Superior Hiking Trail

The Superior Hiking Trail is a 443-km point-to-point trail in northeastern Minnesota, United States, gaining approximately 12,200 m of cumulative elevation over its full length. Rated moderate overall — with strenuous ridge sections on the volcanic Sawtooth Mountains — it follows rocky basalt bluffs above Lake Superior through seven state parks, boreal forest, and more than 90 waterfalls, making it one of North America's finest long-distance wilderness footpaths.

About the Superior Hiking Trail

The Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) traces the rocky ridgeline above the northwestern shore of Lake Superior through northeastern Minnesota, running from the outskirts of Duluth northeast to the Canadian border — a total of 443 km. Managed by the Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA), the route was conceived in the mid-1980s as a way to link the dramatic North Shore landscape into a continuous wilderness footpath. The SHTA was founded in 1986 and held its opening ceremony at Britton Peak in 1987. Construction stretched over three decades; in 2016 — the trail's 30th anniversary year — the final gaps were closed, creating an unbroken path from Duluth to the border.

In 2020, the SHT was incorporated as a segment of the North Country National Scenic Trail, which stretches over 8,000 km across seven states from North Dakota to Vermont, bringing one of the region's premier hiking experiences into the national trail network.

The trail divides naturally into two sections: the Duluth section (approximately 80 km), which winds through the hills and river valleys north of the city and suits day hikers; and the North Shore section (approximately 363 km), the backbone of the thru-hiking experience. An additional 27 km of spur trails connect the main route to trailhead parking areas. Hiking is the only permitted use — no mountain bikes, horses, or motorized vehicles. The trail passes through boreal forests of birch, aspen, pine, fir, and cedar, over volcanic basalt ridges, and alongside cascading rivers that plunge sharply toward the lake. Black bears, white-tailed deer, moose, and bald eagles are regularly spotted along the route.

The SHT has earned consistent national recognition. Backpacker Magazine named it "Best Trail/Camp/Shelter Conditions" and "Best Signage" in 2000; Reader's Digest listed it among the "5 Best Hikes in America" in 2005; and The Guardian placed it in its top 10 long-distance hiking trails in the US in 2015. These accolades reflect what hikers consistently report: a trail wild enough to satisfy experienced thru-hikers yet accessible enough for fit beginners making their first multi-week journey.

Route Overview & Stages

The Superior Hiking Trail runs southwest to northeast, beginning near the Minnesota–Wisconsin border at the southern edge of Duluth and ending at the 270-Degree Overlook near the Canadian border. Thru-hikers average 20–25 km per day, completing the full route in 18–22 days. The seven stages below are organised around major trailheads and resupply towns.

Highlights & Points of Interest

• Gooseberry Falls State Park: Five waterfalls cascade down a volcanic basalt gorge before the Gooseberry River meets Lake Superior. The upper, middle, and lower falls are all visible within a short walk and are the trail's most photographed landmark — a compelling first taste of the North Shore's geology.
• Split Rock Lighthouse State Park: The iconic 1910 lighthouse perches atop a 30-metre anorthosite cliff above the lake. Views north along the coastline stretch more than 50 km on a clear day, and the state park visitor centre makes it one of the best resupply stops on the entire route.
• Palisade Head: A sheer 60-metre lava cliff jutting into Lake Superior near Silver Bay, drawing both rock climbers and hikers. The open summit delivers a panorama of the coastline curving toward Canada in both directions — one of the most dramatic single viewpoints on the trail.
• Tettegouche State Park: Often cited as the single most dramatic section of the SHT, featuring Shovel Point — a narrow basalt promontory surrounded on three sides by Lake Superior — alongside inland lakes, Illgen Falls, and stands of old-growth northern forest.
• Carlton Peak: At approximately 490 metres, Carlton Peak is the highest accessible summit on the trail. The open summit delivers 360-degree views across the Sawtooth Mountains and the full sweep of Lake Superior below.
• Cascade River State Park: The Cascade River drops more than 100 metres in just 3 km, producing a staircase of 18 named waterfalls through a mist-filled gorge draped in northern cedar and birch. The trail hugs both banks through the narrowest sections.
• Devil's Kettle Falls (Judge C.R. Magney State Park): The Brule River splits at a basalt ledge — one half plunges into a conventional pool, the other disappears into a pothole and has never been conclusively traced to an outlet. One of the genuinely mysterious natural features on any American hiking trail.
• 270-Degree Overlook: The northern terminus near the Canadian border, named for the sweeping arc of Lake Superior visible from the open basalt outcrop. A fitting conclusion to a 443-km journey through Minnesota's North Shore wilderness.

