Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
The Superior Hiking Trail, a premier long-distance trail in the United States, stretches over 300 miles alongside Lake Superior in northeastern Minnesota. Traversing the rugged ridgeline of the Sawtooth Mountains, the trail provides hikers with stunning views of the lake, cascading waterfalls, and serene river valleys. The SHT cuts through boreal and hardwood forests, offering rich opportunities for wildlife viewing, including sightings of deer, moose, and occasionally bears. Established in 1986, the trail was designed to provide access to some of the state's most beautiful and remote wild places. Key landmarks along the trail include the Split Rock River Loop, Gooseberry Falls State Park, and Bean and Bear Lakes. Outdoor enthusiasts are drawn to the trail’s challenging terrain, varying from gentle to arduous sections, accented by stairways and bridges. In addition to hiking, it is an appealing destination for bird watching, photography, and snowshoeing in winter. The appeal lies in its accessibility for day hikers and the sense of adventure and solitude it offers long-distance trekkers.
