Savor the very best snippets of the Superior Hiking Trail with this 6-day tour. Traversing along Lake Superior’s rocky ridgeline offers much more than just vistas of the world’s largest freshwater lake, home to one of the best hikes in the US. Let the trail’s footpaths lead you through three state parks, meander along rushing rivers, and course through boreal forests’ hiding gems—deep gorges, rushing waterfalls, and much more. Never run out of striking views, be it of the shore’s bluffs and horizon, or of the woodlands’ treasures. Find out more about the Superior Hiking Trail from Ali Carr, an adventure travel writer.
It’s impossible for you to dedicate several weeks of your life to Lake Superior’s 310-mile long trail, but you still want to experience the lake’s unparalleled vastness? With your guides’ handpicked highlights, you can capture the trail’s essence in a matter of 6 days! Several state parks, rushing rivers, mighty waterfalls, lush forests, high bluffs, no shore in sight—start looking forward to a myriad of diverse environments. As an added bonus to this already great tour, you’ll be staying at a deluxe resort with an en-suite wood fireplace, whirlpool bath, and view of the lake. Did we mention all meals are included? Not a thing to worry about on this trip.
Your tour begins in Duluth, from which you’ll van shuttle to Gooseberry Falls State Park and join the Superior Hiking Trail. It’s a premier, 310-mile trail following a rocky ridgeline above Lake Superior, but you won’t do the whole route—your guides cherry picked its highlights. Spend the better part of the day hiking along the meandering course of the Gooseberry River with vistas of thunderous waterfalls. You’ll spend your nights at the Bluefin Bay Resort, set against the backdrop of the Sawtooth Mountains and surrounded by the Superior National Forest. The upscale rooms include en-suite wood fireplaces, whirlpool baths, and breathtaking views of Lake Superior.
Hiking: 8 miles (13km)
Your second day begins with getting back on the trail and climbing to the crest of Bread Loaf Ridge, overlooking Lake Superior. Continue along the ridge and then descend through aspen and birch woodlands toward Split Rock River. Spend the afternoon hiking along the river as it cascades over sheer red rock on its way to Superior.
Hiking: 11 miles (18km)
Shuttle to Silver Bay and get ready for a challenging section of the trail—a multitude of ascents and descents, but count on some of the best views of the lake and its adjacent bluffs. You’ll enter the Tettegouche State Park and explore the mighty High Falls of the Baptism River, the highest waterfall in the state of Minnesota.
Hiking: 11 miles (18km)
Your day 4 includes some rugged terrain with great panoramic views of the Superior. You’ll start by crossing the Manitou River in Crosby Manitou State Park. Continue climbing along Horseshoe Ridge before descending into the valley of the Caribou River and a magnificent bridge crossing to reach the Caribou Falls State Wayside trailhead.
Hiking: 8 miles (13km)
Kick off the day by jumping farther north to hike from valley to valley, crossing many rivers that drain into Lake Superior. Start near Two Island River and hike through rich, old-growth maple forests with views of the lake from Tower Overlook. Hike and cross Fredenburg Creek, Cross River, and the narrow Temperance River gorge, a reminder of nature’s power as the river cuts through cliffs. Pass along lush meadows and beaver ponds along the way. The region is famous for its bare rock cliffs along the lake’s shore, offering—once again—great views of the vast lake.
Hiking: 8 miles (13km)
Head to the northern end of the trail to walk up to the incredible Kadunce River gorge. Hike across the highlands before dropping back down to Lake Superior for a final stretch along its sandy shores. On your van shuttle back to Duluth, you’ll have an option to stop at Pincushion Mountain for a short trek to the peak for your final views of the lake and its rugged shores.
Hiking: 5-8.4 miles (8-13.5km)
I did Timberline in 1995 and 2000 with my dad and 2018 and 2019 with my son and daughter. Look forward to doing more tours with my grandchildren (if I have them).
We have been doing active trips for a number of years before we found Timberline Adventures. So happy to have found them! Their trips are a great way to see our national parks.
Thank you for all your hard work and for a fun, challenging, memorable week filled with beautiful scenery.
57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.
We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Duluth, Minnesota, please refer to Minnesota’s latest travel resources.
Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!
What you get on this adventure:
What’s not included:
You need to be an intermediate hiker for this guided tour of Lake Superior. Good fitness is required as well as the ability to walk on different types of terrain. The average day will vary between 7-9 miles (11-14km) of hiking and you will be gaining 2,000-3,000 ft (600-900m). Keep in mind that you’ll also be carrying a daypack filled with water and other things you’ll need throughout the day.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Group sizes and prices:
Hiking tour of Lake Superior can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
If you’re a solo traveler, you will be charged a single-room supplement. However, if you’re open to having a roommate assigned to you, and your guide is able to give you one, you will be reimbursed $610 that will be taken away from your final payment.
Min. age requirements:
If your group has hikers under the age of 21, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
Your Superior Hiking Trail tour starts in Duluth, MN. To get there, most people fly into Duluth International Airport, a 10-minute drive from the city. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service.
You’ll meet your guide at La Quinta inn & Suites, 1805 Maple Grove Rd., Duluth MN 55811, at 8:30 a.m. on day 1.
Deposits
Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.
Cancellations
Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.
Basic
Flexible
Super Flexible
I did Timberline in 1995 and 2000 with my dad and 2018 and 2019 with my son and daughter. Look forward to doing more tours with my grandchildren (if I have them).