Superior Hiking Trail
Cook, Lake and St. Louis Counties, MN
207.1 mi total 0.0 certified 0.0 connecting 184.9 marked 22.2 bare
The Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) is indeed well-named, for in every respect, it's a superior trail. In the ten short years of its development, it's become a model of how things should be done in hiking trail development, and how a trail should be managed. It's a wonderful example of what can be done in trail development when it's possible to put together spectacular scenery, lots of public land, an enthusiastic corps of volunteers, and adequate state funding. With the first trail cleared in 1987, ten years later off-road trail extended over 200 of the projected 240 miles through the rugged, beautiful hills overlooking Lake Superior on Minnesota's scenic "North Shore." Since the SHT is the only major state-funded trail in Minnesota that's closed to snowmobiles, it has been possible to build a trail that's scenic, challenging and rewarding to hikers, without having to meet the width, clearance and grade limitations that would make it a feasable project for snowmobiles.
The trail, generally a couple of miles inland from the Superior Shore, but occasionally coming out to it, includes long, isolated river walks, many waterfalls as the short, steep streams descend quickly from the highlands, distant views of the big lake, historic lighthouses, rugged gorges, and stands of dense timber, passing through or near seven very good state parks along the way. "The trail is very well engineered," wrote Talone of the SHT on his 1994 end-to-end hike. "The route is never in doubt." Gordon Smith added, "The quality of maintenance was consistently tops." Over 40 bridges span the many streams encountered along the SHT, which is mostly cleared to an 18-inch treadway. Some spots are steep, requiring a little scrambling in order to follow the trail.
Though much of the trail's basic funding has come from a series of grants from the Legislative Commission on Minnesota Resources (LMCR), and paid trail crews have accounted for much of the construction, much of the construction and maintenance remains a volunteer project, coordinated by the Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA), with a very small paid staff that only recently acquired a basement office in Two Harbors, MN. SHTA is continuing to push ahead with the development of the trail, which now is reaching toward Duluth from the Two Harbors area; a couple of roadwalk gaps remain along the trail to the north of Two Harbors, but work is proceeding to fill those in. While this guide suggests a roadwalk south of Two Harbors, the SHTA has a history of working quickly, and trail may be in place; a check with the SHTA in this area is recommended.
CAMPING: There are many developed backpack campsites along the trail, noted on the SHT guide and maps. In addition, there are campgrounds in the seven state parks the trail passes through, plus private campgrounds. However, these are often full, even on weekdays, in the summer; hikers should not depend on being able to find even a rustic site in a state park or private campground during this period. State Park reservations can be made by calling 1-800-246 CAMP. Getting a room in a motel can be a similar problem, but can usually be managed on summer weekdays given an early enough arrival time and willingness to spend the high dollar. BEARS are common toward the northern end of the trail, less so toward the southern end, but the SHTA suggests bear precautions at all campsites.
ACCESS/TRANSPORTATION: One of the items that has allowed the SHT to develop a high degree of public awareness is its location; US61 parallels the trail, usually along the shoreline a couple of miles away, for virtually its whole distance, with many developed trailheads and trailhead parking areas. This has allowed highway signs announcing trailheads to be placed along the length of the trail, and has caused a degree of use that has allowed the development of a service nearly unique along the trail: a regular shuttle service, independent from the SHTA. Operated by Dan Sanders, the Superior Shuttle is a van that makes the round trip from Castle Danger, north of Two Harbors to Grand Marais and back on a strict schedule every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday from late May through late October. The fee is $7.00 from one trailhead to the next, with a maximum charge of $20.00. Dan has trail guides and maps available on board, and can handle food drops. For more information, contact Dan at (218) 834-5511. Also, given the many resort lodges in the area, a lodge-to-lodge hiking program has been developed, although it's not quite possible to lodge-to-lodge the whole trail, at least yet, but between the lodge-to-lodge program and the Superior Shuttle, an interesting dayhiking-only vacation could be worked out. For more information on the lodge-to-lodge program, contact Boundary Country Trekking at 1-800-322-8327 or (218) 388-9972.
GUIDES AND MAPS: Another standout item about the SHT is the quality of its maps and guide, "Guide to the Superior Hiking Trail". It's available from the Superior Hiking Trail Association, PO Box 4, 731 7th Ave., Two Harbors, MN (218) 834-2700. The cost is $14.95, and they accept phone orders. The SHTA also has a set of four pocket-sized folding maps of the trail, at the same scale of the maps in the Guide to the Superior Hiking Trail, printed on waterproof paper, and available at 50 cents each; these too come highly recommended. Due to the quality of the maps and this guide, Rather than to try to duplicate the quality of the SHT guide, this book will give relatively minimal information, along with the strong recommendation to purchase a copy of the SHT guide.
OTHER INFORMATION: Information about the seven state parks along the SHT route is available from the parks, at addresses listed in the text below. This information is also available from Department of Natural Resources, Division of Parks and Recreation, 500 Lafayette Rd., St. Paul, MN 55155-4040 (800) 766-6000 (toll free within Minnesota only). Portions of the trail are in Superior National Forest, Gunflint Ranger District; they can be contacted at (218) 663-7280.