Best Time to Hike the Superior Hiking Trail

The SHT is a true four-season environment, though the practical thru-hiking window runs from late May through early October. Here is what to expect month by month as of 2026:

• May: Waterfalls are at peak flow after snowmelt and spring rains. Trails can be muddy and north-facing slopes icy early in the month. Temperatures range 5–18 °C. Black flies and mosquitoes begin emerging by mid-May — carry a headnet from the start.
• June–July: Long days (up to 16 hours of daylight) and warm temperatures of 15–26 °C make these popular months. Bug pressure — mosquitoes and black flies — peaks in June and eases by mid-July. Sunscreen and a headnet are essential companions for the exposed ridges.
• August: Warm and stable at 20–25 °C. Insects diminish sharply. Blueberries and thimbleberries ripen along the ridgeline. Trail traffic is highest this month, particularly around the state parks and at popular backcountry campsites.
• September: The single best month to hike the Superior Hiking Trail. Hardwood trees turn gold, orange, and crimson from mid-September onward; temperatures settle at a comfortable 10–18 °C; insects are gone; and the trail is significantly quieter than in summer. The deep blue of Lake Superior against autumn foliage is one of the finest visual rewards on any American long-distance trail.
• October: Peak colour in the first two weeks, but temperatures drop quickly — sometimes below freezing overnight — and some facilities close. Experienced hikers willing to carry four-season kit will find October rewarding and nearly solitary.

Practical Information

Accommodation

The SHT's 94 backcountry campsites are free of charge and available on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system. Each site includes a tent pad, a bear box or hang wire, and a primitive pit toilet. Sites are spaced roughly every 5–10 km along the North Shore section, making it feasible to plan daily distances without advance booking. Fires are permitted in designated fire rings subject to current restrictions — check with the SHTA before departure.

For developed facilities, seven Minnesota state parks along the route — including Gooseberry Falls, Split Rock Lighthouse, Tettegouche, Cascade River, and Judge C.R. Magney — operate campgrounds with showers and electric hookups at approximately $25–35 USD (€23–32) per night. The towns of Two Harbors, Silver Bay, Tofte, Lutsen, and Grand Marais all offer motels and hiker-friendly lodging. Grand Marais in particular has a strong hostel scene with dorm beds from $35–50 USD (€32–46) per night, and is the most practical base for those hiking the northern section in stages.

Getting There & Back

The southern trailhead near Duluth is the standard starting point for northbound thru-hikers. Duluth International Airport (DLH) is 15 km from the Martin Road trailhead and receives direct flights from Minneapolis–Saint Paul (MSP), Chicago O'Hare (ORD), and several other US hubs, with flight times of 45–90 minutes. Rental cars are available at the airport.

From Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP), Duluth is a 250-km drive north on Interstate 35, approximately 2.5 hours. Jefferson Lines buses connect MSP to Duluth in 2.5–3 hours for approximately $35–55 USD one-way. The northern terminus near the Canadian border has no public transport; most thru-hikers arrange a car shuttle through local outfitters in Grand Marais (approximately 60 km from the terminus) or coordinate rides through the SHTA's unofficial hiker shuttle board. Budget $150–200 USD (€138–185) for a private terminus-to-Duluth shuttle.

Permits & Fees

The Superior Hiking Trail is free to hike with no permit required for backcountry camping on SHTA-managed land. Segments passing through Minnesota State Parks require a vehicle day-use pass ($7 USD / €6.50) if you drive to a state park trailhead — hikers arriving on foot are exempt from this fee. An annual state park pass ($35 USD / €32) is worthwhile if you plan to park at multiple trailheads for section hikes. There are no group size limits, no quotas, and no campsite reservation windows. Bears are active throughout the entire corridor; a bear canister or tested hang system is strongly recommended even though it is not legally required.

Gear & Packing List

The SHT's rocky, rooted terrain and variable Lake Superior weather demand a kit that balances durability with manageable pack weight. For a full thru-hike of 18–22 days, you will carry 7–10 days of food between resupply towns — aim for a base weight under 7 kg to protect your knees over 12,200 m of cumulative elevation. Our guide to the best ultralight backpacks of 2026 compares top options side by side, and the article on how many calories you need hiking a full day will help you dial in your food carry precisely for the longer stages between towns.

