If you love a good hike, the Jay Cooke State Park trails should be at the top of your Duluth bucket list. Just twenty minutes from the city, this park packs in rugged river gorges, a swinging bridge over the St. Louis River, and over fifty miles of trails that wind through pine forest and rocky overlooks. Whether you want a short loop to stretch your legs or a longer trek along the Superior Hiking Trail, Jay Cooke State Park trails offer something for every fitness level. Best of all, this is a true year-round destination, so a visit in July looks very different from a visit in January, and both are worth the trip.
Of course, hiking is just one piece of what makes this corner of Minnesota such a great getaway. There is no shortage of things to do in Duluth, from wandering Canal Park and watching the giant lake freighters glide under the Aerial Lift Bridge, to touring the historic Glensheen Mansion, to grabbing lunch at one of the harbor-front restaurants downtown. Spend a morning on the Jay Cooke State Park trails, then the afternoon exploring the city.
After a day of hiking and exploring, you will want a place to land with equally impressive views. That is where we come in. Solglimt is the only lakefront Bed and Breakfast in Duluth, MN, which means your room comes with front-row seats to Lake Superior itself, ships crossing the harbor included. It is a relaxing home base for anyone planning to spend their days on the Jay Cooke State Park trails and their evenings unwinding along the water. Book your stay today!
Hike Jay Cooke State Park Trails
The Jay Cooke State Park trails are the reason so many Duluth visitors spend an entire day at the park. With more than fifty miles of trail to choose from, you can pick your own adventure: easy river walks, moderate loops through the woods, or the more demanding sections that connect to the Superior Hiking Trail. The terrain here is rockier and more varied than in many other state parks in the region, which is part of what makes hiking Jay Cooke State Park trails more of an adventure than a stroll.
The star of the park is the swinging bridge, and it is worth planning your route around. The suspension bridge crosses the St. Louis River right above a stretch of dramatic rapids. The sound of rushing water with the sway of the bridge is exhilarating. The Silver Creek Trail is a 3.5-mile loop that begins by crossing the swinging bridge. From there the trail
If you have more time, consider linking up with the Superior Hiking Trail, which actually begins its northern stretch here. This is where things get more serious, so plan for uneven footing, some elevation change, and fewer other hikers the further you go. Trail conditions can shift quickly after rain, since several sections run close to the river, so I would always recommend checking conditions before you head out, especially in spring when water levels tend to run higher.
A few practical notes before you go. A Minnesota State Parks vehicle permit is required and can be purchased at the park office or in advance online. Fall is often the busiest season, given the display of color along the river gorge, so arrive early if you are hiking on a weekend. Sturdy shoes are a must here, since several of the trails at Jay Cooke State Park involve rock scrambling and uneven terrain near the water.
Stay at our Bed and Breakfast in Duluth MN
A day spent on Jay Cooke State Park trails deserves a comfortable place to recover, and Solglimt was built with exactly that in mind. We are the only lakefront Bed and Breakfast in Duluth, MN. We offer something you simply cannot get from a standard hotel room: a direct view of Lake Superior from your own guest room, along with personalized hospitality.
Every stay starts with a beautiful three-course breakfast made from local ingredients and ends with an evening spent watching the ships cross the harbor from your window. If you are planning a hiking trip on Jay Cooke State Park trails, or building a long weekend getaway around everything Duluth has to offer, our Bed and Breakfast in Duluth MN gives you a home base that is comfortable and central. Reserve your room now.