McGregor to Palisade

Trail Overview

McGregor to Palisade on the Soo Line North is a section of converted rail grade that is 11.1 miles long and takes about 30 minutes with an average speed of 20.7 MPH. 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 McGregor to Palisade

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Difficulty

Use caution at the Axtell boat landing which intersects with the Soo Line Trail. Drivers might not see you while backing boats to the landing or may block the trail while loading or unloading boats at the landing. 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

Signage along the trail says Palisade was a major Mississippi fur and trade route long before the Soo Line Railroad. The Mississippi River was the most important water way for Minnesota lumber, moving millions of board feet in logs down river. Early settlers used paddle riverboats in the area until roads and the railroad became the preferred method of travel in the 1920s.

Technical Rating