One of Minnesota’s most scenic and longest hiking trails turns 40 this year. The Superior Hiking Trail began as a grassroots effort by hiking enthusiasts who wanted to create a long-distance trail in the state. The trail, which loosely follows the rocky spine overlooking Lake Superior, is popular with hikers who explore it each season. To celebrate, the Superior Hiking Trail Association will host a celebration in June.
Brief history of the trail
A narrow dirt hiking path follows the forested ridges and dramatic overlooks along Minnesota’s North Shore. The Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) is 310 miles long and attracts numerous visitors each season. Some come to explore it for the day, hiking to one of the scenic waterfalls along the trail. Others hike sections or—if time allows—tackle a thru-hike (hiking the trail in a single, continuous journey).
This year, the trail celebrates its 40th year. Portions of the trail began to be built in the early 1980s, as long-distance hiking became more popular. The vision for the trail started with a small group of outdoor enthusiasts who wanted to develop a long-distance trail in Minnesota. One of those enthusiasts, Tom Peterson, was instrumental in advancing the vision. He worked as the trail-building coordinator and was instrumental in developing a significant portion of the route during the first six years of the trail’s inception. According to a tribute written by Rudi Hargesheimer, a board member and SHTA President during the 90s, “Tom was masterful in his scrutiny of the topographic maps, finding the best overlooks and most exciting waterfalls. He discovered them and then built a trail for the rest of us to enjoy.”
The SHT was also inspired by another, older long-distance route, the Appalachian Trail. That trail begins in Georgia and ends nearly 2,200 miles later in Maine at the top of Mt. Katahdin.
Construction begins
By 1986, the Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA) was formed to manage and care for the trail. The Minnesota Legislative Commission covered construction costs for the trail’s development, awarding multiple grants to the SHTA. In the summer of 1987, those who were part of the SHTA, as well as other supporters and lawmakers, celebrated with an opening ceremony at the top of Britton Peak, one of the beautiful overlooks along the trail. By the end of 1990, crews had completed about 140 miles of the trail.
In celebration of the 40th anniversary, Barry Cattadoris, Chair, Board of Directors, SHTA, recently wrote, “The journey truly began in 1986 when thirty of these visionaries met to form the Superior Hiking Trail Association. From early construction projects completed by laid-off steelworkers from the Reserve Mining Plant in Silver Bay, to Finnish farmers who built the first Devil Track River bridge, hundreds of hands have built the Trail. Work continued until 2017, resulting in the 300‑mile gem that now stretches from the Minnesota–Wisconsin border.”
The SHT draws many users, but not as many thru-hikers as other popular long-distance routes. It’s a great option for those seeking solitude. A 2023 report from the SHTA shows that day hikers made up 76.3% of users, while overnight backpackers doing a section accounted for 14.5%, and just 0.6% of users completed the trail as thru-hikers. Best of all, no permit is required to use the trail, and campsites are shared.
Scenic, rugged, and remote
A large wooden sign marks the southern terminus of the SHT, which begins at the Minnesota/Wisconsin border. A few hundred miles later, the trail ends at the northern terminus, where the Canadian Border overlooks the Pigeon River valley. In both places, hikers will find a small register with a notebook to add their name. Throughout the trail are additional registers where hikers can add their names.
Known for its incredible scenery, the trail cuts through many parts of the Superior National Forest and seven state parks. The path also winds through both public and private land and, like the Appalachian Trail, has been called a “green tunnel”. As hikers make their way through the thick boreal forest, red and white pine, spruce, and fir trees grow alongside hardwoods such as aspen and birch. Part of the trail follows the Sawtooth Range, which extends roughly 30 miles from Tofte to Grand Marais. The trail through the Sawtooths has some of the most challenging yet scenic sections, where it wanders alongside deep gorges and over tall peaks. Hikers sometimes underestimate the total elevation change.
In many places, the trail crosses streams and rivers, offering views of cascades and waterfalls. These are great spots to pause, grab a snack, or have lunch. In a couple of spots, the trail follows the shoreline of Lake Superior. Once in Canal Park, Duluth, and another instance at its lowest point north of Grand Marais. Along the way, there are numerous spur trails that hikers can use to access trailheads, parking lots, and occasionally towns.
40th celebration
To commemorate 40 years, the SHTA is hosting “Superior Hiking Trail’s Ultimate Birthday Celebration” on National Trails Day, which falls on June 6. Organizers are encouraging people to pick a section of the trail to hike, run, or explore. Registration and additional information for this event will be available on the SHT website in April.
In 2019, the trail became part of a much larger, cross-country trail system. The National Park Service added the SHT to the North Country National Scenic Trail, which spans 4,800 miles from North Dakota to Vermont. However, the association still continues to manage the trail. They work with both public and private landowners to ensure continued access for visitors, while also supporting hikers by providing guidebooks, maps, trail section information, and updates on current conditions. Throughout the summer, SHTA trail crews work with volunteers who generously give their time to keep it in great condition.
The trail remains a meaningful place for those fortunate enough to explore it. Funding for the trail is provided by donors, members, businesses, and state grants. The association will post more information on the 40th anniversary celebration on its website in April.
More info:
- Superior Hiking Trail Association
- Tom Peterson, “That section of trail we built last week is the best one yet!” – Superior Hiking Trail Association