Use caution until a reroute is in place. There is no reliable access to the northern terminus. United States. A Split (Rock) Decision July 8, 2020 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. It was slow going and fairly difficult. This popular trail is a 205-mile route, signed and well maintained, extending from Duluth to the Canadian border. This landmark is only six miles south of Split Rock Lighthouse State Park and is known to offer one of the most popular waterfalls that includes the Upper, Middle and Lower Falls that . Waseca Trailhead to Skyline Parkway Trailhead. The SHT can still be accessed at Lismore Road by parking on the road (please park well off the roadway) and going through the ditch to reach the Trail. The river may be impassable during high water events. Bring poles and snowshoes during winter. Items/Products added to Cart will show here. Hike down to the Lake Superior shoreline below Split Rock Lighthouse. Do not rely on this parking lot being accessible, and do not park on Highway 61 here. The bridge is out but the water was slow and you can find some rocks to hop over on. We hiked in the early spring and parts of the trail were quite wet. The bridge over Andy Creek has been damaged in a recent storm. Wild yet peaceful, the 310-mile Superior Hiking Trail is one of Minnesota's most beloved hiking trails. The Duluth natural surface trails are now open! Also, about 2.6 miles in, theres a downed tree on the trail. Be sure to pack a lunch and extra water for this long day hike. This hike features shots of Lake Superior and inland forests, long stretches of hiking on table rock, and challenging ascents and descents. 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. The hike starts on the west side of the river climbing a half-mile through birch forests to the falls tumbling 20 feet over grey rock into a rock-edged pool. Split Rock Lighthouse State Park and Tettegouche State Park. Quite possibly my favorite state park in the winter! Beautiful but challenging trail after some rain last night and this morning. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 30 min to complete. Definitely check the trail and weather conditions before starting your adventure! This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Funding provided by the State of Minnesota, the Legacy Amendment through the vote of Minnesotans on Nov. 4, 2008, and our generous donors and members. The rocky . Boots would be ok but snowshoes were helpful. Address: 3755 Split Rock Lighthouse Road, Two Harbors, Minnesota 5. Lake County Road 301/Fors Road to Castle Danger. This is a (8 km) loop trail within Split Rock Lighthouse State Park and is a portion of the Superior Hiking Trail. 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. Be aware that there are crews working in the area. Clean simple trail with many steps. A new reroute was constructed to take the Trail off of Skyline road increasing the safety for our trail users. 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. The Trail is built, maintained, and managed by the Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA), a private nonprofit organization based in Two Harbors, MN. The SHTA and the City of Duluth are aware that there are multiple encampments of people experiencing homelessness in this vicinity. 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. Best with south wind. During busy times the lot gets full. La meilleure priode de visite est d'avril octobre. We are committed to renewing the Superior Hiking Trail in ways that not just maintain but elevate its status as an outdoor recreation gem for Minnesota. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 17 min to complete. You'll travel through rolling hills, eight Minnesota state parks, old-growth forests, and the city of Duluth. this guide to flowers on the Split Rock Trail from Joshua Tree National Park, Some mines you can still see the remains of, Video and turn by turn directions for the Split Rock Loop Trail, Everything You Need to Know Before the Hike. Encampment River area has experienced a large slump near the river crossing. 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). Here is a map you can use. Nice trails, beautiful views of the lake, well cared for state park, lots of great signage. Show more The trails were fairly muddy/slippery, Pretty muddy today after last nights rain. Lots of prettier areas in the region. Total Superior Hiking Trail miles hiked in 2013: 6.8 Total ticks today: 0 Total ticks in 2013: 2 (I found two last week, a few hours after putting up the post) Posted by Elly Vortex. The Trail runs parallel to Lismore Rd. Please report trail issues as these data points are valuable to us! Hiking and snowshoeing are allowed throughout the park, but no groomed ski trails are available. You must take time to visit this trail when you in or near Beaver Bay. Camping, hiking, canoeing, skiing, snowshoeing, picnics enjoy the great outdoors all year round. After 0.2 miles, spur trail to main SHT is on left across Hwy 61. The hike to Split Rock River and into the gorge is, of course, very beautiful, and it's no wonder that this is one of the most popular sections of the trail. This 11.3 mile trek takes off from Split Rock Wayside and traverses the Merrill Grade, a historic logging railroad, as you head towards the ridgeline to the north of the famous state park. Havent put in a bridge yet, to finish the loop. It is a little more difficult to travel over, but we find it is worth it. Had to turn around because the river was to high to cross any other way. What had been public land is now privately owned. Here is a roadwalk detour map you can use, but we strongly suggest hiking to the river to assess it before concluding that a roadwalk is necessary. Lismore Road Trailhead is permanently closed. Restoring the Trail itself along the loop is now among our top priorities. