Lester Trails: Duluth's Scenic and Well-Built Cycling Network

Quick Facts

• Distance: 5 miles
• Level: Intermediate
• Route Type: Network
• Location: Duluth, Minnesota

How to Get There: Convenient Access Points

From East Superior Street, either go up Seven Bridges Road (a.k.a. Occidental Blvd) or Lester River Road to reach the city park parking lot. Small gravel areas near the 2nd and 7th bridges also serve as parking spots. More details can be found in the [Lester Park Trail Map](http://www.duluthmn.gov/parks/pdf files/trail_maps/Lester_Park_Trail_Map.pdf).

The Trail Experience: Scenic and Sustainable

Main Highlights

• Terrain: Predominantly smooth singletrack with rocky and rooty sections
• Environment: Rides along the ridges above Amity Creek and Lester River, offering gorgeous valley views
• Flow: The trail system incorporates well-designed flow and drainage, rarely too wet to ride even after rains.

Initiated in 2009 and completed in July 2010, Lester is COGGS' (Cyclists of Gitchee Gumee Shores) most recent project and showcases their best trail-building efforts to date. Its primary riding surface offers a relatively non-technical experience, making it one of Duluth’s top options for those new to mountain biking. The trail is mostly singletrack and is further enhanced by smaller game and spur trails. Following the white COGGS signs should keep you on the main loop, although some riders have expressed that better signage could improve the experience.

Rider Insights: What the Community Says

While Lester Trails scores high for its flow and scenery, riders do point out some things to consider:

• Navigation: The deeper sections of the woods have less clear markings, making it easy to get lost.
• Trail Condition: Though Lester is well-constructed and drains well, areas of the trail do get closed for repair and construction.
• Weekend Traffic: The trail is popular, particularly during weekends. So, if you're aiming for speed, weekdays might be better.

Special Features: More Than Just a Bike Trail

What sets Lester apart from other trails is the additional mileage created by professional trail builders, which is intended to be user-friendly even for "older dogs" in the cycling community. The Amity Creek Trail loop and the new Lester Park Trail offer different experiences but both exhibit a well-thought-out flow. Combining these two could provide up to 12 miles of continuous singletrack riding, making it a comprehensive cycling destination in Duluth.

Final Thoughts: Lester Trails, a Must-Ride in Duluth

Lester Trails offers something for everyone—from newcomers to experienced mountain bikers. Its scenic routes, well-designed flow, and substantial community investment make it a highlight of Duluth’s cycling scene. However, first-timers should be cautious about the network’s complex layout and perhaps plan for a weekday ride to avoid heavy traffic. Regardless, Lester remains a can't-miss cycling destination in Minnesota.