Hiking Collection by oliviakellis
Gandy Dancer State Trail — In the footsteps of railroad workers
7 days
4-6 h/day
150km
400m
420m
The trail is divided into two distinct sections: the Northern and Southern. The Northern section spans 51 miles, beginning in Danbury, crossing into Minnesota, looping back through Wisconsin, and finishing just south of Superior. This segment offers a variety of well-maintained terrain, alternating between compacted limestone and natural dirt. In contrast, the Southern section is a 47-mile stretch that starts in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, and heads north to Danbury, primarily consisting of crushed limestone with minimal elevation changes. Both sections cater to hikers of all skill levels, providing an excellent opportunity for a long-distance trek. Along the way, you can expect to see a diverse range of wildlife, from birds and bears to mushrooms and wildflowers. The journey is most enjoyable in the milder months of spring and fall, when conditions are ideal for hiking. Winter can be harsh, with some paths shared with snowmobilers, while summer often means dealing with relentless mosquitoes.
Though it might sound like a nickname, “Gandy Dancer” was once slang for the track workers who built and maintained railroads before machines took over. The term likely comes from the dance-like movements they made while using long metal bars, possibly produced by a company called Gandy, to align the rails. To stay in sync, the crews chanted or sang in unison, turning hard labor into a kind of rhythm-driven teamwork.
There are a range of accommodation options along the Gandy Dancer State Trail, with campgrounds nestled within the state forests that it winds through, and the occasional small town. You can spend several nights at designated campgrounds, but the remainder of the journey will require dispersed camping. For those choosing this option, careful planning is essential. Campers must stay at least 200 feet from water sources, trails, and roads while adhering to Leave No Trace principles to help preserve the area's natural beauty. As you travel, you'll pass through small towns and communities that offer a variety of services, including restaurants and cafés. However, some sections of the trail have fewer services, so it's important to plan strategically and ensure you bring enough food and water for these stretches.
This Collection divides the full trail into seven distinct stages (?) , starting in St. Croix Falls and concluding at Pattison State Park, just beyond the Northern trailhead. While public transportation to the trailheads is limited, regional bus services and rideshares can help you reach the starting point in St. Croix Falls—just be sure to plan ahead. The official endpoint is somewhat arbitrary, so you’ll need to continue east to Pattison State Park, where you can take in the waterfalls and enjoy one final night in nature. If you choose to return to the starting point, be sure to arrange a pickup or catch a shuttle for your return journey.
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Gandy Dancer State Trail — Wisconsin & Minnesota
146km
400m
420m
Last updated: May 25, 2025
Do it yourself!
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Activities
23.4km
05:57
80m
40m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
21.8km
05:35
60m
150m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Collection Stats
Activities
7
Distance
150 km
Duration
38:03 h
Elevation
400 m
420 m
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