5 nights & 4 days | Starting at $13304 nights & 3 days | Starting at $1130The Superior Hiking Trail
Self-Guided
About The Trail
Stretching 310 miles along the rocky ridges of northeastern Minnesota, the Superior Hiking Trail offers an unforgettable journey above the vast blue waters of Lake Superior. Winding through deep forests, past waterfalls, and along dramatic overlooks, the trail reveals the wild beauty of the North Shore. Established 40 years ago, this iconic footpath has been carefully protected and stewarded by the Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA).
The 3 or 4 day hike will take you through the most iconic section of the trail from Temperance River State Park to Grand Marais, a maximum of 68 trail miles. This self-guided trip allows you to move at your own pace and choose from a variety of hiking mileages each day. Your baggage will be transported between accommodations so you will only need to hike with a day pack. Depending on hike mileages chosen, there may be short transfers via van to or from your hotels and trailheads.
This trip is currently offered June through September with a Sunday arrival day. See the booking form for availability.
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Daily hike mileages ranging from 6 to 17 miles
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5 Night / 4 Day Trip- 2026
• Double occupancy: $1330 per person
• Single Occupancy: $1930 per person4 Night / 3 Day Trip- 2026
• Double occupancy: $1130 per person
• Single Occupancy: $1530 per personOption to add an extra night at the end of your trip (market price)
$600 deposit per room
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Moderately strenuous
Uneven terrain, steep inclines mixed in with flatter sections, and boardwalks. Choose shorter mileage days for a more moderate hike.
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June 21 to September 27
Enjoy nice weather in June-August with temperatures ranging from 45-72° F. Prepare for possible muddy trails and mosquitos.
September boasts cooler mornings but fewer bugs and beautiful fall foliage.
All trips start with a Sunday arrival and Monday hiking start
“All truly great thoughts are conceived while walking.”
Itinerary
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Arrive at your first hotel, located near Temperance River Wayside Trailhead. Enjoy the beautiful North Shore and get a good night’s sleep before starting out on your adventure in the morning.
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10.5-17 miles
Begin the day at Temperance River trailhead. After a steep climb and short scramble, enjoy incredible views from Carlton Peak. Continue through maple forests, aided by wooden walkways crossing muddy and wet areas, enjoying multiple scenic overlooks on the way. Finish the day in skier’s paradise, Lutsen with fun summer activities such as an alpine slide.
You can shorten your day’s mileage by catching a shuttle from Onion River Trailhead (10.5 miles) or by hopping on the Lutsen gondola.
You can also add 3 miles to your day with the Oberg Mountain Loop for stunning overlooks.
Elevation Gain 3366 ft
Elevation Loss 2786 ft
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6.4-15 miles
Begin your day at Lutsen with a climb to the ridge line, overlooking stunning Lake Superior. Enjoy a day of uphill and downhill sections, dirt paths, mild rock scrambles and lots of boardwalks. Spend some reflective time as you wind around Lake Agnes through stretches of maple, birch, aspen, pine and spruce forests. Finish at the iconic Cascade River State Park. You can take a shortcut to the hotel or continue along the trail to see Cascade River’s waterfalls.
Arrange for a shuttle pick-up after Lake Agnes for a 6.4 mile day.
Elevation Gain 2379 ft
Elevation Loss 2410 ft
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6-9.3 miles
There are many options for your trip on this day.
Take a rest day and relax, explore Cascade River State Park, or hop on a shuttle to explore Grand Marais.
Travelers eager to continue their hike can choose a 6 mile loop trail at stunning Cascade River State Park or continue on the SHT, 9.3 miles uphill following the Cascade River.
This is the last day of hiking for 3 day hikers. If you would like to hike day 4 instead of day 3, please let us know when you arrive. Depending on availability, accommodations will either be at Cascade River State Park or in Grand Marais.
Elevation gain (SHT section) 2119 ft
Elevation loss (SHT section) 1268 ft
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9.8-15.4 miles
Depending on your choice of day 3 hikes, catch a shuttle to where you left off the SHT and continue the rest of the way into Grand Marais for a total of 9.8 miles.
Those refreshed after a rest day can take a short shuttle to the top of Cascade River and finish 15.4 miles into Grand Marais.
This section of the trail travels over boardwalks and through forests of red pine. It joins with the North Shore State Trail for about 2.5 miles. A steep descent brings you to Gunflint Trail Road which you will follow down into town.
There is an option for a final shuttle transfer into Grand Marais to shorten your hike by 1.5 miles.
Elevation Gain 716-2185 ft
Elevation Loss 1052-2170 ft
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You did it! Whatever hike mileages you chose each day, you have accomplished an amazing feat. If you would like to book an additional night in Grand Marais, please let us know. It is the quintessential North Shore town and you won’t regret spending extra time here.
Other Information
What’s Included?
Carefully planned hiking routes and detailed maps, with mileage options to match your pace and preferences.
Daily luggage transfers, so you can hike comfortably with just a day pack. One carry-on–size bag per hiker is included.
Nightly accommodations along the route, with optional add-ons available for extended stays.
Breakfast each morning before you head out, plus a sack lunch to carry in your day pack.
Transportation to and from trailheads when needed, based on the day’s route and the mileage you choose.
Accomodation & Meals
Accommodations are booked along the route, with every effort made to place you as close to your daily trailhead as possible. The trail passes through small communities with many family-run inns and lodges. When lodging is not within walking distance of the trailhead, we’ll provide any necessary transportation to and from the trail.
Breakfast is available each morning at your accommodation or at a nearby spot within walking distance. Vouchers are provided when needed. Breakfast is not included on your final morning in Grand Marais, where you’ll find many excellent dining options just steps away.
Sack lunches are provided on hiking days to enjoy on the trail. We’ll do our best to accommodate dietary needs—please let us know your preferences in advance.
Travel & Transfers
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 Airport. From MSP, you can take a bus to Duluth (3 hour trip). Bus options are Groom Transportation or Landline. There is also a regional airport in Duluth (DLH) that flies Delta, United and Sun Country. We can pick you up in Duluth and drive you the rest of the way for an additional fee (1 hr 40 minute trip).
Reservations
Reservations for the 2026 season will begin on January 27, 2026 and will be accepted until we are booked out. Click the Book Tab to see available dates. A $600 deposit per room is due at the time of booking. We will contact you once we have confirmed booking details. Balance is due 60 days prior to your trip date. If we are unable to book accommodations during your preferred week, we will contact you and refund your deposit.