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Autumn on the Superior Hiking Trail
Destination: North Shore of Lake Superior, Minnesota
| Activities: Hiking
Backpacker Magazine calls the Superior Hiking Trail one of the ten best trails in America - and we agree! This trail combines a true sense of remoteness with an incredible diversity of terrain and dramatic scenery. Offering outstanding views of Lake Superior and diverse ecosystems, it winds along the ridge-tops of the Sawtooth Mountain Range for 300+ miles from the Wisconsin border to the Canadian Border. The fall foliage is truly spectacular with the oranges and reds of the sugar maples, and the bright yellow of birch and aspen. Each day you'll have a choice of a more moderate (3 to 5 miles) or a longer (6 to 9 miles) hike, and every evening we'll relax in lodging on the shores of Lake Superior. Maximum group size: 12
Highlights
- Hiking through the colorful Minnesota woods of golden aspen and red sugar maples
- Enjoying scenic overlooks and waterfalls along the trail
- Lodging on the shore of Lake Superior, the greatest of the Great Lakes
- Having a choice of two hikes of different lengths each full hiking day
- Visiting the charming harbor-side town of Grand Marais, including eating at the Angry Trout restaurant
Departures and Prices
| September 17 to September 22, 2022 |
| $2095.00 - FULL |
| Join Waitlist |
| September 24 to September 29, 2022 |
| $2095.00 - FULL |
| Join Waitlist |
Inclusions
- 1 - 2 experienced AGC guides based on group size
- Five nights lodging. Three nights are in single occupancy rooms, the first and last night are double occupancy
- All meals from breakfast on the second day through lunch on the last day
- Round-trip transportation between Duluth, MN and the North Shore
Trip Documents
Trip Intro
We have rated this trip as both a 2 and a 3 because of the different choices of hikes each day, one longer and one shorter. Each night the guides will describe the trails and you can choose which appeals to you. Rating: 1 2 3 4 5
This is primarily a hiking trip on a wooded trail, full of roots and rocks, that runs along the ridge overlooking Lake Superior. The trail is rolling in nature, with moderate ascents and descents and may be muddy/slippery depending on recent rainfall. This is an excellent trip for both novice and experienced hikers and everyone who loves hiking in crisp fall air. We spend the last night in the beautiful small town of Grand Marais, Minnesota, where there are interesting small shops and bookstores.
The first night is spent in a local hotel in Duluth, the Inn on Lake Superior. The next three nights will be spent at a premiere resort of the North Country, BlueFin Bay, a collection of condos, townhomes and lodge rooms located right on the shore of Lake Superior. We will stay in their shoreline condos with single occupancy bedrooms and shared bathrooms. Our last night will be spent in Grand Marais where we'll stay at Superior Inn and Suites, a well-located hotel close to the lake and to shops. Accommodations here will be double occupancy. Single supplements are available for the first night of the trip (hotel in Duluth) and the last night of the trip (hotel in Grand Marais) for an additional cost.
Below is the proposed itinerary for the trip. As is true on any adventure travel trip, plans for any specific day may be modified due to weather considerations, unforeseen circumstances, new opportunities, and group interests.
Overnight: Inn on Lake Superior
Once we have had our fill of hawk watching, we begin our drive North along Lake Superior. We stop for a picnic lunch and a warm-up hike at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. The hike will take us to a high vista and to the shores of Lake Superior. Then we’ll continue our drive up the North Shore to the small town of Tofte. For the next 3 nights we'll be staying at Bluefin Bay Resort, a collection of beautifully designed condos where the living room windows look out directly onto the lake. Hot tubs will be awaiting each night to help soothe any aches you may have from the day's hiking. (B, L, D) Split Rock Hiking Distance: 3 miles, Elevation Gain/Loss: 250 feet
Overnight: Bluefin Bay
We then return to the parking lot and head South on the SHT (Superior Hiking Trail) to the Leveaux Mountain loop. This portion is well graded with one steeper and rockier section uphill that leads to fabulous views inland and grand views overlooking Lake Superior. After enjoying our picnic lunch at the Leveaux Mt. overlook, those who want a shorter day, will return to the vans at Oberg Parking (3.2 miles RT) and drive back to our condos at Bluefin to relax, perhaps sit in the sauna or use the swimming pool.
For those wanting a longer hike, we continue South along the trail from Leveaux Mt. to Britton Peak parking. This section of trail winds on gently rolling terrain through boreal forests of spruce, balsam fir, and cedar. After our last viewpoint of the day, which looks back at Leveaux Mt and where we came from, the final few miles roll through beautifully colored maple and birch forest. Being deep in the autumn forest, passing beaver ponds and a couple of SHT campsites, make this an enjoyable end to our hike. We return to our condos for hot tubs, hot showers, and time to relax before our home cooked dinner this evening. (B, L, D)
Oberg Mt loop: 2.3 miles, 500’ gain/loss
Leveaux Mt. loop: 3.2 miles, 500’ gain/loss
Oberg TH to Britton Peak TH via Leveaux Overlook: 6.3 miles, 950’ gain, 950’ loss
Overnight Bluefin Bay
We all start together again this morning, following a spur trail up a moderate grade to the junction with the Superior Hiking Trail. Turning north on the trail, we hike through lovely birch forest and over occasional open ridges with views of Lake Superior below. After 3.5 miles we reach the Temperance River, a roaring and deep river in a basaltic canyon. This is the perfect spot for our picnic lunch, giving us time to look at the kettles and falls of the upper river. After lunch our trail parallels the river, providing excellent views of the many waterfalls in the river gorge. After crossing the river on a bridge overlooking one of the most scenic falls, those wanting a shorter day of hiking will continue on towards Lake Superior and the parking area, while those wanting a longer hike will continue heading North on the SHT.
