Enger Park

Dogs Unknown

Features Fall Colors · Lake · Views

This is a great out-and-back run that will take you on 3 miles of trail around one the best viewpoints over the city of Duluth, St. Louis Bay and Lake Superior. Starting at Enger Park, you'll have the opportunity to see two significant landmarks in Duluth: Enger Tower and the ceremonial Peace Bell, given to Duluth by its sister city, Ohara, Japan. After looking around the park, you can spend some time on the Superior Hiking Trail. On this portion of the Superior Hiking Trail, you'll see great views of Lake Superior and wander through groves of birch and pine.

This trail has a fair amount of roots and rocks on it. The rocks are all in the ground enough that I didn't come across a single one that would shift at all. With the abundance of roots and rocks though, you'll definitely find yourself 100% focused on the trail. If you like moderately technical runs that require full use of good strong ankles and footing, this is your run. On days when I'm feeling less focused, I would probably pick something else.

At Enger Park, there are three spots to explore before hitting the trail: the Japanese Peace Bell, a scenic overlook on the east side of the parking lot, and Enger Tower.

Through recent restoration efforts, you are able to run to the top of the Enger Tower. The tower stands five stories above the park. As you climb the stairs, try to hold off looking out the windows until you get to the very top; the wait is worth it.

Just north of parking lot, you'll have the option to head east or west on the Superior Hiking Trail. Heading west, you'll run through dense woods and catch glimpses of Lake Superior between groves of birches. This will take you to a dirt parking lot off of Skyline Drive, which is the turnaround point. Along this section, you'll cross a number of mountain bike trails. The trail crossings and types of trails are clearly labeled; just stick to the Superior Hiking Trail. On your way back, make sure to add on another short out and back to explore the eastern portion of this run for additional picture opportunities! As an alternate route that will create more of an up then down run instead of the reverse, consider starting at the southwest end of the route. There is a parking area just southwest of that point, across highway 53. It is marked on this map.

For more information on the history of Enger Park, and the restoration of Enger Tower, click here.