The 98-mile recreation trail follows the railroad grade from St. Croix Falls north to Superior. Recreational use on the Trail is divided by geographic location: south half and north half. The 66-mile Wisconsin segment crosses portions of Polk, Burnett and Douglas counties.

The south trail segment extends 47 miles from St. Croix Falls to Danbury, paralleling Hwy 35 most of the distance. This segment is surfaced with crushed limestone and offers a smooth, hard surfaced trail with use limited to biking and hiking from April through November. A bike pass is required. The blacktopped interlink trail begins at the Polk County Information Center and is 1.5 miles long. Winter ATV/UTV use is allowed on a segment of the trail in Burnett County from Dec 1-March 31 and in Polk County when ground is frozen.

The north trail segment runs 51 miles from Danbury through eastern Minnesota to Superior. The segment offers a wilder, more remote trail experience. Hiking, mountain biking and ATV use is permitted. No pass is needed to use the north section of the Trail, but ATVs must display valid registration.

From December to March, the entire Trail is operated as a snowmobile trail, only open if conditions are favorable. Mile post signs mark the distances from the south to the north. The Trail begins at St. Croix Falls and passes through Centuria, Milltown, Luck, Frederic and Lewis. The short distances between these towns makes the Gandy Dancer Trail the most user friendly trail in the Midwest with easy access for food, lodging, parking and other areas to explore. The Polk County Information Center in St. Croix Falls offers maps and information on the many attractions along the Trail as well as in the County.