President’s Message
Silver Bay to Beaver Bay Segment Opens with Ribbon-Cutting
Thanks to the work of the
cities of Silver Bay and Beaver Bay, Cliffs Natural Resources, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Parks and Trails,
and the Gitchi-Gami Trail
Association, a new section of
the Gitchi-Gami State Trail
was dedicated at a ribboncutting ceremony on June 4
in Silver Bay. Dignitaries
from the DNR, the cities, and
Northshore Mining (Cliffs
Natural Resources), as well
as local citizens and biking
Cutting the ribbon (L to R): Mark Rudningen, DNR Trail Development Specialist, Mark
enthusiasts, were present for
Sandbo, Gitchi-Gami Trail Association President, Joanne Johnson, Silver Bay Mayor,
the dedication of the newest
Sandy Karnowski, Cliffs Natural Resources Public Affairs Officer, Kevin Johnson, DNR
Two Harbors Assistant Area Supervisor, Courtland Nelson, DNR Parks & Trails Director
section of the GGST. The 2.3mile trail segment connects the
Silver Bay trailhead by the Rukavina Arena to the West parks along the way. Although the Minnesota LegislaRoad in Beaver Bay, crossing Cliffs property behind
ture did not pass bonding authority this year that would
North-shore Mining operations, to the east end of the
have made it possible to begin work on the next large
West Road in Beaver Bay. Continuing south, trail ussection of trail between Cascade State Park and
ers can follow the gravel West Road for about half a
Grand Marais, the GGTA continues to work hard to
mile to Hwy 61, to connect with the longest paved sec- complete the trail. We welcome anyone who is intertion of the trail — the 14.6-mile segment between Bea- ested in biking to join our efforts to build this outstandver Bay and Gooseberry Falls State Park.
ing addition to the North Shore experience. For more
Over 28 miles of the GGST have been completed in information, visit our website at www.ggta.org.
six segments. A 1.6-mile section between Cook Co Rd
— Mark Sandbo, GGTA President
34 and Co Rd 5 (Ski Hill Rd) is under construction and
will be completed later this summer, which will extend
RIDE THE NEW TRAIL SECTION ON
the trail northeast of Tofte to about 7.5 miles.
When finished, the trail will extend about 88 miles
THE ANNUAL RIDE! SEE INSIDE!
along the beautiful North Shore, connecting state
www.ggta.org
Gitchi-Gami State Trail News
Spring/Summer 2013
TRAIL COORDINATOR’S REPORT
The new Silver Bay to Beaver
Bay trail segment is ready for the
enjoyment of Gitchi-Gami State
Trail enthusiasts. The 2.3-mile segment offers spectacular winding
corridors and views of the
Northshore Mining area, as well as
glimpses of Lake Superior.
This trail segment now ends at
the east end of the West Road, an
unpaved gravel road. Trail users
are anxious to see the .8-mile gap
between the west end of the trail
segment and the Beaver Bay trailhead closed, which will result in
continuous trail of over 18 miles
between Gooseberry Falls State
Park and Silver Bay. The DNR will
submit this section for engineering
planning later this summer. The
Township of Beaver Bay has
agreed to work with the DNR to
create a separate trail route alongside the West Road that will connect will connect the newest segment to State Highway 61, just
east of the Beaver River bridge adjacent to the Beaver Bay trailhead.
Lutsen Phase I
After many delays due to engineering issues, last year’s state
government shutdown, and contractor issues, the 1.6-mile “Lutsen
Phase I” project is on track for
completion later this summer. Finally, the “tunnel to nowhere” under Hwy 61 at Co Rd 34 will con-
nect the existing trail from Tofte to
new trail ending at the Ski Hill Rd
(Co Rd 5). This section of the
GGST will be shared with snowmobiles during the off-season months
of December through March. As
with most construction projects,
there are always challenges that
surface during the development
process. Some of the most difficult
Trail etiquette
Adhering to simple rules and
courtesy will make the trail enjoyable for everyone:
 Share the trail with others.
 Stay on designated trail.
 Keep right so others can pass.
 Warn other trail users when
passing by giving an audible
signal.
Construction of Lutsen Phase I trail section
issues with this segment relate to
the tremendous amount of rock
that had to be blasted and moved
to different areas. Gravel sources
must be located in advance. Large
amounts of material are needed in
order to build the trail according
Gitchi-Gami Trail Association
to relevant standards.
