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Short Line Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 82 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 Short Line 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.
Popular hiking destination with a rail tunnel & a peak offering scenic vistas of distant Duluth.
What runners say about Short Line Park
“At first you walk on this beautiful little boardwalk which is there for springtime flooding.”
What a place!! Though I found very little information anywhere about this place I found it on google maps. (Side note, if you like to explore new locations start your trip with google maps.
At first you walk on this beautiful little boardwalk which is there for springtime flooding. Then you get to a staircase that reminds you of Stairs of Cirith Ungol from Lord of the Rings: Return of the King, and you think to yourself that maybe you and Frodo don’t need to destroy the ring and should just go back to…
Recent storms have lots of downed trees/debris over the trail, so pick up your feet. Otherwise great option. For a bike trail or on foot. Cool tunnel & rugged climb to the peak if you are an able body. Well-groomed otherwise & wide (less ticks!) trail, lots of wildlife & distance options.
Nice hike, though we ended up off the trail because it was a bit confusing. The tunnel was cool as was the view from the top.
Trail conditions & character
“Some parts are very rough but the views of the nature scenery around are some of the best near Duluth.”
“This was a really fun hike to get to the top of the winding hill.”
“At first you walk on this beautiful little boardwalk which is there for springtime flooding.”
“) we parked in the elys peak parking lot and hiked up the stairs and then hiked the rather short distance on the DWP trail and there was the tunnel.”
Plan your run at Short Line 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.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- 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 |
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.
Munger Trail Trailhead
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Paved path for walking, biking and skating, plus hiking trails.
Magney-Snively Natural Area
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Chambers Grove
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Waterside picnic area featuring a playground, along with space for fishing and other activities.
Waabizheshikana Trailhead
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Popular destination for hikers and cyclists as well as a peaceful walking spot featuring scenic views of the St. Louis River.