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.

A sack lunch to pack in your day-bag.

Transportation during your hike between trailheads as needed based on the day’s route and mileage you choose, as well as transportation to and from your parked car on the first and last day of the hike.

A welcome guide with breakfast and dinner suggestions and other insider recommendations for each trail town.

What is not included?

Travel insurance

Breakfast, dinners, snacks and beverages

Transportation to your first hotel at the beginning of your trip and away from the trail at the end of your trip.

Hiking 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 North Shore?

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: Driving is the easiest option for reaching the North Shore. You can drive your own vehicle or rent a car at the airport. We’ll provide instructions for parking your vehicle at an overnight parking option in the area. Once you’ve parked, we’ll transport you from your vehicle to the starting point of your hike.

From there, you won’t need your car during the hiking portion of your trip. We’ll take care of trailhead transportation and daily luggage transfers, so you can focus on hiking without worrying about moving your car from town to town.

By air: The closest major airport is Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP). You can also fly directly into Duluth International Airport (DLH) which is served by Delta, United and Sun Country.

Rental cars are available at both MSP and DLH. From Minneapolis, Tofte is approximately a 4 hour drive. From Duluth, Tofte is approximately a 1 hour 40 minute drive.

Public Transportation: From MSP, you can take a bus to Duluth (approximately 3 hours). Bus options are Groom Transportation or Landline. From Duluth, you’ll need additional transportation to reach Tofte.

There is limited ride-share and shuttle services available along the North Shore. We’re happy to help you think through transportation options as you plan your trip.

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

• 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.