The Duluth Traverse

A long-distance urban singeltrack trail! The Duluth Traverse runs along the high terrain west of town and high above Lake Superior, offering a great opportunity for close-to-town adventure.

Duluth, MN

Anishinabewaki ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᐗᑭ (Anishinabek), and Očhéthi Šakówiŋ (Oceti Sakowin) lands

2,900'

ELEVATION GAIN

sPring to
fall

riding season

1-2

days out

4-5

PHYSICAL challenge (1-10*)

4:02

women's FKT - North/South
Kait Boyle / ?

43

miles

4

TECHNICAL challenge (1-10*)

3:32 / 3:11

men's FKT - North/South
Kurt Refsnider / Josh Bauer

Stewarded by the Cyclists of Gitchee Gumee Shores

Managed by the City of Duluth

* Following the bikepacking Roots rating scale

route map and download

Disclaimer: This route and associated information is just a starting point for your preparation, and your safety is your own responsibility. Although this route, its GPS track and waypoints, route data, and the route guide were prepared after extensive research, their accuracy and reliability are not guaranteed. Check for current conditions, route updates, detours, use common sense, obey local laws and regulations, and travel with alternative means of navigation. The Backcountry Bike Challenge and its creators and contributors will in no way be responsible for personal injury or damage to personal property arising in conjunction with following this route or utilizing any of the route resources provided on this website or via RWGPS.

Download GPX files

Click for download instructions

General route description

The Duluth Traverse has been envisioned and made possible by Cyclists of Gitchee Gumee Shores (COGGS) and the City of Duluth. It is a 40+ mile route point-to-point that consists of 75% purpose-built singletrack that completely travesses the highlands above the City of Duluth from end to end. The trail is generally easy to moderate in technical difficulty, and it can be ridden as anything short section rides to a big day out to an overnighter utilizing one of the scattered camping options along the way. All singletrack sections of the trail are all signed with the red and grey Duluth Traverse Logo.

COGGS offers an incredibly thorough route description on their website: The Duluth Traverse Overview: West to East

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Overhead
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Photos by Hans Johnson

additional route information

  • It is typically only a short detour to nearby grocery stores, gas stations, etc.  – <1/2 mi off route. Waypoints/POIs are included in the GPS data for recommended services.

  • There are many stream crossings. Filter/treat all stream water. Several parks along the way also have fountains. See the waypoints/POIs.

  • Camping options along the route are limited. See the waypoints/POIs on the RWGPS route map for more details.
  • None of note for this route
  • None of note for this route.

  • The Duluth Traverse utilizes multi-purpose singletrack in an urban area. Please ride respectfully. Bikes always yield to other trail users and yield to all uphill travel. 

  • Rides can be started on either end of the trail, but south-to-north (aka, west-to-east) is the recommended direction.
  • You must ride 100% of the route in accordance with the FKT rules.
JOIN/GIVE TO COGGS