Superior Hiking Trail
The Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) extends for approximately 200 miles from
Duluth, MN to Grand Marais, MN which is near the Canadian border. There
is one gap in the trail; the infamous 'section 13'. Actually, there is
a trail in section 13; the gap is where the trail would leave section 13
and enter section 12. Its about a three mile gap (in a straight line),
I don't know how far it is to walk around via public roads.
The trail is maintained by the Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA,
see below). I've been on two trips along the trail now (spring 96), and
have found it to be a great way to get away from city life for awhile,
without having to go too far. The views are fantastic and the trail is
well-maintained. I plan to get up there at least twice this year. It's
a great resource for people who want to day-hike, or take weekend backpacking
trips. Of course, if you're into longer trips, the trail can handle those
too.
News Flash!! I was able to do two trips in 97, so I'm up to a lifetime
total of four on the SHT.
Trip Reports: Sawmill Dome to Silver
Bay | Temperance to Caribou
The SHT is a portion of the still-in-development North Country Trail.
For more information on this addition to the National Trails System, check
out the North Country
Trail page.
Another hiking resource in Northern Minnesota is the Kekekabic
Trail. This is one of several trails in the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness
Area.
Superior Hiking Trail Association
The Superior Hiking Trail Association
(SHTA) has maps and trail books of the SHT available. They are responsible
for maintaining the trail and campsites; and have done the legwork necessary
with the DNR and private landowners to get the trail approved, to map and
build the trial and to get approval for crossing private lands, where necessary.
Their trail guide is informative, although hiking in the direction opposite
to the trip description may lead to confusion in one or two spots. I wouldn't
attempt any section of the trail without, at least, a map.
You can reach the SHTA at:
The Superior Hiking Trail Association
PO Box 4
123 Waterfront Drive
Two Harbors, MN 55616
or call: (218) 834-4436
*Note* I am not affiliated with the SHTA. However, I am a user
of the Superior Hiking Trail. I'm passing this information on to you because
I think the SHTA is a great organization, maintaining and publicizing the
SHT for hikers & backpackers.
Ooops!! This is no longer true. I've joined the SHTA. But I'm still
not an official representative, any information provided here is based
on personal experience and opinion.
I hate lawyers.
Superior Shuttle
One potential problem with the SHT is its a one-way trail, there are no
loops so its either an out 'n back proposition or the pain of shuttling
cars around. That is, until now. The Superior Shuttle is a Friday-Monday
shuttling service along most of the SHT. Dan (proprietor/driver) is very
knowledgable about the SHT and quite punctual, so don't be late for your
pick-up time. He publishes a brochure with his schedule, and does take
reservations. you can contact him at:
Superior Shuttle
960 Hwy 61 East
Two Harbors, MN 55616
or call: (218) 834-5511
*Note* I am not associated with the Superior Shuttle, other than
being a happy customer.
SHT Lodge to Lodge Hiking
Another hiking option, if you're not into carrying all your gear on your
back like I am, is the Lodge to Lodge Hiking program. The way I understand
it, you day-hike (carrying maybe rain gear and a picknick lunch) between
lodges (or bed & breakfasts) along the trail, but somebody else hauls
all your gear / luggage to your next night's location. You get to enjoy
the trail without dealing with mosquitoes in your food (MMMmmm!), hanging
a bear pack and some of the other 'fun' parts of backpacking. Check them
out:
Boundary Country
Trekking
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Comments: Brian Simon / bsimon@nospam.visi.com