Almost without exception, this route follows quiet, rural roads. One exception is when it passes through Itasca State Park, the headwaters of the Mississippi River. During the summer it gets heavy use from recreational vehicles. The 168.2-mile Trails Alternate to Bowlus (where it connects to the main route on section #6), is 103.7 miles shorter, but has many of the same characteristics as the main route. It includes 107 miles of converted rail-trails.