Great Northern Trail
A scenic 4.75-mile paved trail following a historic railroad bed, perfect for walking, biking, and skating, with ongoing expansion plans.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fresh air and blooming nature
Great Northern Trail
Best Time
Fresh air and blooming nature
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic 4.75-mile paved trail following a historic railroad bed, perfect for walking, biking, and skating, with ongoing expansion plans.
"This beautiful trail is easily accessible from several convenient locations and offers a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors."
🚰 Bathrooms Available
Plenty of restrooms are conveniently scattered along the entire trail. :toilet:
🚶♀️ Perfect for All
Ideal for walking, biking, or inline skating. Enjoy the outdoors at your pace! :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mile Marker 4 ¾ Viewing Deck
Near 221st Avenue access
Enjoy a picturesque view from a special deck, a perfect spot for a peaceful break.
Historic Railroad Bed
Entire trail length
Experience a scenic 4.75-mile paved path following a historic 30-mile railroad bed.
Eagle Scout Project Markers
Along the trail
Discover concrete mile markers and a viewing deck, all crafted as Eagle Scout projects.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Extension Vision
Accessible Entry Points
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚰 Bathrooms Available
Plenty of restrooms are conveniently scattered along the entire trail. :toilet:
🚶♀️ Perfect for All
Ideal for walking, biking, or inline skating. Enjoy the outdoors at your pace! :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Easy Parking
Multiple parking lots provide convenient access to the trail. :car:
🗺️ Trail Extension
The trail is expanding! Check for updates on new sections towards Zimmerman and Milaca. :construction_worker:
Information on the Elk River trail in Strathcona
Tips
from all over the internet
🚰 Bathrooms Available
Plenty of restrooms are conveniently scattered along the entire trail. :toilet:
🚶♀️ Perfect for All
Ideal for walking, biking, or inline skating. Enjoy the outdoors at your pace! :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Easy Parking
Multiple parking lots provide convenient access to the trail. :car:
🗺️ Trail Extension
The trail is expanding! Check for updates on new sections towards Zimmerman and Milaca. :construction_worker:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Great Northern Trail for its well-maintained paved surface, making it ideal for walking, biking, and skating. The accessibility from multiple points and the convenience of scattered restrooms are frequently highlighted. The trail's ongoing expansion and community-driven features like viewing decks add to its appeal.
"As a long-time park reviewer and resident of Elk River, I take pride in the Great Northern Trail. The five concrete mile markers along the Great Northern Trail were handcrafted and installed by my son, Taylor Hecker, as part of his Eagle Scout project in 2013. He was assisted by Dave Anderson, who currently serves as the Parks and Recreation Commission Chair.
The Great Northern Trail is a scenic 4.75-mile paved regional trail that begins at County Road 1 and winds through Woodland Trail Regional Park (WTRP) before extending north to the city corporate limit. This beautiful trail is easily accessible from several convenient locations:
• Meadowvale Elementary School parking lot
• WTRP parking lot
• County Road 33 (Ranch Road)
• 221st Avenue parking lot
My favorite access point is the northernmost one at 221st Avenue, which features six parking stalls right next to the trail.
Another highlight of the trail is the 4 ¾-mile marker, which is my personal favorite spot. This location boasts a bench and steps leading to a lovely viewing deck, where the distant trees create a picturesque view. This deck and the steps were also completed as part of an Eagle Scout project.
The trail has recently become the Great Northern Regional Trail in 2024 extending from Elk River to Lion’s Park in Zimmerman and is only the start of a vision to complete trail construction on the entirety of the original 30-mile historic railroad bed where it would terminate in Milaca. Partner cities and counties have been working together to solicit input on the future expansion and plan according to community needs.
Whether you prefer walking, biking, or inline skating, the Great Northern Trail offers a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors. Be sure to check out these features when you visit!"
Michael Hecker - Park Reviewer
"Ran the whole trail, plenty of bathrooms scattered throughout. Very nicely taken care of."
Micheala Boone
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can access the Great Northern Trail from several convenient parking lots, including Meadowvale Elementary School, Woodland Trail Regional Park, County Road 33 (Ranch Road), and 221st Avenue. The 221st Avenue lot is noted as a favorite for direct access.
Yes, there are multiple parking areas available at various access points along the trail, including a dedicated lot at 221st Avenue with six stalls.
Information on public transport access is limited, but driving to one of the designated parking lots is the most common method of access.
Many find the northernmost access point at 221st Avenue to be the most convenient, offering direct trail access and ample parking.
Yes, the trail begins in Elk River and extends north. It is also part of a vision to connect to Lion's Park in Zimmerman and eventually Milaca.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Great Northern Trail is a public regional trail and does not have an entrance fee. Access is free for all visitors.
As an outdoor trail, the Great Northern Trail is generally accessible from dawn to dusk. Specific park hours may apply to parking lot access.
No, tickets are not required for the Great Northern Trail as it is a public park. You can visit anytime during daylight hours.
Standard park rules apply, such as leash laws for pets and respecting the natural environment. Check local park regulations for specifics.
The trail is typically open year-round, though winter conditions may affect accessibility and the suitability for certain activities like biking.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The Great Northern Trail is perfect for walking, biking, and inline skating. It's a versatile path for various outdoor recreational activities.
Yes, there are plenty of restrooms conveniently located throughout the trail, making it comfortable for longer visits.
The viewing deck at mile marker 4 ¾ offers a picturesque spot with distant tree views. The mile markers themselves, often part of Eagle Scout projects, are also unique photo opportunities.
The trail is paved and generally well-maintained, making it suitable for strollers and families with young children.
The current paved section of the Great Northern Trail is 4.75 miles long. There are plans to extend it significantly in the future.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons offer softer light for photography. Spring and fall provide vibrant colors for scenic shots.
The viewing deck at mile marker 4 ¾ is a popular spot. The unique concrete mile markers, often installed as part of community projects, also make for interesting photos.
You'll find scenic woodland views, open paths along the historic railroad bed, and potentially seasonal foliage.
Drone usage may be restricted in public parks. It's advisable to check local regulations and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is useful for capturing both wide landscapes and details. A polarizing filter can enhance sky and foliage colors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look out for the unique mile markers and the viewing deck at mile marker 4 ¾, which can serve as fun points of interest for kids. The trail's accessibility from various parking lots also makes it easy to plan your visit. As the trail expands, it will offer even more opportunities for family adventures.
🚴 Cyclists and Runners
The trail's design along a historic railroad bed means it's relatively flat with gentle grades, making it accessible for various fitness levels. The presence of restrooms is a plus for longer runs or rides. Keep an eye on the trail's development as it grows into a more extensive cycling and running network.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Vision for Expansion
This expansion means the trail will offer an increasingly immersive experience, connecting more communities and providing longer stretches for recreation. As new sections are developed, visitors can anticipate a growing network of paved paths perfect for biking, walking, and skating, all while tracing the footsteps of historical railway lines. Keep an eye on local announcements for progress and opportunities to get involved.
Community Contributions and Landmarks
Further enhancing the trail experience, a viewing deck with steps was also completed as an Eagle Scout project. This deck, located near the 4 ¾-mile marker, offers a lovely spot to rest and enjoy a picturesque view of the distant trees. These community-driven additions not only enhance the trail's functionality but also add a layer of local pride and history to the visitor experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit