Stretching over 300 miles along Minnesota’s North Shore, the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) offers a distinct adventure where rugged terrain meets the restless waters of Lake Superior. Near Duluth, the trail cuts through thick forests and climbs rocky ridges that give way to vast, sweeping vistas of the lake’s restless expanse. The air here is crisp, carrying whispers of pine and the occasional call of distant birds as you navigate terrain that challenges both balance and endurance.

This section near Duluth spans roughly 15 miles if you choose to embark on the segment from Lester Park up to Carlton Peak, delivering about 1,200 feet of cumulative elevation gain. Expect well-marked singletrack paths winding over moss-clad boulders and through pockets of red and white pines that flaunt their age in knotted limbs. The trail runs close enough to the lake at several points that the shoreline’s waves crash like a living companion, daring you onwards.

Practical preparation is key. Durable waterproof hiking shoes with good ankle support are essential; the mixed terrain shifts from wet, root-covered forest floors to exposed rocky outcrops. Carry at least 2 liters of water per day and consider a filtration system, as cold springs offer natural refreshment but need caution. The best time to tackle this stretch is late spring through early fall when the underbrush is manageable and the trail clear.

Stop at designated view platforms around Carlton Peak and Enger Tower for photo-worthy panoramas—where Lake Superior stretches blue and boundless, its surface mirror to shifting skies. Wildlife here holds its own rhythm; watch for bald eagles spiraling overhead, or a river daring to rush unseen below the bluffs.

The Superior Hiking Trail near Duluth demands respect: it is less a gentle stroll and more an engagement with a landscape fiercely itself. Take it steady, honor the weather, and come prepared. This hike doesn’t just show you Lake Superior—it invites you into its wild heartbeat.