$$ - $$$ American Cafe Vegetarian Friendly, $$ - $$$ American Vegetarian Friendly Gluten Free Options, $$ - $$$ American Vegetarian Friendly Vegan Options, Points of Interest & Landmarks Lighthouses. Spring and fall water levels pose significant risk when crossing, please cross at your own discretion. the trail was wet and mushy. The pup had fun, and cooled/cleaned off w/ a swim in the lake afterward. Great hike along Superior shoreline for pretty lighthouse view. Gear for the Hike This is a short, relatively easy hike, and you can get away with fitness or casual clothes here. Take the easy accessible trail to the Visitor Center stairs to the Lighthouse. Do not park in the driveway that had been the trailhead parking lot or any driveway nearby; you will be trespassing. ).The round trip is about an hour. The bridge across the river to make this a loop appears to be out and crossing wasnt an option so it was an in and out. The Trail is built, maintained, and managed by the Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA), a private nonprofit organization based in Two Harbors, MN. Our first back-to-back hike of the season kicks off with a big day on the Trail. 3 tent pads. Visitors can cart-in their supplies to pristine campsites along Lake Superior. NOTE: be sure to drive all the way down to the hiking trailhead. Steep inclines and declines. Its in a dangerous curve. In the end, the weightiest and most intertwined factors shaping the Boards decision were cost, complexity and regulations, as well as a focus on the majority of SHT users. West Castle Danger Road to Gooseberry Falls State Park. Split Rock River Canyon Loop - 5 miles. and is within the highway right-of-way, so you are not trespassing. Great place to take pics. It was a strenuous hike after hardly no sleep the night before and limited calorie intake but overall beautiful and a good challenge. Lovely views of lake and lighthouse. Lots of prettier areas in the region. The Superior Hiking Trail, also known as the SHT, is a 310-mile (500 km) . This collection of trails are all part of the public Forest Preserve in the Split Rock Mountain Wild Forest in the Towns of Essex and Westport in Essex County. Online store and curbside pickup also available.618 1st AvenuePO Box 315Two Harbors, MN 55616-0315Tax ID: 41-1569104Office Hours: M-F, 8:30am - 4:30pm218-834-2700[emailprotected], Guided Hike AND Voyageur Brewing Pint Night, http://superiorhiking.org/news-events/guided-hikes/, SHTA Request for Proposals 2023 Construction Season. Visit the trail center, which has a wood stove and a great view of the shore. Like the Encampment River, this creek is rarely high. Gnralement considr comme un parcours modr, il faut en moyenne 2 h 17 min pour le parcourir. The trail is only a 20 minute drive from Uptown Saint John. Trails traverse cobblestones beaches and adjacent forests; giving way to vantage points for viewing lighthouse. As always, you can Contact Us with any questions or concerns. Always have a backup plan when visiting the SHT in winter in case a trailhead has not been plowed or in case the trailhead is full. The low point is the shore of Lake Superior at 602 feet (183 m) above sea level while the high . It is still crossable if you are fairly flexible but I would recommend using cation because a wrong step (especially come spring) could be bad. Go to the right for Split rock. Snowshoed this loop on 2-23-22 with two others after 1-2 feet of fresh snow had fallen the day before. the bridge is out. This creek can be crossed during normal water levels without this bridge. Hiking and snowshoeing are allowed throughout the park, but no groomed ski trails are available. Split Rock Falls mile 43.4 The Split Rock River waterfalls feels like you're really out in the woods, but you can be there and back in a half hour. This includes Crow Creek near West Castle Danger Road. The Superior Hiking Trail is a 310-mile trail that takes you along the North Shore of Minnesota. This can be used to follow along with us on our hike, or to plan your own adventure! . You'll travel through rolling hills, eight Minnesota state parks, old-growth forests, and the city of Duluth. The bridge over Andy Creek has been damaged in a recent storm. Hike down to the Lake Superior shoreline below Split Rock Lighthouse. If you plan to spend the night, make sure to make your reservation through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources ahead of time. http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/snow_depth/index.html, SHTA Request for Proposals 2023 Construction Season. Scenic trails along the lake link up to the spectacular Superior Hiking Trail. Copyright Privacy Information Policy Ticketing Policy, make your reservation through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. More information on visiting the North Shore. Episode 12 of an 18 day complete thru hike of the Superior Hiking Trail. The trails were a mix of snow, ice and mud. The cold temp (single digits) was not a factor as the sky was clear and there was no wind. For a longer journey, the Superior Hiking Trail passes through Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, with spur trails leading to the lakeshore and the historic site. Do not rely on this parking lot being accessible, and do not park on Highway 61 here. Landowners can ask the trail association. In winter8.7 miles of multi-use trail with tracks for classic cross-country skiing on one side and the remainder of the trail for fat bikes, snowshoes, hiking, and skate-skiing are available. Lismore Road Trailhead is permanently closed. Nice evening stroll to try and get good lighting for the lighthouse. Lunch spot: Christmas Tree Ridge Overlook 6 miles . Stay in the know with trail news, conditions, and events, Privacy Policy | 2021Superior Hiking Trail Association, Trail Store Hours: May 19-Dec. 23, open Thursdays and Fridays 10 am-4:30 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving weekend. Magney Snively Trailhead to Spirit Mountain Grand Ave Chalet Trailhead. