The Beautiful Superior Hiking Trail
The Superior Hiking Trail, or SHT, is one of the best hiking trails of the Midwestern United States. Here is a collection of information, images, and links to help you decide on hiking part or all of the SHT.
About the Superior Hiking Trail
The Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) is a fairly rugged 205-mile long footpath that follows the rocky ridgeline above Lake Superior in northeastern Minnesota from Two Harbors to the Canadian border.
The SHT has trailheads (entrance and exit points), with parking for your car, every 5-10 miles making it ideal for both day hikes and backpacking. If tent camping is not appealing to you, then you could instead stay in the local Bed and Breakfasts along the route (within hiking distance from the trailheads).
The trail can vary from rugged and steep sections to strolling and flat easier hiking. It is well worth checking out the available maps and guide book to familiarize yourself with the routes.
The Superior Hiking Trail is built and maintained by the Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA).
The SHT has trailheads (entrance and exit points), with parking for your car, every 5-10 miles making it ideal for both day hikes and backpacking. If tent camping is not appealing to you, then you could instead stay in the local Bed and Breakfasts along the route (within hiking distance from the trailheads).
The trail can vary from rugged and steep sections to strolling and flat easier hiking. It is well worth checking out the available maps and guide book to familiarize yourself with the routes.
The Superior Hiking Trail is built and maintained by the Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA).
"Best Signage"
- Backpacker Magazine (12/2000)
Why You Should Hike the Superior Hiking Trail
The SHT stands out because of the ability to tailor the hiking experience to your needs and abilities. You can essentially make it as easy or difficult as you wish, due to the variety of terrain and length between trailheads.
It's the "Midwest's 'Appalachian Trail'" according to the Chicago Tribune for a good reason. It is very beautiful, but is also very well maintained. The difference is that it is not nearly as well-known, so it is not overly populated. It can be a very nice escape from civilization, if you desire.
The trail has 81 backcountry campsites, so there is a good chance that you will find a spot for your tent(s).
Also, dogs are allowed on the trail (must be on a leash at all times).
In addition, there are no fees, reservations, or permits required to hike or backpack on the trail.
How many other camping and backpacking areas can boast that?!
It's the "Midwest's 'Appalachian Trail'" according to the Chicago Tribune for a good reason. It is very beautiful, but is also very well maintained. The difference is that it is not nearly as well-known, so it is not overly populated. It can be a very nice escape from civilization, if you desire.
The trail has 81 backcountry campsites, so there is a good chance that you will find a spot for your tent(s).
Also, dogs are allowed on the trail (must be on a leash at all times).
In addition, there are no fees, reservations, or permits required to hike or backpack on the trail.
How many other camping and backpacking areas can boast that?!
"Best Trail/Camp/Shelter conditions"
- Backpacker Magazine (12/2000)
The Flora
The Fauna
On a Section of Trail
Bring a friend!
And then it's time to relax...
This is the book to have with you
It is written and updated by the SHTA with the latest information to guide you from campsite to campsite. It is well worth having along.
Guide to the Superior Hiking Trail: Linking People With Nature by Footpath Along Lake Superior's North Shore
Amazon Price: (as of 12/07/2009)
List Price: $15.95
Used Price: $2.83
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Other Great Books for the Trail
A Walking Guide To The Superior Hiking Trail
Amazon Price: (as of 12/07/2009)
List Price:
Used Price: $36.41
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Waterfalls of Minnesota's North Shore: A Guide for Sightseers, Hikers & Romantics
Amazon Price: $19.95 (as of 12/07/2009)
List Price: $19.95
Used Price: $14.89
Avg. Customer Rating:
Your Thoughts?
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- Shelly Shelly Mar 7, 2009 @ 6:33 pm
- I was thinking about your slide show below the guest book earlier this week and just had to return to this lovely lens--it's spring ahead time, so perhaps I have an early bout of spring fever. Your lenses are always such a pleasure to stop by and visit!
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- Jan 16, 2009 @ 12:22 pm
- We're in west Texas, so most of our backpacking happens in New Mexico and Colorado. Don't know if I'll ever make it as far north as the SHT any time soon, but I enjoyed your lens.
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- Ramkitten Ramkitten Dec 18, 2008 @ 9:28 pm
- I hiked a portion of the SHT several years ago as part of a Kekakabic Trail, Border Route Trail and Superior Hiking Trail journey. Beautiful country and a great trail, easy enough to really get into a peaceful hiker's "zone" and just challenging enough to get some great exercise. I look forward to getting back up there to do the entire SHT.
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- Shelly Shelly Oct 29, 2008 @ 7:58 pm
- Hi, Tipi (I usually call her Sue or Susie) is sending folks your way--a very pleasant stop indeed. There is nothing more beautiful than the north woods and no better place to go for trek any season of the year. We can even walk on water several months out of the year!
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Reply
- Tipi Tipi Sep 25, 2008 @ 8:58 am
- I lived in Duluth years ago. My brother & his wife live just north of Duluth. My sister & her husband live south of Superior, and they fell-in love walking the nature trials of Superior. I love going to visit my family, they all love the outdoors as much as I do. So, we go explore! 5*
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