0.0 [0.0] SHT TRAILHEAD ON OTTER LAKE RD.
The Border Route continues on east from this point, on Otter Lake Rd. for a short distance, then back into the woods to Grand Portage National Monument. It was the original intent of the Superior Hiking Trail to connect with the Border Route and the Grand Portage Trail at Grand Portage, but permission problems forced the connection at this point, outside the Grand Portage reservation, but the route taken is not a compromise, and has scenic value of its own. Parking area near trailhead. The recently constructed trail (1995 and 1996) heads south from the trailhead through remote northern forest, with many panoramic views of the Pigeon River valley and Canada back to the north After 3.9 miles reach Andy Lake Rd.
3.9 [3.0] CROSS ANDY LAKE RD.
A parking area is located at Andy Lake Rd., accessable only from Jackson Lake Road to the east. South of here, the trail climbs steeply, then passes through some logged areas before descending to reach the scenic Jackson Lake area. A small campsite is located at the west end of the lake., about 3.6 miles south of Andy Lake Rd. The SHT crosses over a ridge, amd about 1.2 miles south of the campsite reaches the roadside parking area at Jackson Lake Rd.
8.7 [4.8] CROSS JACKSON LAKE RD.
Small parking site at Jackson Lake Rd. The trail climbs over a ridge, descends, and climbs to an overlook about 1.2 miles southwest of the road. Take in the view of Lake Superior and Isle Royale to the south; the trail has come through the prairies, and the heart of the Minnesota lake district; for the next several hundred miles, it'll be in Lake Superior country. While not often on the lake, the lake is always in influence on the trail. A campsite is located along the trail toward the east end of the ridge. The trail continues southwest along the ridge, passing several overlooks for about a mile, before descending to cross a small creek, then climbs back up to the ridgetop for another mile, before descending to the roadside parking area on Arrowhead Trail.
13.8 [5.1] TURN SOUTH ON ARROWHEAD TRAIL (CR16)
The next section is a roadwalk south for 3.3 miles along the Arrowhead Trail (CR16); the SHTA wants to move this section off-road as soon as possible. After 3.3 miles, reach the small community of Hoveland (no services).
17.1 [3.3] TURN WEST ON CR69
The roadwalk continues to the west along CR69. After 2.8 miles, CR69 makes a right-angle turn to the south, while the route continues to the west for another mile, the route turns to the north for about a quarter mile, then enters Judge C.R. Magney State Park.
JUDGE C.R. MAGNEY STATE PARK is best known for a famous waterfall, one of a series of waterfalls in the park, the Devil's Kettle, where the Brule River splits around a mass of volcanic rock. Half of the river plunges 50 feet into a pool, while the rest pours into a huge pothole. The park has 36 RV campsites, one backpack campsite, and one trail shelter (not on the SHT) (reservations needed; (800-246-CAMP). For more information on the park, write Judge C. R. Magney State Park, HC80, Box 500, Grand Marais, MN 55604, ((218) 387-2929.
21.3 [4.2] ENTER JUDGE C.R. MAGNEY SP
The SHT follows the route of the Brule River along its eastern shore as it races through the park, forming whitewater rapids and waterfalls on its way to Lake Superior, through a mixed forest of old growth hardwoods. It passes the Devils Kettle, then two smaller waterfalls, then reaches the developed area of the park, where the trail uses a park bridge to cross the river to the developed area of the park, and head through a large parking lot (vehicle permit needed).
24.4 (3.1) JUDGE C.R. MAGNEY SP PARKING LOT
The SHT follows state park trail northward atop the river bluff. After about 0.6 miles, thre is a side trail leading across Gauthier Creek and another mile farther north to the shelter area. The SHT, however, stays on the west side of Gauthier Creek, and bends to the west. After another 0.3 miles, it reaches the park boundary and follows the edge of a property line straight west, climbing a ridge, for about 1.3 miles, then turns south for about 3.3 miles, then turns back to the southeast, crossing a segment of private land, then crosses Hane Creek, and US61.
28.9 [4.5] EAST END OF LAKEWALK
No parking at the US61 crossing. The SHT descends a short distance to the lakeshore -- the only place along the SHT where the trail is located on the lake -- and follows the shore westward for 1.6 miles. Camping is not prohibited here, though there are no prepared areas.
30.5 (1.6) CROSS US61 AGAIN
Leaving the lakeshore, the SHT again crosses the SHT after a short distance, and heads northwest, roughly paralleling an old road, then after about 0.8 mile bends back to the west A small campsite is nearby. The trail continues west for another two miles, at one point ascending a log ladder, and descends to cross the Kadunce River at a footbridge.
33.0 [2.5] CROSS KADUNCE RIVER
A spur trail descends sharply for 0.7 miles down the Kadunce River Gorge to a parking area at a wayside on US61 at the Kadunce River bridge. There are four waterfalls along the way; the gorge is deep, but as narrow as eight feet in some places. The main SHT turns north for a shore distance once across the bridge, but turns back to the west. About 0.6 miles west, the SHT passes a campsite, dips into the gorge for Crow Creek, crosses the creek, and continues west on a rocky path for 1.1 miles until reaching CR14. Parking at crossing.