Recommended packs

• Osprey Aether 65 — the benchmark 65-litre load-hauler for thru-hikers who prioritise comfort on heavy food carries. Excellent back ventilation suits the warm August heat on open ridges, and the suspension handles uneven rocky trail well.
• Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60 — a 60-litre ultralight option weighing just 680 g. Best suited to experienced hikers with a sub-5 kg base weight who want to cover 25+ km days on the volcanic ridgeline without pack fatigue.
• Deuter Aircontact Core 50+10 — the 50+10-litre configuration suits hikers seeking a European-engineered suspension system and the flexibility to expand volume on big resupply carries out of Duluth or Grand Marais.

Essential kit checklist

• Waterproof rain jacket and pack cover — Lake Superior generates its own weather systems and delivers heavy rain year-round without warning
• Water filter (Sawyer Squeeze or BeFree) — the SHT has reliable stream and river sources throughout its length
• Insect headnet — non-negotiable for June and early July when black fly and mosquito pressure peaks on the ridges
• Bear canister or hang system — black bears are active across the entire 443-km corridor
• Trekking poles — strongly recommended for the 12,200 m of cumulative ascent and descent over rocky uneven tread
• Blister kit and foot care supplies — rocky basalt terrain is hard on feet over a 3-week thru-hike
• SHT guidebook and paper SHTA map — cell coverage is unreliable away from trailhead towns

Footwear deserves special attention: the volcanic basalt ridges and rooted forest tread demand excellent ankle support and aggressive lug soles. Trail runners suit light-stepping experienced hikers; most thru-hikers choose mid-height waterproof boots. Expect wet feet regardless of season — Lake Superior weather is unpredictable and several river crossings lack footbridges.

Similar Trails You Might Like

If the Superior Hiking Trail's combination of wilderness immersion, coastal scenery, and accessible logistics appeals to you, these American long-distance trails share a similar spirit. For high-mileage thru-hikers ready to go further, the Pacific Crest Trail covers 4,265 km from Mexico to Canada through some of the most diverse terrain on the continent. The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail at 4,988 km follows the Rocky Mountain spine through five states and is the country's most rugged long route. For unforgettable single-day summit experiences, consider the Mount Whitney Trail in California's Sierra Nevada, the world-famous Half Dome Trail in Yosemite, or the exhilarating exposed ridgeline of the Angels Landing–West Rim Trail in Zion National Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to hike the Superior Hiking Trail?

September is the single best month: temperatures sit between 10–18 °C, hardwood forests peak in autumn colour from mid-month, insects are gone, and the trail is far quieter than midsummer. The full practical hiking window runs from late May — once snowmelt trails dry — through early October. Avoid April: lingering snowpack and icy basalt ridges require microspikes and winter navigation experience.

How difficult is the Superior Hiking Trail?

The SHT is rated moderate overall, but individual sections climb sharply over volcanic ridges on roots, boulders, and loose rock. The cumulative elevation gain of approximately 12,200 m over 443 km means no section is truly flat. Hikers should be comfortable covering 20 km days on uneven terrain and capable of self-navigation — Lake Superior fog rolls in without warning, particularly in spring and autumn, reducing visibility to near zero on open ridges.

How many kilometres per day should I plan?

Most thru-hikers cover 20–25 km per day, placing the full 443-km route at 18–22 days. The relentless ridge terrain slows pace to roughly 3–4 km/h on technical sections. Plan shorter 15–18 km days through the most contoured terrain between Silver Bay and Grand Marais, and budget extra time at Gooseberry Falls, Cascade River gorge, and Tettegouche State Park where unhurried exploration rewards the detour.

What are the accommodation options along the trail?

The SHT has 94 free backcountry campsites spaced every 5–10 km along the North Shore section — no reservation required, no fee. Seven Minnesota state parks offer developed campgrounds with showers at $25–35 USD (€23–32) per night. Towns including Two Harbors, Silver Bay, Tofte, and Grand Marais provide motels and hiker hostels from approximately $35 USD (€32) per night. There are no staffed mountain huts or shelters anywhere on the SHT.

Do I need a permit to hike the Superior Hiking Trail?

No permit is required to hike the trail or camp at any of the 94 backcountry campsites on SHTA land. Driving to a Minnesota State Park trailhead requires a vehicle day-use pass ($7 USD / €6.50) or an annual state park pass ($35 USD / €32); hikers arriving on foot are exempt. There are no quotas, no reservation windows, and no group size caps anywhere along the 443-km route.