The extension of the Gitchi-Gami State Trail from the Cut Face Creek Wayside Rest Area to Grand Marais provides a vital new link in Minnesota’s North Shore trail system. The long-term plan is a continuous connection from Grand Marais to Two Harbors, offering access to state parks, scenic natural areas, and coastal communities along Lake Superior.
Expanding Trail Access and Enhancing Scenic Connections
The trail’s alignment along the Lake Superior shoreline not only enhances visibility and user experience but also creates opportunities for new recreational access and connections to the lakefront.
On behalf of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MnDNR), SRF provided:
- Preliminary and design engineering
- Construction engineering and quality control
- Construction contract administration and oversight
Technical Challenges and Engineering Considerations
This section of trail presented several key engineering challenges, including:
- Steep terrain and close proximity to County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 61
- The need to maintain hydraulic capacity and preserve existing flow patterns
- Erosion control and slope stability critical to long-term trail integrity
SRF’s multidisciplinary approach ensures that both the natural beauty and environmental sensitivity of the North Shore are preserved throughout trail development.
Resource Links:
Minnesota DNR – Gitchi-Gami Trail
Gitchi-Gami Trail Association
Internal Category:
Parks, Trails & Recreation
Water & Environment
Land Development
More from:
Minneapolis, MN
Saint Paul, MN
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Cut Face Creek Wayside Rest Area to Grand Marais, Minnesota
Land DevelopmentParks, Trails, and Recreation
Water and Environment View All Projects
