What is self-guided inn to inn hiking?

Inn-to-Inn hiking blends the peaceful, purposeful experience of backpacking with the comfort of nightly accommodations along the way.  Instead of carrying a heavy pack or pitching a tent, you hike from one lodging to the next—moving at your own pace and savoring every mile.  Each day brings new scenery, new moments, and new conversations. Each evening brings a warm shower, soft bed, hearty meal, and the chance to relax, reconnect, and wake refreshed for the next leg of the journey. We will provide you with maps at your mileage choice so you can move at your own pace.

What does Three Goats Gruff provide?

Hiking routes and maps with different hike mileage options to suit your individual needs.

Daily luggage transfers so you can hike with just a day-pack. One carry-on size of luggage included for each hiker.

Nightly Accommodations along the route with optional add-ons available for longer stays.

Breakfast before you begin your day of hiking and a sack lunch to pack in your day-bag.

Transportation to and from trailheads when needed depending on the day and the hike mileage you choose.

What is not included?

Travel insurance

Nightly dinners

Breakfast in Grand Marais

Transportation to and from the start and end of the trail

Walking equipment and clothing

When is the best time of the season to hike in Minnesota?

Trip options are available June through September. Summer months typically have the most favorable weather with temperatures averaging 40s (lows) to 70s (highs). Expect muddy trails, mosquitos, and ticks during this time of the year. Come in the fall for stunning fall foliage and fewer mosquitos but prepare for all weather options from snow to sunny 70s.

What are the transportation options to and from the hike?

You will need to arrive at your hotel, located in the area of Tofte, Sunday evening to begin your first hiking day on Monday.

By car: You can drive your own car or a rental to the start of the hike. We will direct you to park at one of the many overnight parking options along the trail.

By air: The closest major airport is Minneapolis-St. Paul International (MSP) Airport. From MSP, you can take a bus to Duluth (3 hour trip). Bus options are Groom Transportation or Landline.

There is a regional airport in Duluth (DLH) that flies Delta, United and Sun Country. Superior Hiking Trail Association has a comprehensive list of taxi and shuttle service options from Duluth that can transport you to and from your first and last hotel.

What do I do with my car during the hike?

We will direct you to park at one of the many overnight parking options along the trail depending on seasonal availability. If a permit is required, we will provide the permit. Your car will remain there during the duration of your hike. We will provide transport to your car on the last day of your trip.

What should I pack in my daypack?

The joy of having baggage transfers during your hike is you can pack light!

• First aid kit (we recommend adding some moleskin and medical wrap to handle hot spots before they turn to blisters)

• Sunscreen

• Bug spray (the serious stuff!)

• Rain gear

• Layer for warmth

• Maps (we will give them to you)

• Battery back-up for your phone

• Sack lunch (we provide), snacks, water

• Hiking Poles

• Optional: Bug net hat, buff, extra pair of socks

I’m not sure how long I can hike every day. Are there alternative options?

Each hike day has options that range from 6 miles to 17 miles. You can decide on the day what you would like to hike and we will provide any transport needed to/from trailheads. Day three also provides the option of a complete rest day if you’d like.

What is the hike itinerary?

We are a small, family run company so we run hikers weekly Monday-Thursday. You will arrive at your first hotel on Sunday evening to begin your hike on Monday morning.

Monday’s hike will take you through Temperance River State Park to Lutsen Ski Hill. Hike mileage options range from 10.5-17 miles with several options along the way.

Tuesday will start at Lutsen Ski Hill and end at Cascade River State Park. Hike mileage ranges from 6.4 -15 miles.

Wednesday you have a few choices! You can make this a rest day, exploring the many trails in Cascade River State Park, or continue your through-hike toward Grand Marais, traversing uphill along the Cascade River for a total of 9.3 miles.

Thursday will take you to your final destination, the quaint North Shore town, Grand Marais. Depending on your Wednesday hike, you can hike 15 miles from Cascade River to Grand Marais or pick up your through-hike where you left off Wednesday, finishing the hike with 9.8 miles.

If you drove a car to the start of the hike, we will transport you to your car Thursday evening so you have the freedom to travel as you wish on Friday.

What customizations do you offer?

All hikers start the hike on Monday and hike the same portions of the trail. If you would like a shorter trip, we can offer a 3-day hike, following the same itinerary above with several options on day 3. In addition to the options listed above, 3-day hikers can also choose to hike the portion of the trail into Grand Marais on their last day. Depending on availability, accommodations will be located either at Cascade River or Grand Marais.

You can also request additional nights at your final hotel in Grand Marais.