Willard Munger State Trail, Road in the United States
The Willard Munger State Trail is a paved path in Minnesota that runs from Hinckley to Duluth, passing through forests, farmland, and small towns along the way. The trail follows an old railroad route, providing a flat surface suitable for walking, biking, and snowmobiling in winter months.
The trail follows the route of an old railroad that played a key role during the fires in Hinckley in 1894 and Cloquet in 1918, helping rescue efforts and moving supplies. A section called the Hinkley Fire Trail, about 23 miles long, marks this historical path and honors the region's past.
The trail is named after Willard Munger, a Minnesota lawmaker who supported environmental protection and the building of paths for walking and biking. It connects nine communities across northeastern Minnesota and serves the local area as a place for outdoor activity and recreation.
The trail is open year-round with parking available in towns like Hinckley, Finlayson, Willow River, and Duluth, though some locations require a vehicle permit. Restrooms are available at many points along the route, especially in state parks and public areas.
The Thomson trestle bridge is an old railroad span offering wide views of the St. Louis River where visitors can stop and look out, while kayakers paddle through rapids below. Along the route, hemlock trees stand as remnants of natural forest, adding to the sense of walking through a wooded landscape.
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