Overview

The Superior Hiking Trail is a rugged 310-mile footpath following the rocky ridgeline above Lake Superior from the Wisconsin-Minnesota border to near the Canadian border. This trail offers a challenging yet rewarding backpacking experience through boreal forests, past cascading waterfalls, and across dramatic overlooks of Lake Superior and the inland Sawtooth Mountains. With 94 free, first-come first-served campsites maintained by the Superior Hiking Trail Association, the SHT provides excellent infrastructure for both section hikers and thru-hikers. The trail features over 41,000 feet of cumulative elevation gain despite no single mountain, making it surprisingly strenuous with constant ascents to ridgeline vistas and descents to river valleys. Best suited for backpackers who enjoy technical, rocky terrain and don't mind sharing campsites with fellow hikers. Most thru-hikers complete the trail in 2-4 weeks depending on pace and experience.

Permits & Regulations

No permits, fees, or reservations are required to camp at Superior Hiking Trail campsites. However, camping is only allowed at the 94 designated campsites—dispersed camping is prohibited. If hiking through state parks (Tettegouche, Gooseberry Falls, Split Rock Lighthouse, etc.), you'll need a Minnesota State Park vehicle permit for trailhead parking. All campsites must be shared, as they're designed for 9 or fewer people and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Groups of 8+ should review special considerations on the SHTA website. Bear protection is mandatory—either use a bear canister or hang food 12 feet off the ground and 6 feet from tree trunks. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed. Campfires are only allowed in provided fire rings, and during dry conditions the Superior National Forest may implement temporary fire bans. Do not create new fire rings, tent pads, or campsites. No camping is allowed at trailheads or parking areas.

Best Season

Late August through mid-September offers the sweet spot with minimal bugs, comfortable temperatures (70s-80s), lower humidity, and spectacular fall colors, particularly in the northern sections near Grand Marais. Summer (June-August) is feasible but brings high humidity (60-70%) and intense bug pressure, especially late June when mosquitoes and black flies peak. By late July bugs begin to diminish, and after the first frost in September they're gone entirely. Spring (March-May) should be avoided—the trail is muddy, prone to damage, and sections in Duluth are officially closed mid-April through mid-May during thaw. Fall shoulder season (late September-October) brings cold nights (30s-40s) but remains popular for the changing leaves. Hunting season runs September through November, with mandatory trail closures during firearms deer season (November 5-27) in certain areas and during muzzleloader hunts in Jay Cooke State Park (early December). Wear blaze orange if hiking during hunting season. Winter backpacking (November-February) is only for experienced cold-weather campers due to deep snow, extreme cold, and snowshoe-only travel on steep terrain.

Water & Resupply

Water is abundant—nearly all 94 campsites have an adjacent water source (streams, lakes, beaver ponds), though a few ridgeline sites may require walking up to 0.5 miles. The guidebook notes intermittent sources that may run low in late summer. Most backpackers carry only 2 liters between sources. Filter or treat all water. Northern sections rely more heavily on beaver ponds and sluggish streams. Resupply towns appear every 35-55 miles, allowing 2-5 day carries depending on your pace. From south to north: Duluth (full services), Two Harbors (grocery store, 0.3 miles off trail), Beaver Bay (convenience store), Silver Bay (grocery), Finland (24-hour package pickup at community center, 0.3 miles off trail), Tofte (convenience store), Lutsen (convenience store), and Grand Marais (excellent resupply town with full services and outdoor shops). The SHTA website lists businesses that accept mail drops and their hold policies. Most hikers mix purchased resupply with occasional mail drops to Finland or Grand Marais.

Hazards & Challenges

The terrain is relentlessly rocky and rooty, requiring constant attention to foot placement on technical trail. The cumulative elevation gain rivals much longer trails—expect steep, grinding climbs followed by equally steep descents all day long. Several river crossings exist, most notably the Encampment River (shallow ford, impassable during high water with an alternate bridge route available) and Split Rock River (bridge washed out years ago, mid-thigh crossing with fixed rope at normal flows). Black bears are common—use bear canisters or proper hangs religiously. Moose are present, especially in northern sections; give them wide berth, particularly cows with calves. Cell service is spotty at best, with Verizon offering the most reliable coverage near towns but expect extended periods without reception. Weather is unpredictable due to the collision of inland and Lake Superior microclimates—temperatures can vary dramatically between ridgetops and lakeshore, often 10-15 degrees cooler near the water. Expect rain 1-2 times per week during hiking season. Ticks are present spring through fall. Late summer/fall hikers will encounter hunters—wear blaze orange and be aware of mandatory trail closures during firearms season.

Getting There

The northern terminus (270 Degree Overlook) and southern terminus (near Wisconsin border) both require roughly 2-mile hikes from the nearest road access. Most backpackers start from more accessible trailheads near towns. Fly into Duluth (DLH) and take Uber or shuttle to southern trailheads. Grand Marais serves as the primary base for northern sections, about 30 miles from the northern terminus. Parking at trailheads is free but overnight parking is only permitted at certain locations—purchase the official SHTA guidebook for the current list. State park trailheads require a Minnesota State Park vehicle permit. No overnight parking at state waysides, and absolutely no sleeping in vehicles at any trailhead.

Multiple shuttle services operate May-October: Superior Shuttle Service (218-834-5511, based in Duluth, Castle Danger, and Grand Marais, operates 6 days/week, requires 3-day advance booking), Cadillac Cab (218-220-9720, Silver Bay-based, daily except Monday), and Superior by Nature (218-387-4526, operates from Points Unknown in Hovland near northern terminus with pre/post-trip camping and secure parking). Most shuttles run $50-100+ depending on distance. Pro tip: park at your endpoint, shuttle to your start, then hike back to your vehicle.

Tips

Start at southern trailheads if you're new to the trail—terrain is gentler and bailout points more frequent between Duluth and Two Harbors. Take a 1-2 night shakedown trip to dial in your pace before committing to a long section or thru-hike. South Sonju Lake campsite is a favorite with access to Lilly's Island for sunset views. Cross River campsites (north and south) feature waterfalls. Lake Agnes sits directly on the lakeshore with easy water access. Download the official SHTA maps on Avenza for reliable offline GPS navigation—unofficial apps have outdated or incorrect information that creates safety issues. Purchase the SHTA guidebook for up-to-date campsite details, water source reliability, and overnight parking locations. The trail is well-blazed with blue markers but navigation in rocky sections can be tricky. Plan 10-12 miles per day for beginners, 15-20 for experienced backpackers. Some thru-hikers push 20-25 miles but this is aggressive on such technical terrain. Most campsites are nestled in cedars near water sources; ridgeline sites are drier but you'll haul water. The trail's only Lake Superior shoreline access is a 1.5-mile section on the Lakewalk near Duluth—don't miss it. Check the SHTA Trail Conditions page before departure for water crossing conditions, trailhead closures, and recent bear activity reports. Bring a headnet for bugs if hiking before September. The official SHTA guidebook includes suggested 10, 15, and 20 mile/day itineraries for thru-hikers.

Plan Your Trip

Select Your Route