DNR news release for June 4, 2013

DNR NEWS – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                      June 4, 2013
 

New segment of Gitchi-Gami State Trail opens along the North Shore

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Gitchi-Gami Trail Association held a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Silver Bay today to celebrate the official opening of a new, 2.3-mile paved segment of the Gitchi-Gami State Trail on the North Shore of Lake Superior.  

From the Rukavina Arena in Silver Bay, the new trail segment runs south across Northshore Mining property and continues to the east end of West Road in Beaver Bay. Continuing south, bicyclists and other trail users can follow the gravel West Road for a half mile to connect with the longest paved section of the trail, the 14.6-mile segment from Beaver Bay to Gooseberry Falls State Park.

“We are thrilled with the progress and use of the trail to date and appreciate the many public- and private-sector partners who have come together to make this trail a reality,” said DNR Parks and Trails Division Director Courtland Nelson. “The Gitchi-Gami State Trail is truly special and is attracting the attention of cyclists from across the country.”

The trail provides scenic views and safe travel for bicyclists, in-line skaters, joggers and walkers along Highway 61, paralleling the North Shore of Lake Superior.

More than 28 miles of the trail are complete in six segments. The Lutsen Phase 1 segment, to be completed in 2013, will add another 1.1 paved miles to the trail.

When complete, the trail will extend 86 miles from Two Harbors to Grand Marais. The paved, non-motorized trail will connect five state parks, several communities, four scientific and natural areas and numerous historic sites with scenic vistas of Lake Superior along the way.

More information about the trail, including a map and virtual tour, can be found online at www.mndnr.gov (http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_trails/gitchigami/index.html). Maps and other information are also available by calling the DNR Information Center at 651-296-6157 or toll-free 888-646-6367 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

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