PO Box 74
Another challenge that has
Silver Bay, MN 55614
presented itself is that most of
the trail is next to or under buried
Board of Directors
Mark Sandbo, President, Grand Marais or hanging fiber optic cable, installed as part of Cook County’s
Bill Blank, Vice President, Lutsen
broadband project. This proximity
Robert Risch, Secretary, Two Harbors,
has required a slight shift of the
Nancy Mancini, Treasurer, Two Harbors
planned trail corridor, especially
Anne McKinsey, Lutsen
near the Golf Course Road. With
Kent Shamblin, Beaver Bay
that said, the project, as of this
Mark Spinler, Grand Marais
time is still on schedule and will
Kathy Swendsen, Beaver Bay
prove to be another engineering
marvel when complete.
www.ggta.org


Obey traffic signs and rules.
Keep pets on a leash, and dispose of pet waste away from
the trail.
 Respect landowners’ rights and
privacy.
 Camping and campfires are
permitted only at designated
campsites. Do not leave campfires unattended. Pack out all
garbage and litter.
 Enjoy the beauty of wild plants
and animals, but leave them
undisturbed for all to enjoy.
— Mark Rudningen
Trail Development
Specialist, DNR
Gitchi-Gami State Trail News
Spring/Summer 2013
13th Annual Gitchi-Gami Trail Association
North Shore Bike Ride
The 13th Annual GGTA North Shore Bike Ride will take place
on Saturday, August 17. The recreational bike ride will once
again begin and end in beautiful Gooseberry Falls State Park,
located between Two Harbors and Silver Bay, on scenic US Hwy
61.
NEW THIS YEAR: In addition to the 28-mile and 55-mile options, there will be a new 37-mile option that will give bikers a
chance to ride on the new 3.2-mile section of the GGST between
Silver Bay and Beaver Bay.
The 28-mile ride option is entirely on the GGST, from Gooseberry through historic Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, continuing to the rest stop at the the Beaver Bay trailhead, and returning
on the trail. Because it is an “out-and-back” ride, bikers can turn
around at any point to return to
the starting point.
The 55-mile option follows
the GGST to Beaver Bay and
adds a loop north on Lake Co
Rd 4 and the Lax Lake Road to
Hwy 1 and the Eckbeck rest
stop, to Hwy 61, to Penn Blvd
and Silver Bay, back to Beaver
Bay on Penn Blvd and Co Rd 4
(or the new trail segment), then
back to Gooseberry on the trail.
The new 37-mile option also
follows Co Rd 4 north of Beaver Bay, but follows Forest Rd
11/Penn Blvd into Silver Bay,
then returns to Beaver Bay on
the new trail. This route incorporates over half a mile on the
West Road, a gravel road, to Hwy 61 just east of the Beaver River and the Beaver Bay trailhead, then back to Gooseberry on the
trail.
The ride begins at 9:00 am. Riders are requested to depart by
10:30 am. Parking for the ride is in a lot inside Goosberry Falls
State Park. Vehicles will need an annual state park vehicle sticker or a daily vehicle pass (a daily pass will be provided by the
GGTA). The daily permit is also good for entry to other state
parks on this day only.
Snacks and refreshments will be provided at rest stops and
post-ride. Mechanical, emergency and sag support will be provided. All adult riders will receive a t-shirts, and younger riders
will receive a water bottle.
All riders must sign waivers and wear helmets. Registration
postmarked before August 1 is $30. Registration thereafter is
$35. Registration for a child under 15 years old is $5 with a paid
adult. Register by mail with the form on this page, or register
online through secure PayPal payment on the GGTA website,
www.ggta.org.
Questions? Contact Bill Blank at [email protected], or
218-663-7126.
www.ggta.org
Registration and Waiver Form
Name(s):_______________________________
______________________________________
Address:_______________________________
______________________________________
Phone:____________Email________________
Registration by Aug 1 $30
After Aug 1 $35
Children under 15 $5 with paid adult
Ride options:___28 miles___37 miles__55 miles
Circle shirt size: M L XL Second shirt: M L XL
Waiver (all riders must sign)
I agree by my entry into this event to accept its
inherent risks, and absolve the Gitchi-Gami Trail
Association (GGTA), its officers and employees,
and all other organizers, sponsors, volunteers
and associated entities, with their heirs and assigns, singly or collectively, of all blame or liability for any harm, inconvenience, injury, loss, or
other misadventure suffered as a result of taking
part in the GGTA North Shore Bike Ride.
