The Willard Munger State Trail is a collection of multiple use trails between Hinckley and Duluth. It consists of interconnecting trails offering hiking, bicycling, in-line skating, snowmobiling and horseback riding. It highlights the picturesque scenery and rich history of East Central Minnesota. Some of the trail follows the route of the railroad that saved many lives in the historic Hinckley and Cloquet fires in the nineteenth century.
Landscape
This trail passes through northern hardwood forests and stands of jack, red, and white pine, as well as the spruce fir community. Ranges of hills pocked with countless lakes and bogs cover the region.
Common mammals noticed along the trail include whitetail deer, raccoon, red fox, porcupine, beaver and muskrat. The observant trail user may also spot coyote, timber wolf, weasel, mink, bobcat or black bear.
The 70 mile Hinckley - Duluth segment of the trail is completely paved, and passes near Banning State Park and Moose Lake State Park, through the towns of Finlayson, Willow River and Moose Lake, General C.C. Andrews State Forest, and through the spectacular scenery of Jay Cooke State Park. The northeast portion of the trail provides scenic views of the St. Louis River and the twin ports of Duluth and Superior.
- Trail uses
Accessible Outdoors (electric wheelchairs allowed)- Trail events
Events calendar
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- Permits
- You will need a Horse Pass if you will be horseback riding or carriage driving.
- Snowmobiles must be registered or have a snowmobile state trail sticker.
- You will need a require a vehicle permit to park in a state park.
- No other fees or passes are required to use the trail.
- Trail segments
Hinckley - Duluth segment
This 70 mile segment of the Willard Munger State Trail is completely paved. The trail passes near Banning State Park and Moose Lake State Park. It passes through the towns of Finlayson, Willow River and Moose Lake, General C.C. Andrews State Forest, and through the spectacular scenery of Jay Cooke State Park. The northeast portion of the trail provides scenic views of the St. Louis River and the twin ports of Duluth and Superior
Alex Laveau Memorial Trail
The Alex Laveau Memorial Trail honors the memory of a former county commissioner and dairy farmer who was a strong advocate of the idea of reusing abandoned railways as public trails. This trail allows users to ride from Gary-New Duluth 16 miles through Wrenshall into Carlton. Six miles of off-road paved trail from Carlton to Highway 23 are open. The remaining miles are a combination of bike routes on paved highway shoulders and city streets.
Matthew Lourey State Trail (formerly known as the Boundary segment)
The Matthew Lourey State Trail honors the memory of a U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer from Minnesota who lost his life in Operation Iraqi Freedom. This is an 80 mile natural surface trail used primarily for snowmobiling, horseback riding, hiking and mountain biking. This trail passes through remote forests linking St. Croix State Park with the Chengwatana, St. Croix and Nemadji State Forests. Some areas may be impassable in summer.
- Parking
Do not leave valuables in your vehicle!
- Carlton: one block south of Highway 210 on County Road 1, or at Hemlock Ravine SNA, four miles east of Carlton on Highway 210.
- Duluth: at the northern trailhead on Grand Ave. (Hwy 23) and 75th Avenue West, behind the Munger Hotel
- General C.C. Andrews State Forest: Dago Lake Day Use Area, McCormick Lake Day Use Area, Willow River Campground
- Hinckley: at the southern trailhead, one block north of the Hinckley Fire Museum at the intersection of Highway 61 and County Road 18
- Jay Cooke State Park (vehicle permit required)
- Moose Lake State Park (vehicle permit required)
Parking is also available in the towns of Barnum, Finlayson, Moose Lake and Willow River.
- Restrooms
- General C.C. Andrews State Forest: Dago Lake Day-Use Area, Willow River Campground
- Jay Cooke State Park (vehicle permit required)
- Moose Horn River Water Access Site: located in Barnum, on County Highway 6
- Moose Lake State Park (vehicle permit required)
- Sand Lake Water Access Site: located in Sturgeon Lake, two miles north of the city
- Public water access locations often have seasonal toilets available.
- Facilities may also be available in city and regional parks along the state trail. (May require additional fee.)
Hiking
Biking
In-line skating
Mountain biking
Horseback
Snowmobiling