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 17 min to complete. We most be super slow because there is no way we could have done this in two and a half hours. The shallow water crossing is manageable at normal water levels. 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. I would recommend snowshoes. 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. There are several SHT campsites that I think as some of the best on the entire trail! Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 17 min to complete. The Superior Hiking Trail traverses many different ecosystems, varies in its proximity to population centers and experiences different levels of use along the length of the corridor. Amazing crisp air and a peaceful wooded trail. Hiking Map Overview Following the rocky ridgeline above Lake Superior from the eastern Minnesota border to Canada, the trail makes its way through eight different state parks. Split Rock Lighthouse historic site is located in the park. Split Rock River Canyon Loop - 5 miles. Split Rock Lighthouse & State Park Trails. This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and running, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The Superior Hiking Trail is a long distance footpath modeled after the Appalachian Trail that follows the shore of Lake Superior in northeastern Minnesota. really good trail, only issue is you get half way through and you're supposed to have a wristband for the historical site. Lovely views of lake and lighthouse. 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. Decently snow packed trail. Superior Hiking Trail: Split Rock Ridge Moderate 4.5 (503) Split Rock Lighthouse State Park Photos (852) Directions Print/PDF map Share More Discover this 5.6-mile loop trail near Beaver Bay, Minnesota. 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]. This section of the SHT passes near the towns of Lutsen and Grand Marais, and ends just before the Canada-United States border. Three unleashed dogs, though, and many muddy spots in need of some board planks. Very muddy and the bridge is out. Directions to Beaver Bay Trailhead:At Hwy. Little Two Harbors Trail - 2 mile round trip. Temporary Closure: There is a private forest management operation just to the north of the Fors Rd Parking Lot. This trail is ideal for an afternoon adventure. The new trail passes close to the Fault Line Creek campsite. It is only a problem during spring melt or if there has been a large rain event within 48 hours. 3755 Split Rock Lighthouse Road. This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and running, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. This multi-use trail can be used both directions and has a moderate overall physical rating. Lunch spot: Christmas Tree Ridge Overlook 6 miles . The bridge over the Onion River has a weight limit of two people. Duluth Trail Restrictions (TRAILS ARE OPEN). Take the easy accessible trail to the Visitor Center stairs to the Lighthouse. Meet at Beaver Bay Trailhead. Bally Creek Road (northern parking lot most likely), Judge Magney State Park (the big parking lot isnt plowed but there is room to park cars right by the contact station). The reroute is well marked and easy to follow. #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. As alwaysbring water and be prepared for changing weather. The Split Rock Trail (Split Rock Ridge) is just a small portion of the SHT, but it . There are several other shallow fords in this section. Lake County is building a new mountain bike trail, The Split Rock Wilds, near and across the SHT between Split Rock and Beaver Bay. Unknown. Catch a program Along with stunning scenery, you'll find historic stops throughout the park. We weren't bothered by mosquitoes until we sat by the waterfall. Split Rock Ridge Trail is located in Beaver Bay approximately 20 miles (32 km) from Two Harbors in Minnesota's Lake County. The full impact of this high-water event on the Trail is still being assessed. What restaurants are near Split Rock Loop Trail? Snow covered, ankle twisting, 1.5ft wide trail. Our trip Sunday starts with registration beginning at noon at Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center, 6282 Cranberry Road, Finland, Minnesota. 