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Superior Hiking Trail, MN

Sep 8 - Sep 15, 2019 -- $1325 ★★

Important Note

This is the tentative itinerary. There will probably be some changes to the route in terms of daily mileage or nightly campsites since our trail access points are not exactly where we might like them to be.



Description


The Superior Hiking Trail, is a wilderness trail along Lake Superior that goes from Wisconsin to Canada. We will be hiking a 45 mile section of this trail in early Fall when the bugs and humidity have subsided


While a battle rages on between which coast is more beautiful -- the East Coast or the West Coast -- natives of the Upper Midwest smile demurely and remain silent, knowing as they do that the most beautiful coast in the US is the little-known North Coast. The Great Lakes are the largest group of freshwater lakes on planet Earth and contain over 20% of the world's fresh water. Lake Superior is the largest of these, and indeed the largest-area freshwater lake in the world. Weaving along the ridgeline of Lake Superior's north shore, the 296-mile long Superior Hiking Trail offers a breathtaking opportunity to experience this natural wonder firsthand.


The Superior Hiking Trail was conceptualized in the 1980s and inspired by the Appalachian Trail and other long-distance hiking trails. It winds along the Sawtooth Mountain Range overlooking Lake Superior from just south of Duluth all the way to the Canadian border, meandering between the lakeshore at 602 feet of elevation up to 1829 feet at its highest. Rated in the top 10 hiking trails by Backpacker magazine, the SHT abounds in diversity of wildlife, geological wonders, and leaves! Join us for the beginnings of Fall color on the North Coast, one of the best-kept secrets in the US.



Weather

Weather is always an important concern when backpacking. Historical September weather is much drier than even a month earlier and averages in the high-60s / low-70s during the day and 40s/50s at night. However, be prepared for the possibility of day temperatures in the 80s and freezing temperatures at night, with the threat of rain on any day. But overall, expect a warm, dry end of September treat.



Trip Leaders

Dan Shafto
Beau Devlin

Cost

$1325 per person double occupancy. Here, double occupancy means that you will share a hotel room with another trip participant. You will also be responsible for transportation to and from Minneapolis, MN (MSP) as well as personal equipment, restaurant meals and any gratuities for guides.


Covered expenses include 2 hotel nights, 6 days of trail meals, ground transportation, permits, fees and awesome guides.


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Packing List
Itinerary
Weather
Guides for this trip
Cost
Important Note
Difficulty (Please Read)
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Itinerary


Sunday, September 8, 2019

Fly or drive into Minneapolis St. Paul Airport (MSP)

Take free airport shuttle to local hotel (TBD)

Equipment shakedown

Distribution of trail mix / Make-your-own trail mix

"Before" body composition measurements taken

Trip to REI Bloomington flagship store, 750 W American Blvd (Previously 750 W 79th St), Bloomington, MN 55420, (952) 884-4315 for forgotten or last minute equipment. Closes at 6PM

Go to local restaurant for welcome dinner (Dinner not included in trip cost)



Monday, September 9, 2019

Second set of before body composition measurements taken

Free Hotel Breakfast

Check out of Hotel

Your spare bag(s) will be stored either at the hotel or in a storage unit for safekeeping

Leave hotel early and drive to Ski Hill Road, Lutsen Mountains Recreation Area

Hike Southbound 0.5 miles to spectacular waterfall on Poplar River.

Hike 0.5 miles to Mystery Mt. campsite. Set up camp.

Day-hike a short spur trail to enjoy sweeping views of the Poplar River valley.

Camp at Mystery Mountain campsite with 4 tent pads.

Miles today: 2.0 miles. Total to date: 2.0 miles

Possible Bailout: Ski Hill Rd


Tuesday, September 10, 2019

Hike 6.1 miles to Oberg Mt. trailhead parking lot on Forest Rd. 336

Hike 1.5 miles to Leveaux Pond

Camp at West Leveaux Pond campsite. 8 tent pads

Miles today: 6.6 miles. Total to date: 8.6 miles

Possible Bailout: Onion River Rd 7


Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Hike 4.2 miles to County Rd 2

Hike 4.8 miles to Temperence River State Park

Swim in the big lake!

Camp at Temperence River State Park

Miles Today: 9.0. Total to Date: 17.6

Possible Bailout: Sawbill Trail


Thursday, September 12, 2019

Hike 6.2 miles to Fredenberg Creek

Camp at Fredenberg Creek campsite, 5 tent pads

Miles Today: 6.2. Total to Date: 23.8

Possible Bailout: Skou Rd.


Friday, September 13, 2019

Hike 1.8 miles to county Road 1, Cramer Rd.

Hike 7 miles to crystal creek

Camp at crystal creek campsite, 4 tent pads

Miles today: 8.8 miles. Total to date: 32.6 miles

Possible bailout: Sugar Loaf Rd.


Saturday, September 14, 2019

Hike 2 miles to car at Caribou River Wayside parking lot

End of Hiking

Miles today: 2.0 miles. Total to date: 34.6 miles

Possible Bailout: Caribou River Wayside parking lot

Shuttle 2.5 hours back to local hotel (TBD)

Dinner and Awards Ceremony at local restaurant (dinner not included in trip cost)

This is the official end of the trip. You are welcome to spend the night at the hotel, however if you drove and would like to get on the road or if you flew and would like to schedule a late flight (or a red-eye if this is a West Coast trip) you can definitely do so.


Sunday, September 15, 2019

Free breakfast in Hotel

Take Free Airport Shuttle


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