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Superior Hiking Trail (SHT)
Hiking Trail
Hard
297.9 mi
41,064 ft
Long-distance footpath through hilly boreal forest and the expansive backcountry of Lake Superior's Minnesota shore.
The Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) is a long-distance footpath near Lake Superior’s North Shore. The route reaches the lake in some places, but mostly follows ridges and valleys some distance away. It is primarily a forest hike through diverse boreal woodland.
The trail dips in and out of river valleys, crosses whitewater streams, skirts around small lakes and beaver ponds, and climbs to elevated views on craggy hilltops. It is mostly backcountry but passes through the city of Duluth, several small towns, some private property, and through many developed recreation areas. A few specific highlights are: high bluffs near Silver Creek, waterfalls along Gooseberry River, a cliff-top lighthouse at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, vantage over Lake Superior and the Temperance River Gorge from Carlton Peak, views of the Sawtooth Mountains, and the mysterious disappearing river at Devil’s Kettle Falls. Wildlife you may spot include deer, moose, beaver, foxes, black bears, and eagles.
The full trail officially stretches from the Wisconsin border at Jay Cooke State Park to near the Canadian border in Cook County. Camping is not allowed along the trail from Jay Cooke to Duluth, however, so this part is not typically done by backpackers. A traditional thru-hike covers only the 260 miles north of Martin Road Trailhead in northern Duluth.
Backcountry camping along this section is free and permits are not required, but you must stay in designated sites. There are nearly 100 of them, located either right next to the main trail or along short spur trails. Each site has tent pads, a fire ring, benches, and pit toilet, but no other amenities. You must pack in and pack out all your own gear and food. Natural water sources are generally plentiful, but some can dry up. They all require treatment before drinking. The trail intersects seven state parks that offer campgrounds with many more amenities, but require payment and possibly reservations. Long-distance hiking on the SHT is usually done in summer, but section hiking is popular year-round—for wildflowers in spring, foliage in fall, and for snowshoeing or skiing in winter.
Sources:
Written by Jesse Weber
The Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) is a long-distance footpath near Lake Superior’s North Shore. The route reaches the lake in some places, but mostly follows ridges and valleys some distance away. It is primarily a forest hike through diverse boreal woodland.
The trail dips in and out of river valleys, crosses whitewater streams, skirts around small lakes and beaver ponds, and climbs to elevated views on craggy hilltops. It is mostly backcountry but passes through the city of Duluth, several small towns, some private property, and through many developed recreation areas. A few specific highlights are: high bluffs near Silver Creek, waterfalls along Gooseberry River, a cliff-top lighthouse at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, vantage over Lake Superior and the Temperance River Gorge from Carlton Peak, views of the Sawtooth Mountains, and the mysterious disappearing river at Devil’s Kettle Falls. Wildlife you may spot include deer, moose, beaver, foxes, black bears, and eagles.
The full trail officially stretches from the Wisconsin border at Jay Cooke State Park to near the Canadian border in Cook County. Camping is not allowed along the trail from Jay Cooke to Duluth, however, so this part is not typically done by backpackers. A traditional thru-hike covers only the 260 miles north of Martin Road Trailhead in northern Duluth.
Backcountry camping along this section is free and permits are not required, but you must stay in designated sites. There are nearly 100 of them, located either right next to the main trail or along short spur trails. Each site has tent pads, a fire ring, benches, and pit toilet, but no other amenities. You must pack in and pack out all your own gear and food. Natural water sources are generally plentiful, but some can dry up. They all require treatment before drinking. The trail intersects seven state parks that offer campgrounds with many more amenities, but require payment and possibly reservations. Long-distance hiking on the SHT is usually done in summer, but section hiking is popular year-round—for wildflowers in spring, foliage in fall, and for snowshoeing or skiing in winter.
Sources:
Written by Jesse Weber
Created By
Strava Routes
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knowlton Creek Stairs | 0.04 mi | 72 ft | 34.1% |
| West Skyline Parkway Climb | 0.55 mi | 154 ft | 5.3% |
| Superior Hiking Trail Climb | 0.51 mi | 236 ft | 8.6% |
| Superior Hiking Trail Climb | 0.56 mi | 144 ft | 4.8% |
| Superior Hiking Trail Climb | 0.60 mi | 279 ft | 8.8% |
| Superior Hiking Trail Climb | 0.64 mi | 220 ft | 6.5% |
| Sawmill Rd Climb | 0.36 mi | 141 ft | 7.4% |
| Climb up from Manitou River | 0.29 mi | 295 ft | 18.7% |
| Jackson Lake Road Climb | 0.51 mi | 217 ft | 8.0% |
| 270 Degree Overlook | 1.01 mi | 292 ft | 5.2% |