61 over the Gooseberry River and travels for 2.1 miles on the Gitchi Gami State Trail to the Blueberry Hill Road intersection. Please use caution while using these structures. The pond at South Carlson Pond Camp is gone. Icy in some areas. Carlson Creek Bridge is out on the SHT to the east of Arrowhead Trail Trailhead. otherwise it's a wonderful hike. The 9th Edition Guidebook and the Databook both list which trailheads are accessible in winter. There is not a bridge over the Split Rock River. trail was really muddy slippery. The SHTA's Board of Directors recently voted not to build this bridge. A little before the bridge is out there is a little wooden ramp you can cross over to the other side at. It has scheduled stops at designated trailhead on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from mid-May to mid-October. Cest un itinraire populaire pour la randonne, la course pied et la balade, mais vous pourrez quand mme profiter de certains moments de tranquillit. The Superior Hiking Trail is located on Minnesota's North Shore, which is the western shore of Lake Superior. splitrock@mnhs.org Cross Highway 61 and walk 1.2 miles north on Blueberry Hill Road to connect to the SHT and then continue east on the SHT to Split Rock River Wayside. The loop is part of the Superior Hiking Trail and a portion of it is in the state park. 4 (Lax Lake Rd.) The SHT still crosses under I35 on the DWP Trail. Description. Just walking around the campground in crocs as always. There were so many great opportunities to take photos. The Sargent Creek Bridge has been removed and replaced with a shallow ford. There is a temporary trail closure due to a large amount of downed trees above the falls. Perhaps best known for its historic lighthouse, this park offers numerous recreational opportunities. Take the easy accessible trail to the Visitor Center stairs to the Lighthouse. Split Rock River Loop Hike. Landowners can ask the trail association. It is truly my all time favorite in Minnesota and competes for my top pick in the world among accessible distinctive hikes! Les chiens sont les bienvenus mais doivent tre tenus en laisse. If you plan to spend the night, make sure to make your reservation through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources ahead of time. Beautiful trail along the river with some great photo opps, Really fun, lots of waterfalls. This creek can be crossed during normal water levels without this bridge. Water levels may still be high along the Trail. The Split Rock Mountain Wild Forest has about 11.5 miles of trails that provide access to many locations including the shores of Lake Champlain. 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. 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. Under normal circumstances, it's an easy crossing with many large rocks. Use caution while traversing this section. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Just a few deer flies and horseflies. Idk if it was partly due to the historic site not being open until 10 am (I was there at sunrise) but I couldnt find where I was supposed to be going. This trail was recommended to us and we were not all that thrilled with it. There will be a salvage logging operation in the area sometime in the next few weeks, as for now the Trail is not passable. Superior Hiking Trail Superior Hiking Trail | Photo Copyright: Brad Lane Encompassing the entirety of Lake Superior's North Shore, the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) is Minnesota's crown jewel of hiking trails. http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/snow_depth/index.html, SHTA Request for Proposals 2023 Construction Season. The water falls are beautiful and well worth the hike in to see them. Whether youre staying a week or a weekend, the park offers plenty of tent camping sites for your enjoyment. We recommend avoiding Arrowhead Trails parking lot.-Special note on Jackson Lake Road and Otter Lake Road: These roads are generally not plowed at all during winter. Please use caution crossing the creek near the Springdale Creek Campsite. We urge caution if you decide to cross the river. . Sturdy footwear is recommended for those who traverse this section. 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. John Keefover's itinerary for a Northbound Thru-Hike of the Superior Hiking Trail in Northern Minnesota. The trail is only a 20 minute drive from Uptown Saint John. The Gooseberry Gap Reroute is complete! This summer, weve opened a beautiful new section of the SHT at Pincushion Mountain (Grand Marais) after several years of work, and well soon replace a long, failing boardwalk over the Sawmill Creek Pond (Finland) with an impressive structure. Two Harbors, Minnesota 55616. Inclines generally good. 61 milepost 43.5 with parking lot on left. This is a unique situation where we are asking people to stay off the trail when it has rained recently to give it time to set up and dry out. We decided to go anyway. We were going to hike with our snow cleats, but there was enough snow that it felt like walking in mashed potatoes, so we went back and got our snow shoes and that was 100 percent better. Caribou River Wayside: This has been sporadically plowed some years, but this year its been mostly unplowed. and go 0.8 miles to parking lot on right. 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. More information on visiting the North Shore. For car and motorcycle drivers, the famous Highway 61 along the North Shore Scenic Drive offers relaxation, points of interest, and unmatched natural beauty. 