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Schroeder – Lutsen

Spanning more than 14 miles, this trail segment connects the communities of Schroeder, Tofte, and Lutsen, linking parks, trailheads, and amenities along the way. Ride through the forest, over the Temperance River, and through iconic North Shore towns. 

Enjoy a mix of forest and field pathways, Lake Superior views, all with a few moderate hills and lots of things to do along the way. 

Highlights include:

  • Temperance River State Park features a rugged river and waterfall, Lake Superior access, camping, picnicking, and access to the Superior Hiking Trail. 
  • See the Cross River Falls up close from the bridge. 
  • Father Baraga’s Cross, a historic landmark with Lake Superior views and a picnic area.
  • Tofte Park with Lake Superior access, picnic areas, a playground, a pavilion, and more.
  • Lodging, shopping, and dining 
Trail Details
  • Length: ~14.1 miles (one way)
  • Surface: Fully paved and accessible
  • Incline: Varies from flat to moderate hills. The best areas for users of wheelchairs and mobility devices is Schroeder – Temperance River Road, and the north-end of Tofte – Ski Hill Road. 
  • Highlights: Temperance River State Park, Cross River, Father Baraga’s Cross, Tofte Park, Lake Superior overlooks, forested stretches, small-town charm in Schroeder, Tofte, and Lutsen

NOTE – there is a .3 mile gap in trail in Tofte between Bluefin Bay Resort and Sawbill Trail. Detour off Highway 61 on the paved trail through Tofte Park. Pick-up the Gitchi-Gami State Trail at the Tofte Fishing Museum.

Parking

  • Cross River Wayside – open year-round. Seasonal vaulted toilet
  • Temperance River State Park Wayside
  • Temperance River State Park (MN State Park Vehicle Permit required)
  • Tofte Park
  • Ray Berglund State Wayside
  • Ski Hill Road in Lutsen (at the base of Cook County 5, adjacent to the Poplar River)
 

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

  • Schroeder – Seasonal vaulted toiled at the Cross River Wayside
  • Temperance River State Park – year-round vaulted toilets, seasonal flushing toilets
  • Tofte – vaulted toilet outside of the Forest Service Ranger Station
  • Tofte Park – Seasonal vaulted toilet
  • Ray Berglund State Wayside – seasonal vaulted toilet

Camping

Picnic Areas

Visit our Sponsors

From https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_trails/gitchigami/index.html:

Varies from flat to moderate hills. The best areas for users of wheelchairs and mobility devices is Schroeder – Temperance River Road, and the north end of Tofte – Ski Hill Road. 

Schroeder to Tofte (south) – 3.6 miles

This segment begins at the rest area in Schroeder. It travels inland of Highway 61 to the Temperance River gorge and waterfall, offers a scenic view of Carlton Peak, and then continues northeast to Tofte’s Homestead Drive. The trail through Tofte has not yet been completed. Trail users can cross Highway 61 to Tofte Park Road and pick up the trail at the Tofte Commercial Fishing Museum.

Tofte (north) to Lutsen (Ski Hill Road) – 8.9 miles

This segment begins at the Tofte Commercial Fishing Museum and travels northeast, paralleling Highway 61. You’ll find exceptional views of Lake Superior’s vast waters and shoreline. The nearby Ray Berglund State Wayside offers a rest area between the communities of Tofte and Lutsen. This wayside also features its own trail connection to the Onion River Trail, a short and rustic hiking trail. As the state trail continues to Lutsen, it crosses below Highway 61 to the inland side of the highway and offers a more quiet ride. The trail currently ends 0.3 miles west of Lutsen.

Download map – Schroeder to Lutsen (GeoPDF)     What is a GeoPDF?

Temperance River State Park Between the communities of Schroeder and Tofte, the Gitchi-Gami State Trail crosses the Temperance River Gorge in Temperance River State Park. Stretch your legs by hiking the self-guided trail along the gorge and learn about the potholes carved into ancient basalt. The park’s campgrounds are a great place to set-up basecamp while traveling this section of the trail. Captioned video: Schroeder to Tofe (1 minute 41 seconds)

Tofte Public Water Access or Tofte Community Park Enjoy a picnic lunch while the kids play at the playground, or take a walking trail along the shoreline in this community park. Captioned video: Tofte to Lutsen (1 minute 21 seconds)

Virtual Tour Links

Panoramic Tour
Snapshot Tour

North of Tofte Between the communities of Tofte and Lutsen, this section of trail crosses several un-named creeks, the Onion River, and the Poplar River Gorge. Sections of this trail were built on the original 1924 Truck Highway 61 alignment. The Ray Berglund Wayside is a great place to stop and take a short hike along the Onion River. Captioned video: north of Tofte (1 minute 24 seconds)

Coming Soon!
Coming Soon!
"No motorized vehicle" signs on the trail
Gitch-Gami State Trail, Lutsen, MN
Gitchi gami trail_sm
Tofte segment of the Gitchi-Gami State Trail
Gitchi Gami State Trail in the Lutsen Area, great view of Lake Superior
Cross River on the Gitchi-Gami State Trail