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 17 min to complete. 6/16 -This was a great trail! River crossing not an issue with the frozen conditions. A shallow water crossing is easily achievable at the narrow creek during normal low water conditions, but please use caution especially after rain events. This popular trail is a 205-mile route, signed and well maintained, extending from Duluth to the Canadian border. Directions to Split Rock River Wayside: On Hwy. Hike, ski or snowshoe the iconic Superior Hiking Trail, which runs through Split Rock Lighthouse State Park or hike or bike the paved Gitchi-Gami State Trail. Saturday, June 23, 10:00 Snow is melting and the river and falls are roaring. Directions to Beaver Bay Trailhead:At Hwy. Very muddy and the bridge is out. The Trail runs parallel to Lismore Rd. The SHT still crosses under I35 on the DWP Trail. This day hike loop offers spectacular scenery, including views of the Split Rock River gorge, river valley, Split Rock Lighthouse, and Lake Superior. Please do not ever hike on groomed ski trails! Many steep ascents and descents. The Split Rock River Overlook connects with the Superior Hiking Trail that stretches along the North Shore, from Duluth to Grand Portage. Online store and curbside pickup also available.618 1st AvenuePO Box 315Two Harbors, MN 55616-0315Tax ID: 41-1569104Office Hours: M-F, 8:30am - 4:30pm218-834-2700[emailprotected]. 3755 Split Rock Lighthouse Road. A 17-mile section running from Gooseberry Falls State Park to Silver Bay takes travelers through the Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, and offers a spur trail to the historic site and visitor center. Split Rock resorts and inns, cabins and rentals are all a quick drive to the lighthouse and other north shore attractions and activities. The bridge over the Indian Creek has sustained damage from spring flooding and is currently closed. Highly recommended. No bridge. mile 50.2 Cove Point Lodge The section passing through Split Rock Lighthouse State Park spans 14.6 miles, from the lakeshore at Gooseberry Falls State Park to the Beaver River in Beaver Bay. United States. This popular trail is a 205-mile route, signed and well maintained, extending from Duluth to the Canadian border. We were bored. I would recommend the trails in the many State Parks along Hwy 61 instead (Cascade River, Temperance River and Tettegouche State Parks). Nice loop trail incorporating tour of lighthouse and grounds. 61 milepost 43.5 with parking lot on left. Many sections have downed trees and when combined with deep snow the Trail may be difficult navigate and follow safely. Snively Road is currently closed due to construction. Temporary Closure: There is a private forest management operation just to the north of the Fors Rd Parking Lot. Meet at Beaver Bay Trailhead. Caribou River Wayside: This has been sporadically plowed some years, but this year its been mostly unplowed. Had to turn around because the river was to high to cross any other way. Animal Advisories The Superior Hiking Trail is a remote natural path trail, because of this solitude and open land there is the opportunity to encounter wild animals. Gun Club Road to Lake County Road 301/Fors Road: The SHT is closed from Gun Club Road to Silver Creek Campsite. Use caution until a reroute is in place. Great tour guides from the lighthouse. The trailhead parking area is located on the east side of Lake Shore Road, about 6 miles north of Westport. NCT/SHT - Split Rock River Loop at Split Rock River Wayside is a 5 mile blue singletrack trail located near Two Harbors Minnesota. This paved trail is being developed along the North Shore of Lake Superior. Shallow water crossings may be impassable during high waters. #1 hiking trail - Split Rock Loop Trail and it's red rocks Hi, This loop trail alongside the Split Rock river and Superior Hiking Trail and just south of the actual Light House it's accessible and free to hike and park. Do you scuba dive? Split Rock River Wayside to Beaver Bay ( 11.1 miles) Challenging rocky trail with dramatic Lake Superior views. Address: 3755 Split Rock Lighthouse Road, Two Harbors, Minnesota 5. When the Trail is routed through a trailhead, take a moment to check if there are any additional signs posted at the trailhead. Split Rock River waterfalls along the Superior Hiking Trail are weather dependent. The 9th Edition Guidebook and the Databook both list which trailheads are accessible in winter. There were so many great opportunities to take photos. Please use caution during any shallow water crossing. 