Superior Hiking Trail (SHT)
Please peruse this page for information regarding background and logistics of the trail. If you’d like to get right to the action and read about the journey, use the following links:
SHT Blog
SHT Basics
From September 9 to September 25 (17 days), Carolyn walked from Duluth to Canada on the SHT. This is a foot path (motorized vehicles, bikes, and horses are prohibited) showcasing views of Lake Superior, Minnesota’s Sawtooth Mountains, inland lakes, waterfalls, rivers, and gorges. The trail is managed and maintained by the Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA website here). Carolyn chose to complete a “traditional” thru-hike which is described below.
- “Traditional” thru-hike = 260 miles from Martin Road trailhead at northern city limit of Duluth to 270 degree overlook (just short of Canadian border). This segment includes 93 backcountry campsites.
- “Total” thru-hike = 306 miles from Minnesota/Wisconsin border south of Jay Cooke State Park to 270 degree overlook (just short of Canadian border).
There are no backcountry campsites from the Minnesota/Wisconsin border to Martin Road. To avoid making reservations (and paying) for commercial campgrounds and motels, Carolyn chose the “traditional” thru-hike. The trail is marked by blue blazes.
Backcountry campsites each have a pit toilet, bench, and fire pit.
Domonick joined Carolyn from Martin Road to Silver Bay (~100 miles), leaving Carolyn to complete the remaining 160 miles solo. This was her longest backpacking trip by herself.
The weather started out in the high 70’s, progressively cooling down, with highs in the 50’s at completion. Rain was fairly common in the later half of her journey. Autumn foliage was beginning to change, and backcountry campsites always had availability. Few other thru-hikers were seen on the trail, but occasional section hikers were seen. Water levels were fairly low, but she never had to carry more than 2 liters of water. Water needs vary by hiker, but Carolyn’s hike proved comfortable with this level of water carry at that time of year, with those conditions. She never relied on water from sources listed in the guidebook as “unreliable in dry conditions”, and she never collected water from ponds.
Navigation
- The latest edition of the guidebook and maps were used (ordered online from the SHTA website):
- Carolyn’s main gripe with the above resources was the elevation profile in the six fold-up maps. They did not include mileage.
- Check the website for current trail conditions.
- This reference sheet (compiled by a volunteer) proved useful in conjunction with the guidebook.
- Carolyn also downloaded GPS tracks and campsite waypoints from the SHTA website to use in the OsmAnd app on her smartphone.
- Carolyn’s planned and actual itineraries can be found here.
Re-supply and Transportation
Carolyn bought all of her food ahead of time and distributed resupply boxes in Silver Bay (left in Domonick’s car), Lutsen Mountains Ski Area, and Grand Marais (Lake Superior Trading Post).
Because Domonick and Carolyn drove to Minnesota separately, Carolyn was able to leave her car near the Northern terminus, at the Otter Lake Road parking area (after ensuring in the guidebook that overnight parking was permitted). There are shuttle services available if needed. Check out the SHTA website for all available resources.
Overall Recommendation
Minnesota’s “North Coast” is beautiful. The beginning sections (from Martin Road to about Beaver Bay) were not incredibly scenic, but the rest of the trail made up for it. There were some steep sections providing moderately challenging hiking, but overall, the hiking was fairly level. Carolyn recommends a thru-hike for those with the time, especially in late September when the bugs are gone (her first three days on the trail were fairly buggy). There are also some nice section hikes as well as loop day-hikes which are great for those with less time. Carolyn recommends this trail for beginners and experienced hikers alike!
