Lake Superior Hiking Trail

Accommodation: Bluefin Bay Resort

Distance: 8 miles

We’ll assemble in Duluth early morning of Day 1 and van shuttle to Gooseberry Falls State Park, where we’ll join the Superior Trail. We’ll spend the better part of the day hiking along the meandering course of the Gooseberry River within the park with outstanding views of several dramatic waterfalls as the river lunges toward the lake (8 miles). Our overnights will be at the premier Bluefin Bay Resort, set against the backdrop of the Sawtooth Mountains and surrounded by the Superior National Forest. The upscale accommodations include whirlpool baths and breathtaking views of Lake Superior.

Distance: 11 miles

The following morning, on Day 2, we’ll rejoin the trail and climb initially to the crest of Bread Loaf Ridge and continue along the ridge with its stunning views of Superior, then descend to Split Rock River and spend the afternoon hiking along the river as it cascades over sheer red rock on its way to Superior.

Distance: 11 miles

On Day 3, we’ll shuttle to Silver Bay to enjoy one of the trail’s most challenging sections. Lots of up and down on this day, but count on some of the best views of Superior, adjacent bluffs, and the dramatic High Falls of the Baptism River. The route brings us through Tettegouche State Park.

Distance: 8 miles

Our Day 4 hike includes some rugged terrain with dramatic views of Lake Superior. We start by crossing the Manitou River in Crosby Manitou State Park, then climb along Horseshoe Ridge before descending into the valley of the Caribou River and a magnificent bridge crossing to reach the Caribou Falls State Wayside trailhead.

Distance: 8 miles

Day 5 we jump farther north to again hike from valley to valley crossing the many rivers that drain from Minnesota’s countless lakes into Lake Superior. We start near Two Island River and hike through rich, old growth maple forests with views of the lake from Tower Overlook. We hike along, and eventually cross Fredenburg Creek, Cross River and the narrow Temperance River gorge, in addition to sections along beautiful meadows and past beaver ponds. The region is famous for its bare rock cliffs along the Lake Superior shore, providing excellent views across the vast lake.

Distance: 8.4 miles

For our last segment on Day 6, we head to the northern end of the trial to walk up the beautiful Kadunce River gorge and across the highlands, before dropping back down to Lake Superior for a final stretch along its sandy shores. On our van shuttle back to Duluth we have the option to stop at Pincushion Mountain for a short trek to the peak for our final views of the mighty Lake Superior and its rugged shores.