Any duly authorized doctor or medical technician
is hereby authorized to provide me medical treatment in response to an accident, injury or illness
during this event.
I give permission, without obligation or liability to
me, for the use of my name, image or other record of my taking part in the GGTA North Shore
Bike Ride for any promotional or publicity purposes.
I will obey traffic rules, heed tour officials’ advice,
and ride and conduct myself with due caution
and respect, so as not to endanger anyone or
disrupt the enjoyment of fellow cyclists, motorists
or others. I agree to wear a properly fitted hard
shell (ANSI, Snell approved) bicycle helmet at all
times when riding a bicycle at this event.
My signature indicates that I have read this waiver and agree with its intent.
Signature____________________Date_______
Signature____________________Date_______
Under 18? Have adult sign below.
Signature____________________Date_______
Make checks payable to the GGTA and send
with registration and waiver forms to:
Gitchi-Gami Trail Association
PO Box 74
Silver Bay, MN 55614
Gitchi-Gami State Trail News
THANKS TO THIS YEAR’S
ANNUAL RIDE SPONSORS:
Arrowhead Electric Co-op
Chateau Leveaux
Co-op Light & Power
Cove Point Lodge
Grand Marais Hotel Company
Grand Marais State Bank
Grand Superior Lodge
Jeff Latz Properties
Lutsen Resort
North Shore Federal Credit Union
North Shore Mining
Superior North Outdoor Center
Spring/Summer 2013
GITCHI-GAMI STATE TRAIL CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE
(as of June 2013)
Sections in bold are completed
YEAR
SEGMENT NAME
2001 Gooseberry Falls State Park Phase I
2002
2002
2002
2003
2004
2004
2006
2008
2010
2012
20??
20??
20??
20??
20??
20??
Cascade River State Park Phase II
Illgen City
Two Harbors Phase I
Two Harbors Phase II
Taconite Harbor
Little Marais
20??
Caribou Falls State Wayside
MILES
1.2
7.8
2.5
0.6
1.5
3.0
1.0
3.5
1.5
3.0
2.3
TOTAL COMPLETED
27.9
CR 34 to CR 5 (Ski Hill Road)
1.6
Beaver Bay trail head to east end of West Road 0.8
Cascade River to west limit of Grand Marais
8.0
Silver Bay to Tettegouche State Park
7.0
CR 5 (Ski Hill Road) to CR 41
4.8
USFS to east side of Tofte
1.0
Silver Creek Tunnel to Lafayette Tunnel
2.3
Lafayette Tunnel to Gooseberry Falls SP
trail head
4.2
CR 41 to Cascade River
3.9
Tettegouche SP to 3.3 miles north of TH 1
5.0
Two Harbors to Stewart River
2.4
Stewart River to Silver Cliff Tunnel
2.8
Cook County line to Schroeder
7.7
3.3 miles north of TH 1 to 1.75 miles north
of Little Marais
3.1
1.75 miles north of Little Marais to
Cook County Line
5.7
GRAND TOTAL
88.2
Gitchi-Gami Trail Association
PO Box 74
Silver Bay, MN 55614
Photo credits: pages 1 & 2, DNR,
page 3, © Paul Sundberg, DNR,
page 4, Lee Radzak
PROJECT AREA
East limits of Gooseberry Falls SP to
Gooseberry River
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
Split Rock River to Mary Street
in Beaver Bay
Tofte
Tofte to .5 mile west of Onion River
Beaver Bay Trail
Mary Street to Beaver River trail head area
Grand Marais
West limit of Grand Marais to 8th Ave W
Temperance River SP Phase I & II
Schroeder to Tofte
Silver Creek Cliff Trail
West limit of Silver Creek Cliff to overlook
Gooseberry to Split Rock Connector East limit of Gooseberry Falls SP
to Split Rock River
Gooseberry Falls State Park Phase II Gooseberry Falls SP trail head
to .5 miles east of TH 61 Bridge
Onion River
.5 miles west of Onion River to CR 34
Beaver Bay to Silver Bay
West Road in Beaver Bay to Silver Bay
2013 Lutsen Phase I
2014 Beaver Bay Trail Head
20?? Cascade River State Park Phase I
20?? Tettegouche State Park
20?? Lutsen Phase II
20?? Town of Tofte
20?? The Tunnels
20?? Castle Danger
Shore
ce on the North
Trail maintenan l challenges!
has specia
Underlined sections are in construction or engineering