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. Split Rock Lighthouse Creek Thinking that we should get some exercise Martha and I decided to hike the Split Rock Creek loop at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. There are two options to split off to the southern trails. The Split Rock Trail is a coastal trail that reminds me of the Lighthouse Trail on Grand Manan Island but is much easier to access. This feels like the right decision, especially in light of the many challenges we face up and down the SHT and even on the rest of the Split Rock River loop trail. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Description Added by Lisa Groene Snowshoe one of the most popular sections of the Superior Hiking Trail. 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. Nice evening stroll to try and get good lighting for the lighthouse. The Superior Hiking Trail, also known as the SHT, is a 310-mile (500 km) . Spring and fall water levels pose significant risk when crossing, please cross at your own discretion. Split Rock Wayside to Beaver Bay, 11.3 miles. The beaver pond that was there was drained most likely by spring flood damage to the existing beaver dam. still awesome though! A small wooden structure has failed near Middle Gooseberry Campsite. The views are breathtaking with the lake, the lighthouse and the wooded areas with the snow covered trees. Very muddy mid-September, but a great hike! 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. You'll need to leave pups at home dogs aren't allowed on this trail. Amenities: outhouses, some paved trails, picnic areas, visitor center Length: 12 miles total with 3 along the lakeshore Difficulty: easy to moderate. NOTE: be sure to drive all the way down to the hiking trailhead. It was a strenuous hike after hardly no sleep the night before and limited calorie intake but overall beautiful and a good challenge. Start off at the wayside parking just south of the state park. On your way, make sure to stop and listen to the sounds of Lake Superior and grab a photo or two. Suggest edits to improve what we show. If you come to washed out or flooded Trail and bridges, please use caution. Labels: Split Rock Lighthouse, Superior Hiking Trail. An alternate route exists on spur trails to cross a bridge near Hwy 61 if the water level is high: Northbound, at junction with spur trail turn right (south-east) toward the Split Rock River Wayside. Saturday, August 3, 10am The Superior Hiking Trail travels along the scenic river past numerous falls for 2.5 miles, . The Superior Hiking Trail is a 300+ mile footpath that follows the rocky ridgeline above Lake Superior from the Wisconsin-Minnesota border to the Canadian border. Surrounding the historic site is Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, which features a lakeshore picnic area, trail center, tent camping, and 14 miles of hiking, biking, snowshoe, and cross-country ski trails along the lakeshore and through the northern forest. had to do an out & back since the bridge was out due to high water. Basically this Merrill logging company, now modern day Merrill and Ring Lumber Company built the railroad in the late 1800's, early 1900's. These logging companies also started the now ghostown townsite of Splitrock Minnesota. the trail was wet and mushy. A recent high-water event during the spring melt flooded sections of Trail, washed out some small bridges, and undercut portions of Trail along rivers and creeks. Trail Mix: Light at the End of the Trail https://t.co/2NuKQpCNHu, Trail Mix: Wear Blaze Orange While Following the Blue Blazes https://t.co/7NTnQWkde0, Job posting alert: The Superior Hiking Trail Association seeks applicants for its Development and Communications Di https://t.co/WpngLhrM4W, 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. If you hear logging equipment in the area do not approach them. There is a separate stream called Split Rock Creek nearby. Return to Minnesota North Shore Parks Directory Page, www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/split_rock_lighthouse, 12 miles of hiking trails, 6 miles mtn bike trails, 8 miles of paved road bike path, Cart-in Tent Campground, also backpack and kayak campsites, Winter: cross-country skiing, snowshoe trails, and winter camping (water and flush toilets available in Trail Center), Park and History Center is open year round; Lighthouse Tour summers only, Split Rock River Waterfall - 1 mile round trip, Little Two Harbors Trail - 2 mile round trip, Corundum Mine Trail View - 3.8 miles round trip. The trail is characterized by ascents to rock outcroppings and cliffs, and descents . No bugs and just a little mud here and there. Bridges are washed out between Falls Campsite and The Ledge Campsite along the Cross River. View Trail Map. Since 1910, it's been lighting the way for ships on the North Shore and served as a popular tourist attraction. The trailhead parking area is located on the east side of Lake Shore Road, about 6 miles north of Westport. The road is not wide enough to safely park on. The 1.7-mile Lewis Clearing Bay Trail begins with a short rise. Cars have been towed for blocking the path of plows, so please find somewhere else to recreate if the trailhead is full.