Oct 11, 201109:53 AMThe Bucket List
Amity Creek Trail
Elizabeth Crosby
The view off of Hawk's Ridge near Amity Creek.
One of the best things about Duluth is the number of trails. Our city has more green space than almost any other city of its size in the country, and the upside is that wherever you are, you're not far from the woods. West Duluth has vast tracts of forest and links up to the Willard Munger Trail (where my friend Colin and I once took an all-night bike ride to Carlton and back). The Central Hillside area has plenty of woodsy little spots to duck away. Downtown, of course, has the Chester Bowl, where fitness guru Adam Dailey hosts occasional grueling Saturday kettlebell workouts and where Rod Raymond's Uphill Downhill Chester Tester 5k is run. Woodland, of course, has Hartley Nature Center, along with UMD's woods. Further east, there's Lester Park, and east of that you're already on the north shore.
Of course, the best trails are (by definition) the ones closest to where you happen to live. I grew up near Hawk's Ridge, and the Amity Trail has a special place in my heart. I've seen it by day, by night, and in the early morning well before the sun comes up (the only time my dad seems to go running). I've seen it covered with crisp white snow, muddy with spring rains, green with summer growth, and in the full beauty of fall. Now that October's upon us, this is a good time to check it out.
To get to the trail, head up Glenwood Avenue towards Hawk's Ridge and take a right. Park your car at the first overlook and take some time to enjoy Lakeside from above. Most of the hawks will be flying over the second overlook, but you won't make it there. Instead, walk towards the second overlook and take a left at the entrance to the Superior Hiking Trail. The SHT is a good trail in its own right, but it's rockier and demands careful footing. The broad trail to the right will lead you smoothly down towards a wide, leafy path alongside the creek. You may see other walkers, with or without dogs, or even horses. It's a pleasant walk and well worth checking out.