34.7 [1.7] CROSS CR 14
Descending from CR14, the SHT crosses Kimball Creek, then follows it northwestward, then turns west and climbs to an overlook about 1.7 miles west of CR14. The trail continues to the west for another mile, descending to a campsite near Cliff Creek. The next 1.1 miles, to the campsite at Durfee Creek, has several small creeks and bog bridges. The trail continues to the west for another half a mile, then turns to the northwest and climbs to another overlook for about a mile, before turning southwesterly and escending along the Woods Creek valley for about another mile, past another campsite before reaching a parking area on CR58.
41.3 [6.8] CROSS CR 58
The SHT continues south from the CR58 parking area, and after 0.2 miles comes to an overlook for the Devil's Track River. The trail then turns westward to follow the river canyon upsteam. After about a mile, it comes to an overlook for Barrier Falls, then passes several other scenic waterfalls in the next 1.4 miles before reaching the bridge over the Devils Track River. There are small backpack campsites located near either end of the bridge. Once across the bridge, the SHT turns back to the east for a short distance, then turns to the south, and after about 0.4 miles, reaches a trail junction for a loop trail from the west. The northern leg of the loop is the shorter distance (by 1.2 miles) down the trail, but heading southeast leads to a spur trail climbing to the top of Pincushion Mountain, with a great overview of the countryside and the Devil's Track River. The south leg of the loop rejoins the north leg about 1.5 miles west. (Mileage given here is on the longer south leg.) Be careful, as several cross-country ski trails converge in this vicinity. The Pincushion Mountain trailhead and parking area is located about 0.4 miles farther west; another mile farther west, cross the Gunflint Trail (CR12). This is the shortest access to Grand Marais, to the south.
GRAND MARAIS, MN 55604 (Pop. 1289) is the first good resupply point reached since Ely, and the largest that will be reached until Two Harbors, although there are smaller ones along the way. MOTELS: Balsams, (218) 387-2787; Best Western, (218) 387-2240; East Bay Hotel, (218) 387-2800; Econolodge, (218) 387-2500. Several others nearby. Motels are often full in summer. City campground, (218) 387-1712.RESTAURANTS -- several, ranging from family to fairly fancy. (Pierre's Italian Restaurant reportedly has a great collection of imported beer.) OUTFITTERS: Bear Track Outfitting, (218) 387-1162; Superior North Outdoor Center, (218) 387-2186. GROCERIES: Large, full-service supermarket, plus convenience stores. ALSO: Bank, doctor, dentist, hospital, hardware, general store, pharmacy, small department store. For further information, contact Grand Marais Visitor Center, (888)922-5000 or (218) 387-2524.
48.2 [6.9] CROSS GUNFLINT TRAIL (CR12)
A recent relo in this area has moved the SHT off of roads. Once leaving the Gunflint Trail (CR12) the trail heads off along the old route, but after about 0.2 miles, the old route is departed, and the trail turns north and sharply ascends Sawtooth Bluff, with great scenic views to the south, then descends rather more gradually down the north side. After about 0.5 mile the trail begins a broad turn to the west, and passes for more than a mile through a swampy area with several bog bridges, before climbing up to cross CR6, where there is a parking area.
51.7 [3.5] CROSS CR6
The SHT continues west-northwesterly along a ridge overlooking the Devil's Track River for about 2.0 miles, then turns south and descends through a forested valley, before turning back to the southwest after another 1.0 mile. In the last 0.6 mile to FR158 two small campsites are passed. There is no parking at Bally Creek Rd. (FR158).
55.3 [3.6] CROSS BALLY CREEK RD. (FR158)
The SHT continues on to the west atop a wooded ridge. After 1.1 miles, pass spur trail to the north, leading 0.7 miles north to a parking area off of FR158. The route continues westward along the ridge, with several lakeward views. After about 2.5 miles, a gradual 1-mile descent to the Cascade River begins. When reaching the river, a spur trail leads a short distance north to a campsite; the SHT follows the river south, reaching CR45 and a parking area after another 0.7 miles.
60.9 [5.6] CROSS CR 45
The SHT follows the river under the CR45 bridge down the east side of the river (a loop trail down the west bank starts about 0.3 mile west on CR45). The trail continues south along the river, steep in spots as it ascends and descends the bluff. Part of this section is on private land; leaving trail, camping and fires are prohibited. Just south of the private land, about 2.8 miles south of CR 45, a small campsite is passed. The trail continues south another 0.8 miles to Cascade River State Park, where there is parking and camping.
CASCADE RIVER STATE PARK is the second of seven state parks the SHT goes through or near. The park is noted for the rushing river dropping 900 feet in its last 3 miles toward Lake Superior in many waterfalls, and picturesque, lush gorge set in a hardwood-conifer forest The park has 40 tent/RV campsites, a group camp with two sites, and five backpack campsites; also, flush toilets and showers. Campsite reservations are usually needed; call (800) 246-CAMP. Permit needed for motor vehicle entry and parking. For further information, contact Cascade River State Park, HCR3, Box 450, Lutsen MN 55612 (218) 387-1543.
