Superior Hiking Trail
More than 300 miles of ridges, river gorges, waterfalls, forest, and Lake Superior overlooks create Minnesota’s defining long-distance hiking route.
Artwork inspired by Birney Quick
The trail rarely hugs the lake. It climbs the ancient volcanic ridgeline above Highway 61, repeatedly dropping into river valleys before returning to high overlooks. That rhythm makes even short sections more strenuous than their mileage suggests.
Thru-hikers and day hikers share a corridor of trailheads, campsites, state parks, private easements, and spur routes. Carry the official map, know whether a campsite is on the main trail, respect closures and private land, and plan for mud, roots, stream crossings, blackflies, and sudden temperature changes.
- Length
- 300+ miles
- Use
- Foot travel only
- Route
- Duluth to Canadian border
Quick guide
- Day-hike key
- Choose the turnaround before committing to elevation
- Long-route key
- Reserve shuttles and campsites before setting mileage
Plan by elevation, water, and exit—not mileage alone
- Start with
- Choose a Lake Superior overlook only after confirming the approach distance, elevation change, and return route.
- Look closely at
- At river gorges, inspect bridges and trail reports because flood damage can transform an otherwise familiar segment.
- Connect the story
- Treat backcountry campsites as part of a continuous itinerary, not guaranteed space for an improvised overnight.
- Plan around
- Carry the official map and arrange shuttles, water, and current-closure checks before committing to mileage.
Good to know
The Superior Hiking Trail is not the paved Gitchi-Gami route; bicycles are prohibited on most of this rugged footpath.
Notice these
- Lake Superior overlooks
- River-gorge crossings
- Backcountry campsites