Lawler to McGregor

Trail Overview

Lawler to McGregor on the Soo Line North is a section of converted rail grade that is 8.9 miles long and takes about 45 minutes with an average speed of 11.1 MPH. Take note at the McGregor end that you leave the old rail grade corridor to safely cross an active BNSF Railroad. There are signs on the trail stating to use Maddy Street for city access or to continue on Soo Line. This converted rail grade is raised enough that it sheds water very well. Even after several days of rain, the water on the trail is minimal. It's a great trail to run if you are in the area during a wet period or the springtime.

Photos of Lawler to McGregor

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Difficulty

Note that this section leaves the old rail corridor in the city of McGregor for safety to cross the active BNSF Railroad at the Maddy Street crossing. The section is easy and flat converted rail grade. There's no need for 4x4 or even to lock the rear differential. After several days of rain in the area, this section of trail remains solid and doesn't have any large areas of deep water to cross. The surface is packed gravel without large rocks. Some of the areas have larger stones in the gravel but do not pose an issue. Do pay attention to the edge of the trail, as it can have steep banks since it is converted rail grade. Bridge crossings are well marked and are the only areas you need to use extra care and slow down.The section is easy and flat converted rail grade. There's no need for 4x4 or even to lock the rear differential. After several days of rain in the area, this section of trail remains solid and doesn't have any large areas of deep water to cross. The surface is packed gravel without large rocks. Some of the areas have larger stones in the gravel but do not pose an issue. Do pay attention to the edge of the trail, as it can have steep banks since it is converted rail grade. Bridge crossings are well marked and are the only areas you need to use extra care and slow down.

History

Per trailside signs, the Northern Pacific Railroad started just east of McGregor in Carlton County in 1871 and ran all the way to Puget Sound, Washington. The Soo Line Railroad came to the area in 1909.

Technical Rating