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Print Friendly MapThe Superior Hiking Trail is a long distance footpath modeled after the Appalachian Trail that follows the shore of Lake Superior in northeastern Minnesota. The trail is 1,750 feet above sea level and more than 1,000 feet above Lake Superior. The trail is characterized by ascents to rock outcroppings and cliffs, and descents into numerous river and creek valleys crossed by attractive and functional bridges. Panoramic overlooks of Lake Superior, the Sawtooth Mountains and inland woodlands, lakes and rivers are abundant along the length of the trail. At many points, the trail follows rivers and creeks, often for distances of a mile or more, showcasing waterfalls and rapids, bends and deep gorges where thousands of years of rushing water has cut into layers of ancient volcanic rock.
See the comprehensive trail website.
We hiked two sections of the SHT at the beginning of June, the first was in Duluth and went up about 1.5 miles to Enger Tower by way of Twin Ponds. The first section was a little iffy, there seemed to be some homeless camps set up at the bottom of the trail, but they didn't bother us. The rest of the trail was very well labeled, and had boards across the marshy parts.
The second section we did started up north about an hour, from Beaver Bay to Silver Bay. It was a beautiful landscape, and I almost felt like I was hiking up in the Pacific Northwest. This section of the trail had lots of elevation gain and loss, which made it more interesting for being a Minnesota/Wisconsin type hike. Our favorite section of the trail was at the beginning, where you follow the Beaver River and a few places with falls. We saw lots of waterfowl (a momma Grebe and 10 babies was the highlight), and even a beaver out nibbling on logs. The later sections of the trail had some really great views of Silver Bay and we stopped for lunch up at the top. Definitely watch out for ticks though, we stopped for lunch and I caught two climbing up my boots, we managed to shake out another in the car ride back to Duluth.
This trail is the ultimate way to get into nature and still travel through a rugged and beautiful area of Minnesota. Each season provides new and exceptional vistas of nature.
"Over the last few years, I have hiked many segments of the trail. It is very well marked and an excellent trail for hiking. To plan your hike, stop at a visitor center or contact the Superior Hiking Trail Association (www.shta.org)."
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