7/14/19 Beautiful and easy hike that gives you gorgeous views of the lighthouse from below! We work hard to coordinate annual maintenance, brushing and log removal but other issues may have occurred since the sawyers have been through an area. The views are breathtaking with the lake, the lighthouse and the wooded areas with the snow covered trees. This park is situated on the North Shore of Lake Superior. Please use caution when crossing the river, even small rain events can increase the depth and speed of the water, use your own discretion when crossing. Restored to its 1920s appearance, the light station offers a glimpse of lighthouse life in this remote and spectacular setting. Good for a day hike or to add to a longer backpacking adventure. From the parking lot by the bridge crossing the Split Rock River, there is a spur trail of the Superior Hiking Trail that eventually leads to this attractive little waterfalls (pictured here hidden under snow and ice! The sound of the pebbles and the water, the birds, the clean and well conserved place make this a great place for a romantic trip. Superior Hiking Trail hikers will have to detour south towards the Tettegouche Park Visitors Center to cross the river on the park road bridge. Decently snow packed trail. Please use the detour on the paved Gitchi-Gami State Trail to go around this section. Photo: Andrew Gustin. For the past few years, the Superior Hiking Trail Association has worked to build a new bridge over the Split Rock River on the SHT, just outside the boundaries of the Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. From the wayside, take paved trail to Hwy 61 underpass and turn left. A small wooden structure has failed near Middle Gooseberry Campsite. Online store and curbside pickup also available.618 1st AvenuePO Box 315Two Harbors, MN 55616-0315Tax ID: 41-1569104Office Hours: M-F, 8:30am - 4:30pm218-834-2700[emailprotected], SHTA Request for Proposals 2023 Construction Season. The all-season trail center in the picnic area serves . Camping, hiking, canoeing, skiing, snowshoeing, picnics enjoy the great outdoors all year round. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 30 min to complete. [1] Geography [ edit] The East and West Split Rock River branches arise in wetlands near Legler Lake. The most popular hike on the north side is the scenic North Rim Trail. Anglers cast their lines for lake trout, salmon, and brown trout. Be aware that there are crews working in the area. Wow! The detour (if it's raining or has just rained) starts at the Gooseberry Falls State Park Visitor Center, crosses on the pedestrian bridge under Hwy. The loop is part of the Superior Hiking Trail and a portion of it is in the state park. The views are amazing! made it out to where the bridge was supposed to be and it was not there. Superior Hiking Trail at-a-glance Location: Northern Minnesota's "Arrowhead" Distance: 310 miles Difficulty: moderately strenuous Best time to go: late summer and fall but is hiked all year round Direction: Either Permits required: none Elevation gain/loss (NOBO): 37,821 feet/37,372 feet Highest point: 1,829 feet on Rosebush Ridge Wild, peaceful and romantic place. This is a popular trail for hiking, running, and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Bridge is still out so cannot complete the loop. With forests, rock formations, waterfalls, state parks, and lake views along the way, the highway and drive up the coastline from Duluth to Canada has been designated as a National Scenic Byway and an All-American Road. The trail was closed to get to the lighthouse but was really pretty at sunset when the light hit the lighthouse. This means a trail user will experience a variety of conditions at different points and will possibly encounter parts of the trail that are rougher than others or a tree may be down. Lake County Road 301/Fors Road to Castle Danger. Visit Website. For water travelers, canoeing and kayaking is a popular activity along the Lake Superior shoreline. 8/13/22 - we only went to the Split Rock and turned around. otherwise it's a wonderful hike. Park at the Split Rock River Wayside at Highway 61 milepost 43.5. Maybe Ill try it again sometime in the future. Long-distance hikers can bypass the area (heading northeast-bound) by following a roadwalk on Gun Club Road to Lake County Road 301 (Fors Road) and reconnecting with the SHT at Lake County Road 301 Trailhead (see map). The SHTA and the City of Duluth are aware that there are multiple encampments of people experiencing homelessness in this vicinity. Duluth Trail Restrictions (TRAILS ARE OPEN). The Superior Hiking Trail is located on Minnesota's North Shore, which is the western shore of Lake Superior. This happens on occasion and we will clear it soon or in worst case scenario it will be clear in the next annual cycle. Bridge still out. Many trail users have crossed the river at the former bridge site during low water. After 0.2 miles, spur trail to main SHT is on left across Hwy 61. Description Added by Lisa Groene Snowshoe one of the most popular sections of the Superior Hiking Trail. Bridges are washed out between Falls Campsite and The Ledge Campsite along the Cross River. Also in comparison to posted trail maps the whole thing seemed backwards. Trail up the ridge. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. 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