Mountain Biking in the Twin Ports
Trails
Showcasing the glacial bedrock that creates the short but steep shoreline of Lake Superior, the Duluth Traverse mountain bike trail threads along the entire city of Duluth, MN. About 40 miles of spine trail connects the 5 main trail centers and neighborhood routes. With over 90 total miles of trail, there is something for everyone: from smooth flow lines in Mission Creek; lift serviced, downhill runs at Spirit Mountain Bike Park; technical, rocky descents in Piedmont; to old school, rooty XC trail in Hartley, and everything between.
**Please remember that all of our trails are multi-use, and many are two way. Please follow appropriate trail etiquette.
Duluth Traverse
Skill Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Trail Length: 40 miles
Trail Type: The official “Duluth Traverse” (DT) trail connects Chambers Grove and Lester Park. Generally traversing across the hillside you will ride on mostly flow trail with a few unavoidable rocky sections. You will pass through many neighborhoods along the way. The “DT” forms the spine of all of our trails. All trail systems are accessible at various points.
Trail Direction: Two way
Location: West side trail head, east side trail head.
Hartley
Skill Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Trail Length: 9 miles
Trail Type: Once off the “green” DT main trail you will find a delightful collection of roots on some old school hand built single track. Hartley features rolling terrain that provides a fun challenge for beginner riders, while still being fun for all skill levels.
Trail Direction: Two way
Location: 3001 Woodland Ave, Duluth MN
Lester
Skill Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Trail Length: 12.5 miles
Trail Type: The “Lester River Trail” is one of the most beginner friendly trails in town (especially riding down). Other trails in the Lester area are rated intermediate for the steady incline/descent and rocks/roots. Be sure to check out “Hawk Ridge” for an amazing view and some extra rocky trail!
Trail Direction: Two way
Location: Lester Park Parking Lot, Duluth MN
Mission Creek
Skill Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Trail Length: About 23 miles
Trail Type: If flow trail is your style, Mission Creek is for you. By far the largest collection of flow in Duluth, you’ll find some long climbs and long descents on some smooth trail. Enjoy some awesome views of the St. Louis River and the surrounding area.
Trail Direction: Two way (except “Fly Over”)
Location: Mission Creek Trailhead Parking, Duluth MN
Piedmont/Brewer
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Trail Length: 9 miles (but you can make it feel like 20 depending if you ride the trails in both directions)
Trail Type: Piedmont is well known for its rock. The “DT” cut through in Piedmont is the only smooth trail around. Heading off either direction you will find a serious collection of rock rolls, jumps, bumps, and drops. Please take care and ride to your skill level.
Trail Direction: One and two way. If you can’t ride up it, it’s probably one way.
Location: Piedmont Trailhead Parking, Duluth MN
Spirit Mountain
Skill Level: Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced
Trail Length: Lots of Gravity
Trail Type: Lift served downhill riding for riders of all skill levels. Please see the Spirit Mountain website for hours of operation. The “DT” does cut across the bottom of the hill. It is a beginner level trail and winds through some wonderful forests.
Trail Direction: One way lift served.
Location: Grand Avenue Chalet Parking, Duluth MN
Stone Age
Skill Level: Advanced
Trail Length: 1.2 miles
Trail Type: 1.2 miles, that’s it, pffft. Not worth it… WRONG. “Stone Age” is a heck of trail out near Mission Creek, but is nothing like Mission Creek. A long technical uphill will have your legs hurting. Good thing there are some excellent views. The downhill will elevate your heart rate yet again as feature after feature present a challenge to even very advanced riders.
Trail Direction: One way
Location: Beck’s Road lot
Craft Connector
Skill Level: Advanced
Trail Length: 1.14 miles
Trail Type: The Craft Connector rides either from Enger Tower to the Lincoln Park Craft District (where a bunch of our wonderful supports are), or from Lincoln Park to Enger. It’s a intermediate level trail with some jumping options on the downhill, or a great leg burner on the uphill. We suggest parking at the bottom and ending your ride at one of the local supporting establishments!
Trail Direction: Two way
Location: Lower trail entrance
Downer Park
Skill Level: Advanced
Trail Length: 0.5 miles (and expanding)
Trail Type: Downer Park is tucked away in the forests of East Duluth. As the only collection of true advanced level trails on that side of town, it’s a great place to explore on your ride! With lots of rock, steep corners and some fantastic features, it’s definitely work the ride. Downer is slated for a bunch more trail in the near future, so keep checking back for new stuff.
Trail Direction: Two way (rides better top to bottom)
Location: Lower trail entrance
Be Safe
NOTICE: THE USE OF ANY AND ALL TRAILS IS AT THE INDIVIDUAL'S OWN RISK! PLEASE WEAR A HELMET AND BE CAREFUL. ALL TRAILS ARE 2-WAY MULTI-DIRECTIONAL. EXPECT ONCOMING TRAFFIC, AND NON-BIKE TRAIL USERS.
Share the trail. All COGGS trails are open to human-powered non-motorized trail use. This means our trails see plenty of use from hikers, runners, dog walkers, birders, and anything else you can imagine. Share the trail. Be considerate of other users and give them priority and wide berth.
As defined by the City of Duluth Parks and Rec, electric-assist bikes are allowed on COGGS trails or other natural surface trails in Duluth, as defined by the City of Duluth's e-bike policy statement.
Trail features: The COGGS Trail system contains both natural and man-made features. Bridges as well as rocky terrain can present challenges. Don't exceed your capabilities. Play it safe.
Weather conditions: Terrain changes constantly due to weather and use. Please pay attention to moisture levels because wooden features become very slippery when wet. Trails DO close because of rain. See trail status here.
Keep it under control: Always ride within your ability. If you are uncertain, please dismount and walk your bike.
Trail Maintenance: If you see a downed tree, or a section of trail which needs maintenance, please contact us. You can also send us a note via the contact button above.
Share the Trails: Trail Etiquette
The trails are there for everyone’s enjoyment, and proper usage enhances the experience for all. Be a good citizen and follow proper etiquette; your fellow re-creators will thank you!
Show courtesy to all other trail users.
Be alert and anticipate other trail users.
Expect to see faster moving bikes on multi-use trails. Slower traffic move right.
Slow down and use voice or a bell at blind corners and short sight lines.
Announce the size of your group when passing others. (i.e. "Two more riders back")
Establish communication early. Nobody likes to be startled. Especially dogs and horses.
Avoid blocking the trail; move off to the side of the trail when you stop.
Bikers yield to hikers and runners. Everyone yields to horses - common along the DWP and Amity Creek trails.
When trails are busy slow down. Be prepared to stop.
Pass in a safe and friendly manner.
Users traveling downhill should yield to uphill users.
Be a Good Samaritan. If you see someone having trouble on the trail, check in with them.
Don’t go rogue; ride only official, signed trails in the Twin Ports.
Leave no trace; bring your trash home with you.
Dogs must be leashed at all times.
Don’t ride when trails are closed. Ignoring this rule costs COGGS precious volunteer time and resources. Always check the COGGS trail feed.
Summer & Winter Trail Use
We ride year-round. Trails typically close for a bit in the spring and the late fall due to moisture. Once the ground is dry, or frozen, trails open up again. In the winter there are groomed trails across Duluth.