If you’re looking for your next hiking adventure, you’ll definitely want to consider the Superior Hiking Trail in Minnesota.
Whether you’re planning a 2-hour town while you’re in town or you want to embark on a 2-week excursion, this is the place to do it.
What Is the Superior Hiking Trail?
The Superior Hiking Trail is a 310-mile trail that cuts through the upper Midwestern state of Minnesota.
It starts just south of Duluth and makes its way north until it meets the Canadian border.
The main attraction of the SHT is the rugged, Midwestern terrain.
Not only does this trail offer amazing views of Lake Superior, but it’s also a great place to take in scenic vistas overlooking the Sawtooth Mountains.
Why Hike This Trail?
There are many benefits to hiking the SHT, like the fact that it’s extremely versatile. It’s great for long-distance thru-hiking, but it also offers numerous opportunities for quick short-distance day hikes.
No matter if you backpack the SHT end to end or opt for a quick day hike, you won’t be disappointed by the views.
The majority of the trail passes along Lake Superior, and if you make your hike during the autumn season, the colorful foliage is nothing short of breathtaking.
Another big reason to hike the SHT is that this trail tends to be less crowded than many other long-distance trails in the continental US.
To top it off, there are plenty of free spots to camp, so you’ll always have a comfortable (and affordable) place to rest your head at night.
Challenges Involved
Hiking a distance of 310 miles might sound like a massive undertaking, but this is actually much shorter than many long-distance hikes in the US.
That said, it’s a great option if you’re new to thru-hiking and want to experience the SHT from start to finish.
Don’t expect it to be a cakewalk, though.
There will be some challenges involved, especially depending on the season you’re hiking.
For hiking during the peak season, expect the weather to be hot and humid.
Summertime hiking means dealing with lots of mosquitos along the way, and you’re bound to experience a few thunderstorms here and there.
Expected Timeframe for Completing the Superior Hiking Trail
The SHT is broken into multiple trail sections, so the time spent hiking depends on which trail sections you’ve added to the itinerary.
Each section ranges from about 35 miles to ~60 miles, and within these sections, each one is broken down into smaller segments that are great for day hikers.
If you plan to hike the entire SHT, you’ll need to set some time aside to do it.
Most hikers are able to finish between 2 and 4 weeks depending on speed and skill level.
Superior Hiking Trail Tips
For anyone who plans to hike the entire trail, it’s best to start in the south and head north from there (towards Canada).
As you make your way north, cell phone service becomes much more limited, so if you have to adjust the itinerary or deal with challenges early on, start in the south where cell service is more accessible.
Another helpful tip is to understand the navigation system before you head out.
Luckily, the SHT trail markers are easy to understand: blue rectangles mark the trail and white markers are designated for spur trails (short deviations from the main trail).
When it comes to the best time to hike the SHT, the fall season is recommended for a few reasons.
With the changing leaves, this is by far the most beautiful time of year to hike, and the weather is fairly moderate during this time.
Important Trail Safety Information
When embarking on any outdoor adventure, hiking safety should be your top priority.
Always understand your personal limits, plan the hike ahead of time, pack the right equipment, and practice smart hiking habits.
Campsite Considerations
One of the greatest benefits of hiking the SHT is the easy access to camping. Trailheads can be found every 3 to 11 miles, and free campsites are dotted along the trail every 5 to 10 miles.
There are nearly 100 campsites along the trail, so you’ve got plenty of options when it comes time to set up camp after a long day of hiking.
All in all, the Superior Hiking Trail is extremely underrated. This is considered one of the best unsung thru-hikes in the US, so don’t miss out on this incredible outdoor experience.