64.8 [3.6] CASCADE RIVER BRIDGE
Spur trails lead from the bridge down either side of the river 0.3 miles south to a parking area (no fee) along US61. From the bridge, the SHT follows park trails north about 0.4 miles, to where the SHT splits off and turns west for a steep 0.9 mile climb to the top of Lookout Mountain. The trail continues west for another 1.2 miles, reaching Indian Camp Creek, where there is a small campsite. Past the creek, the trail turns northeast, climbs another ridge, then turns southwest, then descends again, reaching another campsite at Spruce Creek after 3.3 miles. The SHT climbs to regain the ridge, and continues southwest for about a mile and a half before turning northwest before gradually descending to Jonvik Creek,. From there, the trail makes a gentle climb northwest-ward across private land (no camping or fires, stay on trail) for 1.4 miles before reaching the Caribou Trail (CR4). No parking at crossing.
73.7 [9.1] CROSS CARIBOU TRAIL (CR4)
The trail heads northwest from CR4. After 0.8 miles, reach a junction with a spur trail leading northeast through a narrow rock canyon leads to a parking area. The SHT continues along the north side of Lake Agnes, climbs to an overlook then descends to a bridge across the outlet; a small camping area is located here. Past Lake Agnes, the trail climbs again, turns east for a ways, then descends to the westward into the Poplar River Valley. Two campsites are located along the Poplar River, one 4.3 miles from CR4, the other half a mile farther on. After the second campsite, the trail ascends through a valley, climbs to an overlook, then descends to an old road, Old CR36, which is a spir trail to a parking area at Lutsen Ski Area.
LUTSEN SKI AREA has several mountain biking trails, and a mountain biking shop. The Lutsen area has an excellent selection of rather pricy motels and lodges, restaurants, again running to the pricy side, a large convenience store good for short-term resupply, and an outfitting shop. Some are located at the ski area; others at the village of Lutsen, about 1.5 miles south from the ski area on CR35, then two miles east on US61. In addition, this area is in the middle of the lodge-to-lodge hiking program.
80.1 [6.4] PASS LUTSEN SKI AREA
The next section of trail is rather rugged. The SHT follows the gorge of the Poplar River, and goes across a wide bridge over a spectacular waterfall, descends into a wet area, and climbs to a campsite about 0.6 miles from the parking area. From the campsite, the trail begins an ascent of about 1.0 mile to an overlook of the ski area. The trail then descends to cross Rollins Creek, then makes a rugged ascent to the top of Moose Mountain to the south. At the top of the ascent, an 0.4 mile spur trail leads back to the east, and the top of a gondola running back down to the ski area. (A popular day hike is to ride the gondola to the top, then hike back down the SHT.)
83.2 [3.1] JUNCTION WITH SPUR TRAIL TO GONDOLA
The SHT winds southwest along the ridgetop of Moose Mountain, with several viewpoints both north and south along the way. Moose Mountain is part of the Sawtooth Range, which the trail has been investigating for several miles. After about 1.3 miles, the SHT begins a steep descent down the southwest ridge of the mountian; the grade shallows out after a ways, and descends to Rollins Creek about 0.8 miles after leaving the ridge top. Rollins Creek is crossed again on a plank bridge; a campsite is located nearby. The trail continues southwest for about another 0.4 miles, then turns north to circle the north side of the base of Oberg Mountain, before coming to a parking area on Onion River Rd. (FR336). There are several trails in this area, including a loop trail around Oberg Mountain, so follow the SHT signs.
86.9 [3.7] CROSS ONION RIVER RD. (FR336)
This is one of the easier sections of the SHT; several ski trails are crossed along the way. The SHT heads west from FR336, and descends, after 0.1 mile reaching the bridge over the Onion River. The trail then climbs easily 0.6 mile to near the top of Leaveaux Mountian. A side trail loops away from the SHT to the top of the hill, with great views. The east leg of the loop is easier than the west, which rejoins after 0.2 mi. The trail descends easily to the west, passes a campsite, and, after 0.3 mi, reaches a bridge. Beavers may have flooded the trail in this area. The trail continues west at an easy gradient; after 1.3 mi, a side trail of about 0.2 mi leads up a steep grade to Cedar Overlook. After another 1.3 miles, pass a bridge with a campsite nearby. The trail continues a gradual descent for another 1.6 miles, until reaching the Sawbill Trail (CR2), where there is a parking area. A sidetrail leads steeply northwest to the top of Britton Peak. Tofte, MN, is located about 2 miles southeast on the Sawbill Trail.
TOFTE, MN 55615: Tofte gets a lot of traffic from people using the Lutsen Ski Area. Motel, restaurants, convenience store. Water's Edge Trading Company in Tofte has limited camping supplies.
