The best cycling routes around Silver Bay

The Gitchi-Gami State Trail offers a delightful touring cycling experience along Minnesota's North Shore, providing continuous, incredible vistas of Lake Superior. You'll pedal on a fully paved surface, winding through beautiful birch and aspen forests, often with the sound of the Beaver River nearby. The route is rated moderate, covering 11.9 miles (19.1 km) with 573 feet (175 metres) of elevation gain, and typically takes about 1 hour and 12 minutes to complete.

Planning your visit means understanding that the Gitchi-Gami State Trail is still a work in progress, with various completed trail sections. You'll likely ride individual segments, and where the trail is unfinished, connecting roads might be necessary. Restrooms and bicycle tune-up stations are available at state parks like Gooseberry Falls, making it convenient for a day trip. Parking is accessible at various points along the route.

This trail is a fantastic alternative to Highway 61 for experiencing the North Shore, offering unique access to attractions like Split Rock Lighthouse and Gooseberry Falls. It's a great option for those looking for scenic overlooks and a smooth ride, though some sections do present steep hills. The Gitchi-Gami State Trail is perfect for touring cycling, allowing you to explore Minnesota's stunning coastline at your own pace.

The Tettegouche State Park loop offers a demanding touring cycling experience through Minnesota's rugged North Shore, winding past secluded inland waters like Mic Mac Lake and through high-forested ridges. This isn't a gentle ride; expect a journey over rocky palisades and steep bluffs, with the terrain constantly challenging you. It's a difficult 25.8-mile (41.4 km) route, best for those with robust touring bikes and a taste for adventure, as some sections are unpaved and may require pushing your bike.

Planning your ride means preparing for a significant physical challenge, with 2006 feet (611 metres) of elevation gain over approximately 3 hours and 17 minutes. While specific parking for this loop isn't detailed, the park has various access points. If you prefer paved surfaces, the nearby Gitchi-Gami State Trail offers a smoother alternative along Lake Superior, eventually connecting to the park's vicinity.

Tettegouche State Park is renowned for its dramatic natural beauty, featuring iconic landmarks like Shovel Point and Palisade Head, and the impressive High Falls on the Baptism River. This loop provides a deep dive into the park's diverse ecosystems, from the Lake Superior shoreline to semi-mountainous landscapes, offering panoramic views from spots like Mount Baldy on clear days.

The Caribou Falls via North Star Bicycle Route offers a dynamic touring cycling experience along Minnesota's stunning North Shore. You'll navigate a mix of dedicated trails and scenic paved roads, with the route providing glimpses of the rugged coastline and a chance to visit the impressive Caribou Falls. Expect varied terrain, from relatively flat sections to some challenging hills and curves, especially as you head north.

This moderate 24.8-mile (39.9 km) route, with 1039 feet (317 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 2 hours and 23 minutes to complete. It's designed for adult bicyclists with several years of experience who are comfortable sharing the road with traffic on sections of Highway 61. Plan your visit during warmer months for the best conditions, and be prepared for potential wind off Lake Superior.

Part of the larger 315-mile North Star Bicycle Route (USBR 41), this segment showcases the transition from the state's more accessible trails to the wilder, more challenging terrain near the Canadian border. The route connects you to natural highlights like the Baptism River and offers a taste of the diverse landscapes that make Minnesota's North Shore a cycling destination.

The Gitchi-Gami State Trail loop offers a delightful touring bicycle experience, showcasing the stunning scenery of Minnesota's North Shore. As you pedal this moderate 8.9-mile (14.4 km) route, you'll be treated to continuous vistas of Lake Superior, winding through picturesque birch and aspen forests. With 635 feet (193 metres) of elevation gain, it provides a good workout that can be completed in about 55 minutes, making it perfect for a refreshing ride.

This paved trail is part of the larger Gitchi-Gami State Trail system, known for its safe pathways and access to natural beauty. While specific parking for this loop isn't detailed, the trail connects to various state parks and towns where you can find convenient access points and amenities like restrooms. It's a great option for a morning or afternoon ride, especially if you're looking to avoid the busier sections of the North Shore.

The Gitchi-Gami State Trail is celebrated as one of the Midwest's premier biking destinations, offering a non-motorized alternative to Highway 61. It connects several state parks and communities, providing a unique way to explore the region's natural features, including dramatic cliffs and cascading rivers. This loop gives you a taste of that renowned experience, blending natural beauty with an enjoyable cycling challenge.