Duluth is known for its great overlooks, expansive views of Lake Superior, wildlife, and green space. Now, tourists and locals a like can enjoy a new way to see the city of Duluth—one step at a time.

On June 2, a dedication was held for the newly completed Superior Hiking Trail in Duluth. About 55 people showed up in the fog and rain for the brief ceremony and about 45 of those stuck around to hike the trail. The trail expands 39 miles through the city, providing an opportunity to experience all that Duluth’s green space has to offer.

Gayle Coyer, Superior Hiking Trail executive director, is thrilled that the project was completed on time and on budget. “We planned to have the trail completed in three years in time for National Trails Day 2007 and we did that,” she said.
But, the trail never could have been completed without the spirit and sweat of volunteers.

“Volunteers truly are the whole essence of the trail,” Coyer said. “We basically hired a trail construction supervisor and worked with the Minnesota Conservation Corps and the volunteers did the rest.”

An estimated 600 volunteers worked on the trail for thousands of hours. When asked why people volunteered so much time and energy she said “I think they were just really excited about building a trail that so many people could use.”

Besides volunteers, the trail received support from the Duluth-Superior Area Community Foundation, the Federal Recreation Trail Program, and the St. Louis County Recreation Fund. The city of Duluth also supplied plenty of in-kind staff support.
The entire 39-mile hike is worth trekking. Highlights include Ely’s Peak, the Lakewalk, Hartley Park, Amity Creek, Enger Park, and Chester Creek. Hikers need to remember this is an urban trail, so there are a few spots where crossing streets or trekking along the Lakewalk with dozens of other tourists are part of the experience. But hikers can also expect to enjoy dozens of miles of trails that are right in town, but feel far removed from the hustle and bustle of city life.