92.6 [5.7] CROSS SAWBILL TRAIL (CR2)
The trail turns southerly, at an easy grade for the first mile or so, before climbing sharply to near the top of Carlton Peak; a side trail leads the rest of the way., reached 1.7 miles from the Sawbill Trail. The SHT curls around the south side of the peak, and descends more gradually. About 0.5 miles past the top, look for a side trail leading to an overlook. The trail continues southwestward for 1.4 miles before reaching the Temperance River, where it turns south to follow an interpretive path southeast for about 1.2 miles along the deep, rugged gorge filled with rushing waterfalls and deep potholes. The trail continues right down the gorge to US61, where there is a parking area, and uses the highway bridge to cross the deep gorge. Parking is limited to 6 hours in the parking area at the bridge; longer-term parking in the park, but a motor vehicle permit is required.
TEMPERANCE RIVER STATE PARK is rather small, at only 200 acres, but with very intense scenery, including the deep gorge of the Temperance River; associated Cross River Wayside, to the west, has 2,250 acres. Both are located in a region famous for their bare rock cliffs along the Lake Superior Shore. The park features 55 Tent/RV campsites, all located south of US61; three carry-in campsites; flush toilets and showers, and 22 miles of hiking and ski trails.Campsite reservations are usually needed; call (800) 246-CAMP. For more information contact Temperance River State Park, Box 33, Schroeder, MN 55613 (218) 663-7476. Permit required for motor vehicle entry.
97.4 [4.8] CROSS TEMPERANCE RIVER AT US61
The SHT heads back up the west side of the river gorge past Hidden Falls, alternating between woods and bare-rock edge of the gorge for 0.8 miles, then turns west and crosses FR343, then turns west and climbs along the face of a ridge, reaching the top after another 0.8 miles. The trail continues west along the ridgetop, descending more gradually, until after another 1.1 miles it descends to the Cross River bridge. Campsites are located at either end of the bridge; a 1.5 mile access trail leads down the Cross River valley to a parking area near Schroeder on US61; a shelter is located about 0.5 mile down the access trail.
SCHROEDER, MN 55613. Restaurant, motel, convenience store, camping nearby.
100.1 [2.7] CROSS CROSS RIVER
The SHT follows the west shore of the river northward up and down small bluffs. After about 1.5 mile, pass a great waterfall. Beyond the waterfall the river, and the SHT, bear to the west; after another 0.9 miles, cross Gasco Road, now a link in the North Shore State Snowmobile Trail, which generally lies inland from the SHT several miles, between Grand Marais and Duluth. The trail continues westward for a fairly easy 1.1 miles, crossing Fredenberg Creek, where a campsite is close by. The SHT climbs for a short distance to an overlook past Fredenberg Creek, but it's still a fairly easy walk the remaining 1.8 miles to the parking area off of CR1.
105.4 [5.3] PASS CR1 PARKING AREA
The SHT continues west after leaving the parking area, crosses the Two Island River, then bends south to cross CR1. After the CR1 crossing, It soon crosses an active railroad line leading to Taconite Harbor, then bends to the southeast along the south bank of the Two Island River. About 1.1 miles from the parking area, cross Dyer's Creek, where a small campsite is located. The trail makes a steep ascent up a hill with a limited view, then descends more gradually to the south, before turning west and crossing a boggy area on a floating bridge near Alfred's Pond, 2.1 miles from Dyer's Creek. A campsite is about 0.9 miles farther on. Past the campsite, the trail turns east to climb a small ridge, then heads west along the top on a rather up and down route for 1.4 miles, until reaching Sugar Loaf Road, where there is a parking area at the crossing.
110.9 [5.5] CROSS SUGAR LOAF ROAD
The SHT heads southwest from the Sugar Loaf Road Parking area, on a fairly easy walk, climbing somewhat toward the end. After 1.5 miles, cross Crystal Creek; a spur trail to a campsite is located nearby. The trail continues to the southwest along a ridgetop, and after another 1.3 miles (entering Lake County on the way) reaches a spur trail coming up the Caribou River from the Caribou State Wayside. At this point, leave the SHT and take the spur trail down to the Caribou State Wayside. The SHT runs eight miles west past the high falls of the Caribou River, through a large cedar forest and past spectacular overlooks to George H. Crosby Manitou State Park, and two miles south from there through the Lake Superior Highlands, before being blocked by an uncompleted section. The trail through the infamous "Section 13" has been held up for several years now by land crossing permission problems, so an alternate roadwalk route must be taken. PLEASE, no trespassing over the Section 13 gap -- it will just make things more difficult for trail developers!
GEORGE H. CROSBY MANITOU STATE PARK, with 5,259 acres, is a place for people who want to get away from the crowds. The Manitou River cascades through a rugged river valley, through yet another spectacular gorge with many waterfalls. It's mainly a backpacker's park; there are no tent/RV sites, but 21 backpack campsites and 24 miles of hiking trails, including the SHT. Campsite reservations are usually needed; call (800) 246-CAMP. George H. Crosby Manitou State Park is administered as a satellite of Tettegouche State Park; for more information, contact Tettegouche State Park 474 Highway 61 East, Silver Bay, MN 44614, (218) 226-6365.
