Governor Knowles State Forest Gandy Dancer Trail Extension

This converted railway corridor cuts through 55 miles of mixed hardwood forest and wetlands between Danbury and St. Croix Falls, following the old Minneapolis, St. Paul & Sault Ste. Marie Railroad bed. The trail surface alternates between packed gravel and loose ballast rock, with several wooden trestle crossings over creeks and the occasional soft spot where beaver activity has backed up water. Key waypoints include the restored depot at Grantsburg and the high wooden bridge over Wood River near Webster.

Easy to moderate depending on recent weather—spring thaw and heavy rains turn some sections into muddy quagmires that’ll test your patience more than your drivetrain. Any stock SUV or pickup handles the dry conditions fine, but 4WD helps during wet spells. Best tackled May through October when the forest roads connecting to dispersed camping spots are passable. Primitive camping is allowed throughout the state forest, and you’ll find decent fishing access to the St. Croix River system. No permits needed, but bring bug spray—the mosquitoes are legendary.