HomeMinnesotaDuluth › Congdon Park

Congdon Park

4.9 ★★★★★ 302 Google reviews · Running trail in Duluth, Minnesota · Open 24 hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Mixed
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Open 24 hours

Confirmed from Congdon Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

MixedOpen 24hScenicStroller / ADAHillyRestroomsTrailhead parking

Scenic hiking area featuring waterfalls, streams, and paved trails.

What runners say about Congdon Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (302 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 10 mentions

“This was a beautiful park to go waterfall a little trail starts up the road and goes up crossing over there little River”

Such a cool hidden gem in Duluth so many little waterfalls and streams. Very peaceful and relaxing. Many places to squat and relax and enjoy the views. Trails are pretty cool too. It does go up a lot so be prepared for that. But the views are amazing. Side note once you get to the end take the paved trail back!

★★★★★ — Shane , May 2023

My most favorite neighborhood escape. ❤ Literally in my backyard, I enjoy walking there daily. Lots of people/dogs/runners depending on time of day you go. There is a paved walking trail, or a dirt/stone trail that winds closer to Tischer Creek. Lots of benches to listen to birds, the creek roaring or to just rest.

★★★★★ — Teri , Jan 2022

This was a great park to visit in Duluth. Parking is available on the bridge near Congdon Dr and Superior St. The park trail is about a half mile, but there's a bunch of stone stairs and hills to climb up and down. The full loop seemed to be about a full mile.

★★★★★ — Ryan , Sep 2021

This is a great trail to hike/walk. But it is wet, slippery and hard to hike in winter.

★★★★☆ — Sara , Mar 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 302 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 25 mentions

“This was a beautiful park to go waterfall a little trail starts up the road and goes up crossing over there little River”

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🛣️ Paved surface 8 mentions

“An ADA compliant paved path, a wide path near the river, and a path that weaves along the water and back onto the nature path.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 5 mentions

“We circled the park a couple times and just found a parking spot on the street.”

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⛰️ Hills / elevation 3 mentions

“The park trail is about a half mile, but there's a bunch of stone stairs and hills to climb up and down.”

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Stroller / ADA accessible 3 mentions

“An ADA compliant paved path, a wide path near the river, and a path that weaves along the water and back onto the nature path.”

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🌲 Natural surface / singletrack 2 mentions

“The trail is pretty rugged, lots of uneven steps, roots and rocks.”

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🚻 Restrooms 2 mentions

“I wish there was a restroom there and maybe some boards talking about the history of the area.”

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Plan your run at Congdon Park

The practical stuff

  • AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
  • SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
  • Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
  • Websiteduluthmn.gov
  • Phone(218) 730-4300
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Hours

Monday Open 24 hours
Tuesday Open 24 hours
Wednesday Open 24 hours
Thursday Open 24 hours
Friday Open 24 hours
Saturday Open 24 hours
Sunday Open 24 hours

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Congdon Park

411 W First St, Duluth, MN 55802

Get directions

Running trails near Duluth

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

W.R. Bagley Nature Area

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Natural surfaceScenicDog-friendly

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1.3 miles away

Chester Creek Hiking Trails Hub

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MixedScenic

Park featuring waterfalls, hiking trails and a creek, plus scenery.

1.6 miles away

Hartley Nature Center

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Duluth, MN

MixedScenic

Large refuge for hiking, cycling, cross-country skiing & fishing, plus nature center with exhibits.

1.7 miles away

Hartley Nature Center TH, Superior Hiking Trail

4.8 ★★★★★ 98 reviews

Duluth, MN

Natural surfaceScenic

Cross-country trails, plus hiking trails for all skill levels in a scenic area.

1.7 miles away

Leif Erikson Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 2,418 reviews

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MixedScenic

Popular park along the Lakewalk featuring a small stage for events, a rose garden & water views.

1.9 miles away

Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve

4.8 ★★★★★ 395 reviews

Duluth, MN

LitScenic

Birds of prey are known to migrate through this vast observatory with hiking, biking & lake views.

2.7 miles away

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Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.