113.7 [2.8] JUNCTION WITH CARIBOU WAYSIDE SPUR TRAIL
The spur trail heads down the Caribou River gorge, past Caribou Falls, for 0.7 mile to a parking area; overnight parking for hikers is approved.
114.4 [0.7] TURN SOUTHWEST ON US61.
There really isn't a lot of alternative but to roadwalk down SR61 for five miles, until reaching CR6 at Little Marais (limited supplies, no post office). Be careful with traffic on busy US 61, which fortunately has wide shoulders.
119.4 [5.0] TURN WEST ON CR6
The suggested route follows CR6 west, climbing steadily. After two miles, the SHT comes in from the north; this runs north two miles to the blockage at Section 13. The SHT follows CR 6 for 0.3 miles farther west, then leaves the road. A parking area is located about 0.4 miles to the east in an old gravel pit.
121.7 [2.3] REJOIN SHT
The trail heads south, soon climbing sharply up a bluff, then circles east and back, then back to the west, ascending to near the top of Sawmill Dome, and skirts its steep cliffs. The trail continues southwest along the top of the ridge, then swings to the southeast, reaching an overlook on Wolf Ridge about 2.1 miles from CR6. The trail heads southwest, generally along the top of the bluff. After about 1.8 miles, the trail circles eastward and downward before climbing back up again and continuing another 0.6 miles to where a small campsite overlooks Kennedy Creek. The SHT descends from there, climbs again, then drops down a set of switchbacks descending from the ridge about 1.4 miles from the Kennedy Creek campsite. It's easier going the last 0.9 miles out to a parking area on SR1. Ilgen City is about 0.8 miles southeast; no services.
128.5 [6.8] CROSS SR1
The SHT heads south for about 0.3 miles from the SR1 parking area, then bears to the west for about another 0.4 miles before reaching a trail junction with a side trail leading down the Baptism River for about 1.3 miles to the headquarters area of Tettegouche State Park.
TETTEGOUCHE STATE PARK has over 9000 acres, including six inland lakes and a mile of Lake Superior frontage. It's noted for the Baptism River Gorge, with High Falls, the highest waterfall located totally in Minnesota, and the spectacular views at Shovel Point. Campsite reservations are usually needed; call (800) 246-CAMP. The park has 28 tent/RV sites, and six walk-in campsites, along with several walk-in cabins. There are 23 miles of hiking trails, and 1.5 miles of trail open to mountain bikes. Showers and flush toilets are also available. For more information, contact Tettegouche State Park 474 Highway 61 East, Silver Bay, MN 44614, (218) 226-6365.
129.2 [0.7] PASS STATE PARK TRAIL JUNCTION
This is one of the more challenging sections of the SHT, with lots of ups and down. From the trail junction, the SHT follows the Baptism River northwestward, then descends a wooden staircase to the Baptism River suspension bridge, the largest bridge built by the SHTA, in 1991. The SHT ascends stairs on the west side, then heads west on plank walkways, shortly passing a spur leading south to the state park campground. The trail continues west; after about 0.5 miles, it ascends sharply, and follows the top of a ridge another mile to an overlook; a side trail leads to Raven Rock, and an overlook of three lakes is another 0.2 to the west, where the trail turns back to the southeast, descends through a valley, then climbs to the top of Mt. Trudee, about 3.7 miles from the Baptism River bridge. The trail then descends steeply, with wooden steps in spots, for about a mile to a campsite at Palasade Creek. In the next 1.3 miles the trail circles one hill and climbs another steeply before reaching a campsite overlooking Bear Lake. The trail continues southwest along the top of a bluff for another 0.8 mile, then in the next 2.3 miles turns southeast and descends slowly in a series of switchbacks around small ridges, descends through a valley and climbs back up to a parking area on Penn Blvd. (CR5) in the outskirts of Silver Bay.
SILVER BAY, MN 55614 (Pop 1894) is a preplanned postwar town, much like Riverdale on the NCNST in North Dakota. Construction started in 1946 as an adjunct to a taconite iron processing plant. Silver Bay has had its ups and downs with the iron prices, with the plant closing and reopening several times. Restaurant, motel, supermarket, laundromat, convenience store, medical clinic.
139.6 (10.4) CROSS PENN BLVD. (CR5)
The SHT here is almost entirely in the city limits of Silver Bay and Beaver Bay, but winds around to take advantage of several good views. The trail starts out to the west from the parking area, but soon turns to the south, and ascends a ridge heading eastbound to an overlook about 1.7 miles from the parking area. The trail turns southwest, descends from the ridge, and continues southwest for a mile until crossing Golf Course Rd. Across the road, the trail heads around the nose of a ridge to the west, south, and southeast, for about 0.9 miles before turning south to cross the Beaver River and some railroad tracks. The trail then heads west along the river for a ways before it circles back to the southeast and climbs back up to a parking area on CR4. Beaver Bay is about 1 mile southeast.
BEAVER BAY, MN 55601 (Pop 147). Restaurant, motel, small grocery store, convenience store, laundromat.
