North Shore Drive - The Most Scenic Drives in America: 120 Spectacular Road Trips - page 553

GITCHI GAMI STATE TRAIL
Along Lake Superior's beautiful and historic North Shore, the construction of an
88-mile non-motorized paved recreational trail between Two Harbors and Grand
Marais is currently under way. Called the Gitchi-Gami State Trail, this premier re-
creational attraction had already been drawing bicyclists, joggers, walkers, and inline
skaterseagertocruisethe30milesofspectaculartrailthathasalreadybeencompleted
as of this printing. You can keep up with the progress of the trail by visiting
www.ggta.org .
There is no fee or trail pass required to use the trail, although parking in the state
parks does require a daily or annual pass.
10. Lutsen
If you're in the mood for still more panoramic views, check out the lakeside resort of Lut-
sen, where a two-mile gondola Sky Ride takes in scenery that stretches for hundreds of
miles—from theApostle Islandsindistant WisconsintotherumpledridgesofMinnesota's
North Shore. As the drive barrels northeast, stop at one or more of the many overlooks to
sample Lake Superior's many moods: the glimmering haze that mists its surface on calm
summer days, the shoreless horizon, snapping whitecaps fanned by brisk winds, and the
clean, crisp, incomparable scent of this huge, freshwater lake.
11. Cascade River State Park
Thewell-namedCascadeRiverstairstepstoLakeSuperiorthroughfiveseparatewaterfalls,
whose constant spray splits sunbeams into rainbows. This moist environment also sustains
an abundance of delicate mosses, lichens, and white cedars that shade the slippery rocks.
Orange jewelweeds, pale orchids, buttery clintonias, and dainty Canada mayflowers thrive
in this dim, dewy realm. Between the crashing currents lie peaceful pools—filled with
rootbeer-colored water due to leached tannins—where trout and fishermen both idle pa-
tiently. In contrast to the shadow-dappled world found in the depths of Cascade River
Gorge, the 500-foot summit of nearby Lookout Mountain is full of sunlight, cheerful
flowers, and dazzling vistas.