This stretch of the Gitchi-Gami Trail delivers one of the longest and most varied rides on Minnesota’s North Shore, with the most amenities!
Connecting Gooseberry Falls State Park to the city of Silver Bay, the trail winds through State Parks, pine forests, climbs rolling terrain, and offers frequent views of Lake Superior and the rugged North Shore landscape.
Stop at scenic overlooks, explore interpretive panels, and access points to several natural and historical features, and enjoy convenient camping, lodging, picnicking, and dining options.
Highlights include:
- Gooseberry Falls State Park
- Iona’s Beach Scientific and Natural Area
- Split Rock River
- Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
- Split Rock Lighthouse Historical Site
- Madeira Shipwreck
- Town of Beaver Bay and the Beaver River
- Downtown Silver Bay
- Shops, restaurants, resorts, bike rental, convenience stores, etc.
Whether you’re looking for a half-day ride or a rewarding long walk, this segment offers both adventure and accessibility, with fully paved surfaces and opportunities to explore small towns and stunning state parks.
This stretch of the Gitchi-Gami Trail delivers one of the longest and most varied rides on Minnesota’s North Shore. Connecting Gooseberry Falls State Park to the city of Silver Bay, the trail winds through State Parks, pine forests, climbs rolling terrain, and offers frequent views of Lake Superior and the rugged North Shore landscape.
Stop at scenic overlooks, explore interpretive panels, and access points to several natural and historical features, and enjoy convenient camping, lodging, picnicking, and dining options.
Points of interest include: Gooseberry Falls State Park, Iona’s Beach Scientific and Natural Area, Split Rock River, Split Rock Lighthouse State Park and Historic Site, Madeira Shipwreck, Beaver Bay, Beaver Bay Wayside and waterfall, shops, restaurants, resorts, bike rental, convenience stores, etc., are available.
Whether you’re looking for a half-day ride or a rewarding long walk, this segment offers both adventure and accessibility, with fully paved surfaces and opportunities to explore small towns and stunning state parks.
Trail Details
• Length: ~17 miles (one way)
• Surface: Fully paved and accessible. Some areas are showing wear. Concerns about pavement conditions for some use, such as in-line skating.
• Incline: Includes moderate hills and rolling terrain; may be challenging in sections for strollers or mobility devices.
• Highlights: Gooseberry Falls State Park, Split Rock River, Split Rock Lighthouse & Historical Site, Iona’s Beach Scientific and Natural Area (Twin Points Access), Lake Superior overlooks, Beaver River bridge, forested stretches, interpretive panels
Parking & Amenities
Parking
- Gooseberry Falls State Park Visitor Center (free daily parking at the visitor center, MN Park Pass required for entry into the park or overnight parking).
- Split Rock River Wayside (seasonal porta-potties)
- Split Rock Lighthouse State Park (MN Park Pass required). Public Restroom available year-round.
- Twin Points Public Access at Iona’s Beach – free daily parking (no overnight parking or camping). Seasonal porta-potty available. Boat Launch.
- Beaver Bay Wayside – Restroom facility available seasonally. Walk to Beaver River Bridge. Picnic Area. Bike Station
- Silver Bay – Gitchi Gami State Trail parking is behind the Rukavina Arena
Please Note: Park only in designated areas and avoid leaving valuables in your vehicle. Be sure to acquire the required parking passes from the MN DNR when entering State Parks.
Amenities
Restrooms
- Gooseberry Falls State Park Visitor Center. Open year-round. No parking permit required.
- Twin Points Access at Iona’s Beach – seasonal porta-potty.
- Split Rock River Wayside: seasonal porta-potty
- Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, Trail Center Building. Flushable toilet, Open year-round. Parking permit required.
- Beaver Bay Wayside. Open year-round. Seasonal restrooms.
Camping
- Gooseberry Falls State Park – open year-round
- Split Rock Lighthouse State Park – open year-round.
Picnic Areas
- Gooseberry Falls State Park
- Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
- Beaver Bay Wayside
Bike Maintenance Stations
- Gooseberry Falls State Park – behind the visitor Center
- Split Rock Lighthouse State Park – Trail Center building
- Iona’s Beach Scientific and Natural Area
- Beaver Bay Wayside
Accessibility
This trail segment has steep hills and curves that can be particularly arduous for users of mobility devices.
Accessible areas include Gooseberry Falls State Park and the Beaver Bay Wayside.
Maps
Images
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- stretch of trail near Silver Bay, adaptive bike on trail
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- bicyclists on a bridge over Lake Superior near Twin Points Landing
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- Family walking on bridge near Twin Ports Landing.
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- Two bicyclists on the Gitchi-Gami Trail near Twin Points Landing.
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- Bikers on bridge near Twin Points Landing, Iona’s Beach in the background on the left
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- Family walking on bridge near Twin Ports Landing.
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- Bicyclists on a bridge accessed at the Split Rock River Wayside
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- Mom and daughter hiking on the Superior Hiking Trail, Gitchi-Gami stretch near Split Rock River Wayside
Videos
Sponsors
- Black Beach Inn
- North Shore Adventure Park
- Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota
- Co-op Light and Power
- Minnesota Trails Magazine
- Paul Sundberg Photography
Technical Specifications
Coming Soon!
Plans for Future Development
An Extension to Tettegouche State Park is in progress.