144.3 [4.7] CROSS CR4
The SHT starts southwest out of the parking area at CR4, and gradually ascends westward, toward a ridge. After 1.3 miles, pass a side trail, a snowmobile trail leading back to Beaver Bay. The trail bends to the west below the face of the ridge, then turns northwest and ascends fault line ridge, arriving at an overlook after another 1.2 miles. From the overlook, the SHT follows Fault Line Ridge southward at the rim of a deep valley, descending to cross Fault Creek after another 1.2 miles. After crossing the creek, the trail proceeds south for a short distance but soon turns back to the southwest; a campsite is located nearby The trail continues southwestward, at first with small ups and downs, but later with bigger ones as it works its way in huge S-turn around a series of rock promontories, arriving at a campsite below Christmas Tree Ridge 1.5 miles from the Fault Creek Crossing. The trail turns back to the southwest and gradually ascends the ridge and following it southward then descends to a small creek in a notch, arriving at a spur trail to a campsite after 2.1 miles. The trail climbs back out of the notch, using a flight of steps at one point and climbs back up to a long, exposed walk southward along the top of the ridge, then descends and continues south through dense forest until arriving at a spur trail to Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, 2.3 miles from the Christmas Tree Ridge Campsite.
SPLIT ROCK LIGHTHOUSE STATE PARK. Perhaps best known for its historic lighthouse in an extremely picturesque setting, one of the most photographed lighthouses in the country, the 1,987 acre park also has other recreational opportunities. The park has no Tent/RV sites, but four backpack campsites, and 20 cart-in campsites, where campers can use carts to reach campsites off of the main road. There is a camping shelter located near the SHT, and another one located along the lakeshore. The park also has flush toilets and showers. Campsite reservations are usually needed; call (800) 246-CAMP. For more information, contact Department of Natural Resources, 2010A Highway 61 East, Two Harbors, MN 55616, (218) 226-6377.
154.9 [9.6] PASS SPUR TRAIL TO SPLIT ROCK LIGHTHOUSE STATE PARK
The trail continues west from the trail junction, but soon turns south. After 1.2 miles, reach another spur trail, leading 0.5 miles down the Split Rock River to a parking area along US61. A shortcut down to US61, then back up the access trail on the other side cuts off several miles, but misses great scenery; this loop is a popular day hike. The shelter mentioned above is just past the trail junction. From the access trail junction, the SHT proceeds northwest through an open forest, then along the walls of the gorge for 1.6 miles, arriving at a bridge crossing the Split Rock River; several campsites are located in this vicinity. Once across the river, the trail turns back to the south; the 1.8 miles back to the west trail junction are rugged, but highly scenic, with many views of the waterfalls and rapids in the Split Rock River Gorge. A waterfall is locatedat the trail junction. From the trail junction, it's .5 miles back down the access trail to US61, and a short walk along the highway to the parking area.
160.0[5.1]PASS WEST SIDE ACCESS TRAIL JUNCTION
The SHT starts out heading west from the trail junction, and descends, following around the base of a bluff, where it swings to the southwest and starts to climb up to Broad Leaf Overlook, 1.1 miles from the trail junction. The trail continues gently southwest, then turns northwest around a bluff and crosses a small creek, coming to a campsite after another 1.3 miles. Shortly after leaving the campground, the trail bends more southerly, and continues to follow the base of a steep bluff southward across private land (no fires or camping; stay on trail) until reaching the border of Gooseberry Falls State Park, 1.6 miles south of the campsite. The trail continues southwesterly for another 1.2 miles, until reaching the interpretive center at the park. There is parking there (motor vehicle permit required) or on US61 on the far side of the Gooseberry River, but a motor vehicle permit is also required for overnight parking.
GOOSEBERRY FALLS STATE PARK is the last of the seven state parks the SHT passes through or near on its trip down the Minnesota North Shore. The upper and lower falls of the Gooseberry River are a big attraction, but there are other waterfalls in the park and much else to do, besides. The 1662 acre park has 70 tent/RV sites, several Adirondack shelters (two located near the SHT) and one sea kayak campsite, along with showers and flush toilets. Campsite reservations are usually needed; call (800) 246-CAMP. For more information, contact Gooseberry Falls State Park, 1300 Highway 61 East, Two Harbors, MN 55616; (218) 834-3855.
165.5 [5.5] GOOSEBERRY FALLS SP INTERPRETIVE CENTER
The SHT follows the park's Voyageur Trail northwestward along the east side of the river gorge for 0.7 miles to Fifth Falls, where there SHT crosses the river. An Adirondack shelter is located on the west side of the river. The trail climbs up to the rim of the gorge and follows the river northwestward past some viewpoints, passing another shelter after 1.1 miles. The trail continues to follow the river westward for another 2.1 miles, passing several campsites along the way, then leaves the river and continues westward through a low area, crossing Nestor Grade, an old logging rail grade, now an ATV trail, after another 0.6 miles. Past the grade, the trail makes a gentle climb, steepening to steps for the last pull to the top of Mikes Rock, a viewpoint 1.1 miles from the grade. At Mike's Rock, the trail turns south along the ridge, passing a side trail to a campsite and viewpoint after 1.8 miles, passing through some private land (stay on trail, no camping or fires) on the way, and after another 0.6 miles reaches Wolf Rock, another great viewpoint. From Wolf Rock, the SHT descends steeply and dramatically to the southeast for 0.5 miles, reaching a parking area on TR617. The village of Castle Danger is 2.3 miles east on TR617, but there are no services.
