Willard Munger State Trail stretches over 70 miles through some of Minnesota’s most scenic terrain, connecting Hinckley to Duluth along a paved, multi-use corridor. Named after the legendary Minnesota legislator and environmental champion, this is the longest paved trail in the state — and one of the finest long-distance rides in the Upper Midwest.

The trail passes through a striking cross-section of Minnesota landscapes: dense boreal forest, wide river valleys, and the dramatic basalt ridgeline approaching Duluth and Lake Superior. The segment between Carlton and Duluth is the standout, following the St. Louis River through Jay Cooke State Park, where the river churns through tilted slate rock formations that look like nothing else in the state.

Cycling is the main draw, with the smooth asphalt surface welcoming road bikes, hybrids, and e-bikes alike. In winter, sections are groomed for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Runners and inline skaters use the trail year-round. Birdwatchers will find warblers and raptors along the forested stretches, particularly during spring and fall migration.

Several campgrounds sit near the trail corridor, including those at Jay Cooke State Park and Banning State Park, both reservable through the Minnesota DNR. Small towns along the route — Hinckley, Finlayson, Barnum — offer food stops and water refills.

Visit between late May and mid-October for the best riding conditions. Peak fall color in late September transforms the corridor into a tunnel of gold and crimson that rivals any trail in the country.

Explore Nearby

• Superior National Forest — National Forest in Minnesota
• Chippewa National Forest — National Forest in Minnesota
• Minnesota Scenic Byways — Scenic Byway in Minnesota
• Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in Minnesota
• The Arches Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Minnesota