Jay Cooke State Park

Saint Louis River, Carlton, MN

I found it odd that as often as I have been to Duluth, I only stopped at Jay Cooke a few years ago. It makes no sense; everyone told me, "You must go; the trails are great, and the fall colors are spectacular." This park is excellent, but this park is busy. With the North Shore so close, this is a stop for many travelers.

There are a few ways into the park, driving directly off the interstate into Carlton and to the park or taking the scenic route south from Duluth; it is a lovely drive.

Jay Cooke is a great park with an exciting river running through it. The park's highlight is the bridge that reaches over the rushing river and connects you to all the rock formations and water elements on the east side. You can spend a great deal of time jumping from rock to rock and exploring this area.

The trails are extensive on both sides of the river; the Silver Creek Trail is the most popular as it is the Minnesota State Parks Hiking Club trail; it is easy and runs about 3.4 miles in a loop. This trail is a partial river and more walk through the woods trail, so if you are trying to get all your hiking clubs hikes done, this is the one to hit.

The Carlton and Thomson Trail Loop is the one I like to hit as it follows the river; this trail is about 6.5 miles long; it is generally a moderate hike, and I am willing to send anyone out on it without a worry. It is scenic; it can be muddy and have obstacles, but isn't that what we hope for in a good hike? This trail may not be as well maintained as the Hiking Club Trail, so expect that.

The camping spots are what you would expect at a Minnesota State Park, well maintained; some are better than others when it comes to shade and separation from your neighbors. Getting a camp side here all depends if you want to be closer to water and bathrooms. I am intrigued about the hike-in spots and will have to give this a go next time I am in the area. According to their map, they have four locations, two close to the river, one at Lost Lake, and one at Silver Creek. I would love to camp next to the river on one of my trips.

Jay Cooke is an ideally located park to stay for several days; you have Duluth so close, and you have paved trails for family biking trips throughout the area. There is just so much to do with a base location like this.

YOU SHOULD KNOW

Suggested stay length: At least two to four days.

Campground: Drive-in electric, Drive-in non-electric, hike-in, camper cabins, group camp, wheelchair accessible, hike-in, and walk-in

Wi-Fi: Good

Wood: For sale at Camp Office.

Pets: Yes, they must be on a leash.

Activities: Swing Bridge, camping, Hiking, Skiing and Snowshoeing, Biking

Water: 7 on a scale of 1 to 10; it was nothing special.

Favorite sites: No favorite sites at this time

Surrounding Area: Duluth is nearby, so you have a significant city of attractions.

Winter: Cross Country trails, Snow Shoeing allowed, but stay off groomed trails

Link to DNR site: Jay Cooke State Park