174.0 [8.5] CROSS TR617
From the parking lot, the SHT skirts the base of the Wolf Rock cliffs, descends to Crow's Creek from the parking area, crosses the creek, then uses steps to climb out of the gorge to a bench at an overlook, about 1.5 miles from the parking area. The trail descends southerly from the overlook, climbing back up to the ridge to follow it south, then bends to the west and descends sharply to the Encampment River, about 1.1 miles from the overlook. The trail follows the Encampment River to the southeast for a ways, then turns back to the south, then west, partly ascending, then descending a ridge. The trail crosses private land in this area; stay on trail, no camping or fires. After 1.9 miles, pass another overlook. The trail then descends and follows the base of a ridge southward, before turning to the west and climbing up to a road crossing on TR613, 1.2 miles from the overlook. There is no parking available at the crossing. The trail continues west, climbing then descending gradually, for another 0.7 miles, until reaching CR3. There is parking at this crossing.
180.1 [6.3] CROSS TR 613The trail descends to the west for about 1.0 mile from the parking area, until reaching Silver Creek. The trail follows the Silver Creek Gorge northwestward for about 0.4 miles before descending to cross the creek; a campsite is nearby. The SHT then turns and follows the gorge about 0.5 miles back to the southeast before turning back to the west for about 0.7 mile, before turning south, descending to cross Stewart Creek, then climbing back out of the valley, where the SHT meets the Voyager Snowmobile Trail, a side trail from the North Shore Snowmobile Trail, which comes in from the east and turns south.
183.1 [3.0] REACH VOYAGER TRAIL JUNCTION
This is effectively the end of the Superior Hiking Trail at this writing; however, the Superior Hiking Trail Association is working hard to continue to extend the trail southwest to Duluth, and it is very likely that new trail segments will be open by the time the hiker reads this. Therefore, a check with the Superior Hiking Trail Association, PO Box 4, 731 7th Ave., Two Harbors, MN (218) 834-2700 is highly recommended before taking the roadwalk to Duluth.
The route suggested by the SHTA to get back out to US 61 is to follow the Voyager Snowmobile Trail in a gentle descent southward for about 1.8 miles, until reaching US 61.
184.9 [1.8] TURN SOUTHWEST ON US61
Be careful when roadwalking US61, which, although wide, is busy in this area. After about 0.5 miles, pass Burlington Bay Campground, a large private campground with 91 tent/RV site and 20 tent sites. Call (218) 834-2021 for more information. Continue southwestward, then westward, partly along sidewalks, for another 1.0 mile, into the heart of downtown Two Harbors.
TWO HARBORS, MN 55616 (Pop. 3651) is the biggest town along the SHT's route, and is the home of the Superior Hiking Trail Association office, at 731 W. Main St. -- the suggested route goes right by their office, which is located in the basement of an older home converted to office space. Two Harbors has most of the services a hiker could want, including restaurants from fast food to fancy, motels, large, full service supermarket, convenience stores, a laundromat, outfitters, department store, hardware, bank, pharmacy, doctor, dentist and hospital. For more information on Two Harbors, contact the R.J. Houle Visitor Center, (800) 554-2116 (May-October), or SHTA.
The route continues to the west along US61, following sidewalks part of the way. Half a mile to the west of downtown, the highway bends back to the southwest,, and after another 0.7 miles at the edge of town, bends slightly to the west as the old US61, also known as Lakeshore Drive and CR61, forks slightly to the east to follow the lakeshore, and so does the suggested route; however, a new trail route to the west, connecting Two Harbors to Knife River, is expected to be open soon.
187.6 [2.7] TURN SOUTHWEST ON CR61 (LAKESHORE DRIVE)
The road is generally back from the lakeshore, with cottages and homes toward the lake, and near a railroad grade. The road gets a little closer to the lake part way down the 6.4 miles to Knife River, the next small town reached.
194.0 [6.4] PASS KNIFE RIVER.
Services are limited at Knife River. The suggested route continues southwest along Lakeshore Drive; after 0.8 mile, enter St. Louis County. The road is now CR222. After 5.5 miles, pass through the resort community of French River (no services); after another 1.5 miles along the lake, pass through the resort community of Clifton (no services). The suggested route continues along the lakeshore another 4.8 miles, until US61 rejoins, now in town with sidewalks along the way. Follow the sidewalks along the highway for another 0.3 miles, until reaching the crossing of the Lester River in Lester Park, a Duluth suburb. While the west trailhead for the SHT has yet to be worked out, it's likely to be in the Lester Park area.
207.1 [13.1] REACH LESTER RIVER BRIDGE.
Discription of this segment ends at this point.