The Superior Hiking Trail is one of the best hiking and trail running destinations in the United States. The SHT is built, maintained, and renewed by the Superior Hiking Trail Association, a Minnesota nonprofit organization based in Two Harbors. SHTA operates 94 shared backcountry campsites along the Trail that do not require registration and cannot be reserved. The Trail is a footpath only, with a natural surface 18-inch treadway through a clearing approximately four feet in width. The entire Trail is marked with either blue or white paint blazes or SHT logo signs.
The Trail is routed principally along the ridgeline overlooking Lake Superior.The Trail is characterized by ascents to rock outcroppings and cliffs, and descents into numerous river and creek valleys. Most rivers and streams are crossed by bridges. Overlooks of Lake Superior, the Sawtooth Mountains and inland woodlands, lakes and rivers are abundant. The Trail follows rivers and creeks, often for distances of a mile or more, showcasing waterfalls and rapids, bends and deep gorges where thousands of years of rushing water has cut into layers of ancient volcanic rock.
One of the more challenging aspects of hiking the Trail is the elevation changes. Instead of long climbs and descents found in mountains, the SHT is constantly ascending and descending.
SHTA publishes a "Guide to the Superior Hiking Trail" and maps to help trail users plan their trips. Visit superiorhiking.org for more information, to join the Association, or to volunteer on the Trail.
