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W.R. Bagley Nature Area
4.8 ★★★★★ 131 Google reviews · Running trail in Duluth, Minnesota · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from W.R. Bagley Nature Area'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.
Scenic park featuring multiple walking and hiking trails, plus an observation deck.
What runners say about W.R. Bagley Nature Area
“There are nicely maintained hiking/walking trails some of which make up part of the Superior Hiking Trail.”
“At the top of the hill is an observation deck with a great view of UMD, Duluth, and Lake Superior.”
Bagley Nature Area hosts a wide variety of trails on 100 plus acres of nature preserve. The Duluth Traverse crosses the tract, providing mountain biking and walking. There is a woodchipped 2 mile hiking and classic skiing trail.
Nice place for a quick hike. There's a fair amount of terrain and smooth areas for all types of walkers and hikers. You can come across a small pond and a stream while going through it. There is quite a lot of wildlife activity around the park. The trails are mulched or bare ground.
Beautiful trails and pond. Hard to believe this wilderness area is right in town and part of the UMD campus. Perfect place to hike or cross-country ski over lunch hour or between classes.
I love that this park is in the middle of town but feels like you’re out in the deep woods. The trails are extremely well maintained and clean and are suitable to use in all seasons. We love to take the dog for a walk here, and there’s multiple trails and paths, so it can be a little different every time.
Trail conditions & character
“At the top of the hill is an observation deck with a great view of UMD, Duluth, and Lake Superior.”
“We love to take the dog for a walk here, and there’s multiple trails and paths, so it can be a little different every time.”
“At the top of the hill is an observation deck with a great view of UMD, Duluth, and Lake Superior.”
“Only wheelchair accessable in the first bit and the rest is best for able-bodied people due to inclines, tree roots, rocks, and stairs.”
“Easy parking, most of the walks are pretty gentle slopes.”
Plan your run at W.R. Bagley Nature Area
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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 — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteumdrsop.d.umn.edu
- Phone(218) 726-7128
- 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 |
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Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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