Overview
Hike the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) during the day and enjoy the comfort of a cozy lodge at night. Explore lush forests with rocky cliffs, serene inland lakes, and thundering waterfalls that empty into Lake Superior. Take in panoramic views from Oberg Mountain as you hike to the best overlooks in northern Minnesota. Enjoy the maple trees at the peak of their fall colors. Relax in the evening at your lodge nestled on the Superior shoreline among the Lutsen Mountains while visiting with new friends. This Superior Hiking Trail lodge-based exploration is a perennial favorite.
Sample Itinerary
Expand All FieldsDay 1: Welcome to the Superior National Forest! Settle in and enjoy a warm-up hike in the evening.
Meet at the lodge in the afternoon. Settle into your accommodations and explore the grounds before going on a short hike on the Superior Hiking Trail. Return to the lodge with plenty of time to enjoy dinner and learn about the next days' adventures. Relax around the fireplace, enjoy hot drinks, and get acquainted with your guide.
Day 2: Enjoy the fall colors as you make the 6-mile trek from Britton Peak to Oberg Mountain.
Start the day early with a hearty breakfast and great coffee. Then head off for a day of hiking from Britton Peak to Oberg Mountain. Hike the 5.7-mile trail while taking plenty of time to enjoy the maple trees at the peak of their fall colors. The maple and birch forest gives way to spruce, balsam, and cedar around the beaver pond. Enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch before finishing the hike and returning to the lodge. Enjoy some personal time and dinner. After dinner, there will be time to star gaze from the deck and enjoy the sounds of the Superior shore.
Day 3: Enjoy the views from the summit of Oberg Mountain before saying farewell to your trip mates.
Head out to hike the 2-mile loop around the summit of Oberg Mountain. Work your way around the summit for different overlooks in all directions, starting with Leveaux Mountain and Lake Superior, then Moose Mountain, and finally inland to Oberg Lake and the rolling crests of inland ridges. This hike is especially beautiful in the fall when the colors of this mountain are at their peak. After finishing the loop, enjoy a final lunch while viewing Lake Superior. Bid farewell to your group and begin the journey home.
What to Expect
TERRAIN/ROUTE CHOICES: The Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) is characterized by ascents to rock outcroppings and cliffs, and descents into numerous river and creek valleys crossed by attractive and functional bridges. The SHT traverses a rich variety of terrain and habitat types. Much of the trail is easy walking but you will encounter sections with numerous steps and steep grades.
Read more »Frequently Asked Questions:
Where do we meet?
Transportation
The trip starts south of Grand Marais, MN, at the Tofte Ranger Station at 2:00 PM. The trip ends at 1:00 PM in the same location. Booking a Flight? We recommend flying in to the Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport or the Duluth International Airport the night before your trip, and flying out of Duluth International Airport no earlier than 6:00 PM or Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport no earlier than 9:00 PM on the last day of the trip.
Want to Ride With Us?
We typically provide transportation for this trip from the following places (make your selection when you register):
- Wilderness Inquiry Headquarters FEE: $0 (No charge)
- Duluth - Thompson Hill FEE: $0 (No charge)
Do you have any additional health restrictions on trail?
In addition to following CDC guidelines, we work with a team of community and health experts to help guide our safety measures on and off the trail. Find a complete list of steps we are taking to provide you the safest experience here: https://www.wildernessinquiry.org/covid19/
Is this hiking trip wheelchair accessible?
Since hiking over rugged trails is a primary activity of our hiking trips, we do not recommend these trips for persons who use wheelchairs. Several of the hikes and activities are not very accessible for people who use wheelchairs.
Our canoe, kayak, and dogsled trips are generally more accessible for people who use wheelchairs. Water based travel is the great equalizer when it comes to outdoor activities. Fortunately, we have many trips to choose from.
All that said, if you use a wheelchair and are interested in going, please call to discuss the trip with us. We never want to say never!
What is the condition of the trail? Who maintains it?
The condition of the trail is good. The Superior Hiking Trail Association is responsible for maintaining all 310 miles of the trail. They have a crew of volunteers who work throughout the season to keep the trail in tip-top condition.
What section of the trail will we be hiking?
We typically hike a 5-6 mile section of the trail starting at the Britton Peak and ending at Oberg Mountain. We will have a shuttle drop us off at the beginning of the hike and then picking us up at Oberg Mountain to return to the lodge. This route is known for its spectacular overlooks.
How long has the trail been traversed?
The Superior Hiking Trail is relatively new with the first section opening in 1987. Prior to that, only a handful of anglers, hunters, and berry pickers knew the terrain.