All over the U.S. there are places that have dedicated trails for people to use for recreational activities. Some of these trails are paved, many are not, but they all share one common feature; they are designed for people who want to get out of the house and stay active. They are for bicyclists, roller bladers, skate boarders, joggers, and anyone else who wants to take part in them. One of the largest, most popular paved trails is located in Minnesota. It is the very popular Willard Munger State Trail and it is truly something to enjoy for all who want to explore it.
The Willard Munger State Trail
This trail is actually a collection of three trails that stretch between the towns of Duluth and Hinckley. It is the main trail, but it is linked with the Alex Laveau Memorial Trail, in Carlton and the Matthew Lourey State Trail, which is east of the other two trails. All total, between all the trails, you can travel approximately 160 miles and venture through some of the most scenic areas of Minnesota. As a bonus, all of these trails follow old railroad routes, including the route that many people took during an outbreak fire known as the Hinckley and Cloquet fires. This fire happened during September 1894 and burned at least 200,000 acres, including the town of Hinckley. Another train route ran between the Mississippi Railroad and Lake Superior carrying goods and passengers.
Things to Do on the Trails
The activities you can enjoy on these trails is completely up to you. You have the opportunity to walk, bike, and in-line skate during the warm weather months. During the winter time when snow covers the ground, snowmobilers and skiers are also welcome to venture out to the trails. While you are getting your exercise or riding along, you can enjoy an abundant amount of natural beauty along the way. There are rocky cliffs, forests, waterfalls, and even a swinging suspension bridge for you to enjoy if you are in the northern part of the trails. In the south, you can see rural landscapes, rustic towns, lakes, rivers, and the General C.C. Andrews State Forest.
Enjoy the Best of Nature
Although many people travel the trails each year, all year, there are still things for you to see. Wildlife is abundant along the trail. You never know when you will see a woodpecker or fox going into his fox hole. There are numerous different types of trees for you to see including oak, pine, aspen, birch, and firs, as well as many other types. If you are lucky, you may also get to meet others who are on an adventure along the trials when you stop to enjoy the view or have a picnic lunch. Along the trails that saved lives more than 100 years ago, anything is possible. Are you ready to see what you have been missing out on by planning your trip down this outstanding trail in Minnesota? Adventure is waiting and there is plenty of nature for you to enjoy.