Elys Peak Climbers Parking Area and Trail

Another way to access the Ely Peaks Area in the Short line Park area of Duluth.

The Short Line development died years ago. I doubt many folks recognize the name, except those who read Platt maps.

A few years back a trail led from the Munger trail up the hillside to the tunnel once used by the Duluth Winnipeg and to get around Elys Peak. I found the trail scruffy, It required crossing the active railroad tracks of the DM&IR and trudging up a packed red-clay trail – slippery when wet – to reach the DW&P right-of-way. The trail initially cut across a private field

The land changed hands and the new owners closed the trail. The new Superior Hiking Trail provides more direct access to the summit of Elys Peak, but this new trail would provide a direct way to the old tunnel and base of the climbing wall.

From here another interesting trail can be used to gain the top of Elys peak. It runs beside the tiny stream up the valley which you can see between ‘Elys’ and ‘Peak’ on the map.

You will find the parking area and trail head just on Becks Road, just north of the bridge over the railroad tracks. Some rugged, beautiful country lies just above the old DW&P right-of-way: rock ledges and a pine forest.

Thanks to the volunteers who built the trail.