity East
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Length: 1–7 miles
Trailhead: Lester Park, 61st Ave E & Superior St | Official map (PDF)
Follow the river past cascades and cedar stands. Cross footbridges, then climb to overlooks with big Lake Superior views. Trails are shared with mountain bikers; stay right, and listen for riders.
Spring flows are impressive; footing can be wet. Leashed dogs are welcome.
Willard Munger State Trail (Duluth to Carlton)
Difficulty: Easy
Length: ~15 miles one way (Duluth–Carlton); 63 miles total
Trailhead: Grand Ave & 75th Ave W (Duluth) or Carlton | Official map
Wide, paved trail for bikes, walkers, and skaters with forest and river views. Combine with Jay Cooke State Park trails for a full day.
Superior Hiking Trail (Duluth Section)
Difficulty: Moderate (varies)
Length: Multiple day-hike segments within 300+ miles
Trailhead: Rose Garden at London Rd & S 14th Ave E; also Enger, Ely’s Peak, Hartley | Official maps
The SHT weaves across ridges, creeks, and hardwood forest with regular Lake Superior overlooks. For a 2–3 hour outing, start at the Rose Garden trailhead; street parking has time limits, so check signs.
Trails are rocky and can be muddy in spring. Bring water and a paper or downloaded map; cell service can be spotty on ridge tops.
Lincoln Park Trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: ~2 miles with spurs
Trailhead: Lincoln Park Dr (near the playground) | Official map (PDF)
Shady creek-side hiking with short climbs to city views. Cross Miller Creek, pass small falls, and look for Elephant Rock.
Shared-use sections include mountain bikes. After heavy rain, expect slippery rock.
Bagley Nature Area (UMD)
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: ~1.5–2 miles
Trailhead: 631 W St. Marie St (UMD campus) | Official map
Short forest loops with a pond, hills, and quiet birding. Trails connect to the Superior Hiking Trail.
Parking may require a UMD pay lot during class hours; check posted signs.
Chester Park Trail
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Length: ~3–4 miles
Trailhead: 1329 E 4th St | Official map (PDF)
Follow Chester Creek through a steep, narrow gorge. Expect stairs, bridges, and scenic cascades. Great for photos after rain or snowmelt.
Stay on trail near the edges; drop-offs can be hazardous, especially in winter.
Congdon Park Trails
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: ~1.5 miles
Trailhead: 3290 E 1st St | Official map (PDF)
Lush creek-side path to picturesque falls and bridges. Short, family-friendly, and photogenic in every season.
Western Waterfront Trail (Waabizheshikana)
Difficulty: Easy
Length: ~3–5 miles (developed; expanding)
Trailhead: 7060 Grand Ave; additional signed access points | Official map
This flat riverside route follows the St. Louis River estuary with birding, marsh views, and benches. Portions are paved or packed gravel. It does not connect directly to Jay Cooke; that’s the Munger State Trail. Watch for signed closures during improvements.
Brewer Park
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: ~3–4 miles of hiking options
Trailhead: 2588 Haines Rd | Official trail map
Known for mountain bike flow and rocky overlooks. Hikers can loop using the Superior Hiking Trail connector. Start under the Haines Rd tunnel, then follow signs. Views toward the St. Louis River and harbor on clear days.
Enger Park
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Length: ~1 mile
Trailhead: 1461 W Skyline Pkwy | Official map
Stroll through the Japanese garden, ring the Peace Bell, then climb to Enger Tower for 360-degree views from five stories up. Peak raptor migration is mid-March through April and again in September.
Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: ~4 miles with spurs
Trailhead: E Skyline Pkwy (signed lots along the ridge) | Official map
One of the best North American raptor migration sites. Peak counts often occur in September; smaller spring movements happen in March–April. Trails mix forest and exposed rock with big lake views.
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Length: 0.7–5 miles
Trailhead: 3713 Split Rock Lighthouse Rd, Two Harbors | Official map
North of Duluth, loop along rocky shoreline and climb Day Hill for a panoramic view of the lighthouse. Trails can be narrow and rooty; wear sturdy shoes.
Gooseberry Falls State Park
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Length: ~1–5 miles
Trailhead: 3206 MN-61, Two Harbors | Official map
Walk looping paths to Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls, then continue toward Fifth Falls for fewer crowds. Spring runoff is powerful; winter brings ice formations. Microspikes help in icy months.
What Duluth hiking trail will you do first?
Whenever I visit Duluth, I plan one easy and one view-heavy hike. There are so many good options. Want more routes? Pick up Hiking the North Shore for 50 day hikes along the shore.
