Some of the Superior Hiking Trail’s most enchanting scenery hides in its side canyons and spur trails. Nowhere is that more true than at the Kadunce River Gorge, where mossy cliffs, narrow chasms, and tumbling water feel straight out of a storybook.
This September, hiking the Kadunce River Gorge spur trail reminded me that if I had only thru-hiked the Superior Hiking Trail, I would have missed some of its most spectacular views.
Hiking the SHT
The Superior Hiking Trail is a 310-mile footpath that is part of the North Country Scenic Trail (NCT)—the country’s longest trail in the National Trails System at 4,800 miles long. The SHT portion begins at the border of Minnesota and Wisconsin near Jay Cooke State Park. The trail ends near the Canadian border, where the NCT continues west along the Border Route Trail. The Superior Hiking Trail follows the ridges and shoreline of the world’s largest and most superior freshwater lake—Lake Superior. The terrain is rugged, and the elevation changes are dramatic. It’s challenging, visually stunning, and offers a good deal of solitude once you’ve moved a mile or two beyond the most popular trailheads.
The SHT offers seemingly endless opportunities for day hiking. From loop hikes near Duluth to the ever-popular Twin Lakes Loop to epic scenic overlooks like Carlton Peak, there’s no shortage of breathtaking places to explore. Not only is there an abundance of trails for day hikers to traverse, but each trail offers new magic as the seasons change. Frozen waterfalls and drooping spruce branches covered with a fresh blanket of snow make winter hikes unforgettable. The snowmelt and spring rains showcase Mother Nature’s unrelenting power as the rivers swell and the waterfalls rage. Summer brings wildflowers, forest edibles, and perfect weather. And then there’s autumn, with cooler temps, fewer bugs, and fabulous fall foliage. The only time I would recommend staying off of the trails is when they are very wet—after the snow melts or several days of rain—since heavy traffic can have negative, long-lasting effects on the health of the trail.
The Kadunce River Gorge
One of the day hikes that should be on your SHT bucket list is the Kadunce River Gorge. This hike begins at the Kadunce River Wayside off of Highway 61, just 11 miles east of Grand Marais. Note that you may see different spellings for this site. For as long as I’ve been exploring this remarkable area, it’s been known as the Kadunce River. Recently, the name on the sign along Highway 61 has been changed to Kodonce. I imagine that moving forward, the name will change in the resources I share here to follow suit. But for now, I will refer to it as the Kadunce River since this is how it is labeled by both the Superior Hiking Trail Association and the National Forest Service.
Hiking the Kadunce River Gorge will transport you to a place you thought only existed in fairy tales. This hike leads you through enchanted forests to unassuming waterfalls along a rocky river covered in more mosses, lichen, and fungi than you’d be able to identify in one season. The hike is an easy two to two and a half mile out and back, depending on where you decide to turn back. And as I alluded to, this is a wonderful hike in all seasons due to its popularity and accessibility. Note that in the winter, it’s helpful to be prepared with items like snowshoes, trekking poles, and traction devices. One of my latest habits is leaving the current season’s recreation equipment in my truck all season long, so I’m ready for adventure no matter what Mother Nature throws my way.
At the wayside—where your hike will begin—you’ll find the mouth of the Kadunce River flowing into Lake Superior. Depending on the season, you’ll want to keep your eyes peeled for fish heading upriver to spawn—an awe-inspiring sight to see. There’s a long beach you can walk or just relax and enjoy a snack. You will also find picnic tables and seasonal portable toilets that were unusable during my last visit due to heavy use. I’d recommend planning to make a pit stop to use the facilities and stock up on supplies on your way. This can be a busy spot, and parking fills up fast. Plan to arrive early or loop back later in the day, which is what I had to do during my most recent visit.
Once you’re ready to hit the trail, you’ll need to cross Highway 61. Use caution and wait until it’s undoubtedly safe to cross. It’s always essential to practice Leave No Trace. You can learn more about the seven principles here. Here, in particular, I encourage you to travel on durable surfaces. Do your best to stay on the trail and avoid any social spur with visible erosion. I hadn’t hiked this section for about five years and found the amount of trail damage since then to be concerning. You’ll also want to use caution along the edge of the trail as there are several steep drop-offs.
Listen to the water and how the sound changes as the canyon deepens. Pay attention to the transition of the plant life. Notice the different plants that thrive toward the beginning of the trail and see how that changes as the canyon deepens. I was surprised by everything that is thriving in the rocky environment which seems inhospitable. About half a mile in, you’ll come to a waterfall that, as I mentioned, could be the setting of any fairytale. A bit further up the trail, you’ll get up close and personal to the stunning Kadunce River. This is a much better spot to observe the river and the life that calls it home. You’ll find another small waterfall and a great spot to snap some photos.
About one mile into your hike, you’ll come to a junction with the main SHT. Here, you’ll find a trail register and a bridge that crosses the Kadunce. You can turn around here and head back the way you came. If you follow the bridge to the left, the trail will lead you to Pincushion Mountain, just outside of Grand Marais. If you go right, you’ll eventually end up at Judge C.R. Magney State Park. I went right and ended my hike at the SHT campsite along the river. This is a stunning section of the trail. And if you carry a water filter in your daypack—and you should—you’ll find some of the finest-tasting water on the Superior Hiking Trail. If you follow the same route I did, plan for your hike to be about two and a half miles round trip and to take about an hour and a half.
Note that if you’re planning to backpack, there is no overnight parking here. I always recommend carrying the most recent copy of the Superior Hiking Trail Guidebook which provides every trail detail you could want to know, including where you can and can’t park.
Learn More
You can learn more about the Superior Hiking Trail on their webpage here. If you’re new to the trail and the great outdoors, take some time to review their Know Before You Go page here. And you’ll find a wonderful page dedicated to day hiking here.
Hiking the Kadunce River canyon is a magical experience any time of year, and that’s a big part of what makes it a Minnesota North Shore bucket list hike. From enchanted forests to tumbling waterfalls and all the life that thrives on land, water, and in between, this trail should not be missed.
Holly Scherer is a Minnesota-based writer, photographer, outdoorswoman, and guide. She’s most at home in the great outdoors; camping, hiking, paddling, cycling, and gardening. When she’s not on an adventure, she and her husband live in the Twin Cities where they’re fond of saying, “home is where we store our outdoor gear.”