The Best of Duluth Duluth is famous as an outdoors destination, and whether you’re a resident or are visiting from out of town, to fully experience everything the Minnesota city has to offer, you need to get outside. Explore Duluth Outdoors offers the details you need to easily find 20 of the city’s top outdoor locations and a wide variety of activities, including trails through a railroad tunnel, near waterfalls, along Lake Superior, and more. Along with hiking and biking, you’ll find thrilling sites for pursuits that require a bit more adrenaline, such as climbing, skiing, and swimming. Evenly split between walks in the city and hikes in Duluth’s wild backyard, Explore Duluth Outdoors has something for everyone. The full-color guide’s pocket-sized format is great for a backpack or back pocket, and every site description includes directions, contact information, and other important details. Written by Paul Kautz, a Minnesotan and a lifelong hiking enthusiast, this is your guide to enjoying Duluth in the best possible way: outdoors! Paul Kautz grew up in the Rocky Mountains, hiking pretty much every day, whether it was the mile to school or all over the trails during the summer. Now he camps, backpacks, and leads others on frontcountry and backcountry outings to share his skills with them. He writes books and blogs when he’s not out hiking. He also presents Wilderness First Aid, Leave No Trace, and lightweight backpacking training to people preparing for their adventures. The most enjoyment he gets from life is when young people push themselves farther than they thought possible. Paul is the owner of Active Source, Inc., and lives in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, with his wife. Ely’s Peak Scramble up a short, rocky outcrop to impressive views of Duluth’s west side, the St. Louis River, and Wisconsin. Difficulty: Strenuous Length/Time: 2 miles; 1–2 hours Hours/Fees: Open 24/7; free Getting There: 123rd Ave. W. Take Exit 246 from I-35 onto Midway Road heading south. Follow Midway, which turns into Becks Road, for 2.7 miles. After crossing the railroad tracks, turn left onto 123rd Ave. W. Follow this gravel road 1,000 feet to a parking area. GPS: N46.6761º, W92.2588º Contact: None Additional Information: Walk north on the trail for 0.1 mile. Turn right on the paved Munger Trail and follow it southeast for 0.4 mile, looking for the blue-blazed Superior Hiking Trail branching to the left, heading uphill. There should be a sign here, just about 0.1 mile after crossing the bridge over the railroad tracks. Follow the trail uphill through forest and open rocky areas for 0.4 mile. Near the top, look for a spur trail turning sharply to the left and continuing uphill as the main trail forges ahead and begins to go downhill. Another 0.1 mile on the spur brings you to the wide-open summit. There are many open spots around the top to rest and even have a picnic. You will most likely find many other people around the summit and on the trail at this popular location, especially in the fall when the forest below becomes a carnival of colors. Climbers will enjoy the many bouldering opportunities on the rock outcrops on this small mountain.