Ely's Peak, on the western edge of Duluth near the suburb of Fond du Lac, offers one of the best views of the city and Lake Superior from above. The hike up is roughly three kilometres return and involves some scrambling over exposed rock near the summit; the effort is well rewarded by a panorama that extends across the harbour, the lift bridge, and far out over the lake.
The trail passes through the abandoned DWP Railroad Tunnel, a low and dark passage through the basalt ridge that adds considerable atmosphere to what would otherwise be a standard forest hike. The tunnel is part of the Willard Munger State Trail network, which extends many kilometres along the valley and is popular with mountain bikers and cyclists. The trailhead is accessible from the Jay Cooke State Park area or from Fond du Lac.