3.5
(4)
69
hikers
04:52
18.9km
80m
Hiking
Embark on The Lakewalk, a moderate hiking route spanning 11.8 miles (18.9 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 250 feet (76 metres), typically completed in about 4 hours and 51 minutes. This paved path offers continuous views of Lake Superior and the bustling Duluth harbor. As you hike, you…
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
4.59 km
Old Pump Station
Ruins
5.72 km
Beach
Beach
6.57 km
Beach
Beach
6.87 km
Ruins
Ruins
7.66 km
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
7.92 km
Highlight • Settlement
Tip by
18.9 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
14.6 km
2.41 km
1.29 km
318 m
280 m
Surfaces
11.8 km
4.23 km
2.61 km
293 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Friday 8 May
18°C
-1°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 17.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
You'll find ample parking options, especially around the popular Canal Park area. Many visitors park near the Canal Park district, which offers direct access to the trail and nearby attractions. Additional parking is available at various points along the route, including near Bayfront Festival Park and Brighton Beach.
Yes, the trail is generally dog-friendly! Many people enjoy walking their dogs on the paved path. Please ensure your dog is on a leash and that you clean up after them to keep the trail enjoyable for everyone.
The Lakewalk is beautiful year-round. Spring and summer offer lush greenery and vibrant pollinator gardens, while fall brings stunning foliage along Lake Superior. Even in winter, the trail is cleared of snow, providing a unique experience with frozen lake views. For fewer crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) or on weekdays.
No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to access and enjoy The Lakewalk. It is a publicly accessible multi-use path.
The Lakewalk is primarily a paved, flat multi-use path, making it suitable for walkers, runners, and cyclists. It's generally considered easy and family-friendly. While most of the path has a gentle slope, there is a segment near 27th Ave E that has a steeper grade. Some sections may have bumps and cracks, but the surface is generally smooth.
The trail offers gorgeous views of Lake Superior and the Duluth harbor. You'll pass by the iconic Aerial Lift Bridge, the Duluth Lakewalk (Canal Park), Leif Erikson Park, and the Duluth Rose Garden. Keep an eye out for massive lake freighters, public art, historical signs, and unique curiosities like Uncle Harvey's Mausoleum.
Yes, The Lakewalk shares sections with other well-known paths. Notably, about 31% of the route overlaps with the Superior Hiking Trail and the North Country National Scenic Trail (MN). It also largely follows the Duluth-Superior Metropolitan Bike Route.
Absolutely! The Lakewalk's paved and mostly flat surface makes it very family-friendly and accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. The segment near 27th Ave E has a steeper grade, which might be challenging for some, but the majority of the trail is very accommodating.
Yes, The Lakewalk is maintained and cleared of snow during the winter months, making it accessible for year-round enjoyment. Winter offers unique, serene views of Lake Superior and the surrounding snow-covered landscape.
Yes, especially in the more urban sections. The Lakewalk provides direct access to numerous amenities in Canal Park, including shops, restaurants, and cafes. You'll also find restrooms and other facilities at various parks and attractions along the route, such as Bayfront Festival Park and the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center.
The Lakewalk offers diverse scenery. For an urban waterfront experience with attractions, start in Canal Park. If you prefer quieter, more wooded sections, especially past 26th Avenue and through the Glensheen area, consider starting further east. The trail eventually returns to lake views closer to Brighton Beach, offering a varied journey depending on your starting point.