Duluth  Trail Systems

For those looking for the ultimate mountain bike endurance challenge in Duluth, look no further than than the Duluth Traverse, which features lung busting climbs, fast, flowing descents, and breathtaking views. The Traverse connects all the trail systems in Duluth, and starts at Lester Park and ends at Mission Creek, but riders can start at either end and work their way over to the other. All of the trail systems will have Duluth Traverse icons on their trail markers to indicate which parts of the trail system are on the Duluth Traverse route. Coming in at around 45 miles, this is a ride that will take riders most of the day to complete. There are several routes for the Duluth Traverse, so having prior knowledge, some form of trail GPS(such as Trailforks), or a local rider who can show you around work best when riding the Traverse.

You can view the Trailforks route for Duluth Traverse here, but keep in mind some riders may take a different route.

One of the top choices for lift-access mountain biking, Spirit Mountain features terrain for all types of riders. From extremely technical downhill runs to flowing green runs, Spirit has no shortage of trails. For those that want to test their climbing legs, there are several routes that someone can take to earn their descents, such as The Puker Climb.

It does cost money to ride the lift access trails at Spirit, so if you’re looking at including it in your mountain biking plans for the summer, plan for purchasing a lift ticket.

You can view the Trailforks route for Spirit Mountain here.

Click here for Spirit Mountain’s Current Trail Status

Featuring some of the most hair-raising terrain in Duluth, Piedmont is an extremely fun and challenging trail. Numerous significant elevation changes and rocky bluffs will challenge even the most experienced rider, and make all who ride the technical lines appreciate their suspension. For those riders who prefer the faster, less technical cross country trails, the Duluth Traverse also runs through this area as well.

Right across the Haines Road from Piedmont is one of Duluth’s most highly rated trails, Brewer Park. While it’s only a singular loop, this trail provides for some of the best mix of terrain in Duluth. Those preferring to have more of a cross-country style experience on the trails can stick to the main Home Brew loop, those seeking more technical terrain can take, Kissing Booth, a small loop that splits off then meets back up with Home Brew and features one of the best descent/ climbing experiences in Duluth.

You can view the Trailforks route for Piedmont and Brewer Trails here.

Click here for the Piedmont / Brewer / Enger / Keene COGGS Twitter Feed

Hartley Park offers various terrain, mostly in the form of single track that weaves through forests and marshland, but there are also some more technical sections such as Rock Knob. Whatever your terrain preference, Hartley will most like have terrain that suits your current abilities, as well as terrain that will push you out of your comfort zone.

The UMD section of trail runs through the University of Minnesota Duluth Campus, and features easy flowing single track that connects the Hartley Park and Chester trails.

For those looking for lots of rolling terrain, Chester Rim is a great option with lots of flowing lines and great views of Chester Bowl and Chester Creek. Please use caution, however, as this is a multi-use trail in a heavily used park and it intersects several other hiking-only trails.

You can view the Trailfork routes for Hartley Park, UMD Traverse and Chester Park here.

Click here for the Hartley / UMD / Downer / Chester COGGS Twitter Feed.