I ride up from the Twin Cities to Duluth at least once each summer and plan the same in a few weeks. The trail is the quickest and easiest way up there as there is really no terrain to overcome except the fun little loop north of Finlayson. The trail has its beauty and also some uninteresting sections. The last 20 miles between Jay Cooke State Park and West Duluth are the most interesting. It's all downhill if you are riding into Duluth and of course all up hill from West Duluth to Buffalo House, but the grade is not particularly steep. Getting off the trail and managing the bike route connecting the harbor is a bit dodgy as the roads are pretty much cratered and crumbled but they will get you there safely unless you blow a tire on one of the ten million potholes. I did count them:-)
Nice trail to run, jog, roller blade.. At the top is a wonderful view of the city . Good place to take the family for a good safe workout .
We loved the fall colours here on our wedding anniversary - just wished we had brought our bikes along although walking was good also. Since we are geocachers, we loved finding the caches along here. Would love to come back to Duluth area again!
Wonderful trail - you don't notice how you're going up the side of the bluff until you're at the top and looking out over the town. You can make the trip as long as you want, as it goes for miles. There are even a few campsites along the way for the more adventurous traveler.
Biked portion from Barnum to trail end/beginning at West Duluth. Trail was in excellent condition in most places except a number of very short gravel areas from the washout a couple years ago. Nearly all the trail is wooded with one great view of running river below. Only disappointment was you don't get any nice views into Duluth as you might expect from the way you enter Duluth via the highway. Mostly flat with last 5+ miles downhill into Duluth. If traveling the direction toward Duluth, be sure to know which trail you want to be on when you hit Carlton, signage isn't very good but easy to find as long as you know to be looking.
We rode this trail just a few miles from Jay Cooke State park, the views of the St Louis are amazing!
Very scenic, some nice variation in gravel and pavement. Enjoyed the nature and amazing sunny day we got to have for our hike!
We brought everyone's bikes up for a long weekend and had a blast seeing the fall colors along the State Trail. It is nice and flat, even the 5 year old kept up for miles and miles. It is well maintained and very scenic. Loved it!
The paved trail goes on for miles and connects with other trails too. There are some gravel areas due to the 500 year flood of June, 2012, that haven't been paved yet, but the scenic beauty is breathtaking!
I enjoy it even though it's a little older. It has a lot of beauty and it's a great place to walk or bike.