After about a half mile the trail leaves the noise of the river and once again we are enveloped by the silence of the fern-filled woods. We follow the trail up a short, rocky ascent to the top of Carlton Peak where we are rewarded by sweeping views of both the Lake and the woods. After we have taken plenty of photos and had a rest, we continue down the other side of Carlton Peak, back into a spectacular birch forest, and continue to the parking lot at Britton Peak, where we meet our van. Tonight we'll dine at the delicious Bluefin Grill. (B, L, D)
Hiking Distances and Elevation Gains/Losses:
Skou Rd. to Temperance Wayside: 4.2 miles, 650’ gain/700’ loss
Temperance River to Britton Peak TH via Carlton Peak: 5.2 miles, 950’ gain/400’ loss
Overnight: Bluefin Bay
After lunch we drive to the quaint town of Grand Marais. Grand Marais is a town of historical significance (it was initially an outpost of the Voyageurs), a modern day artists' colony, and a delightful place to spend time walking around.
For those wanting a longer hike, today we follow the section from Lutsen to the Caribou Trail (6.4 miles), a very pleasant and diverse section of the SHT, including a mature and colorful maple canopy. After a short break at a spectacular vista of the Poplar River valley, we continue on through a mix of birch/aspen/pine and spruce forest. Stretches parallel the Poplar river and along the shores of Lake Agnes. Tonight we eat at the Angry Trout in Grand Marais, undoubtedly the best restaurant in the area and always a huge hit. (B, L, D)
Hiking Distances and Elevation Gains/Losses:
Caribou Trail to Lake Agnes (2 .5 miles, 300’ gain/loss)
Lutsen TH to Caribou Trail (6.5 miles, 800’ gain/675’ loss)
Overnight: Best Western Plus Superior Inn
If you choose to hike, we will drive north to the nearby Judge Magney State Park for a 2 mile out and back hike to Devil's Kettle, which is the highlight of the park. Clarence R. Magney, a former mayor of Duluth and judge on the Minnesota Supreme Court, was instrumental in getting 11 state parks and scenic waysides established along the North Shore. The hike alongside the Brule River is magnificent just on its own, but the Falls of Devil's Kettle is the true destination. Here the river splits in two to flow around a mass of rhyolite rock. The eastern flow goes over a two-step, 50 foot waterfall and continues downstream. The western flow surges into a pothole, falling at least 10 feet, and disappears underground. It is believed the water rejoins the main channel of the river or has a separate outlet into Lake Superior, but it has never been located!
Once we've packed up, we will drive back to Duluth with a stop at a state park for a final picnic lunch along the way. We will be back in Duluth and to the airport by 3:30PM and you can plan to fly out anytime after 4:30PM. For those of you who drove and left your car at the Duluth hotel, we will return you to the hotel to pick up your car. (B, L)
Hiking Distance and Elevation Gain/Loss:
Devil’s Kettle/Judge Magney State Park: 2 miles, 400 feet
4.7
(60 reviews)*These are the unfiltered reviews of women who have been on this trip in answer to the question "What made this trip special for you?". We take reviews very seriously and often tweak itineraries based on feedback. Please feel free to contact us about any questions you have.
What made this trip special? Two of my favorite guides! (well, fave three guides- since Ikwe was there for a few days!) Finally getting on the Superior trip! Apologies for my delay in responding! The email was buried!!!
It was wonderful to get out into nature on the beautiful trails. I was especially excited to see the leaves changing.
Beautiful views, comfortable places to stay, good mix of activity and relaxation, excellent guides.
The trails were pristine, with stunning views of fall colors, Lake Superior, rivers, lakes and waterfalls. Our guides were knowledgeable, supportive and enthusiastic.
I thought the leaders were FANTASTIC; the scenery, spectacular (the weather certainly helped); the hiking, challenging but fun; the accommodations, mostly perfect and the group dynamics, fun!
Ikwe and Emily were fantastic guides who were both knowledgeable and fun! I thought the itinerary was excellent and liked that there were both long and short options. And our weather could not have been more perfect!
Time with my sister and seeing a part of the country I had not previously visited. Our guides Ikwe & Emily were fabulous!
Fall colors and Lake Superior were beautiful. Weather was perfect. New trail itenery was great. Loved short and long hike options. Our guides were knowledgeable and sweet. They were excellent drivers and cooks. They even remembered my birthday. The places we stayed were wonderful. The ladies on the trip were friendly.
excellent guides companionship of great group of women
This was my first time on the North Shore and on the Superior Hiking Trail. Lake Superior is absolutely amazing!! I had previously traveled with four of the gals who were on this trip. That was also special.
The group. Everyone was easy going
Beautiful scenery and wonderful guides!
The people
Great Guides in Anne, Chris and Ikwe. Wonderful accommodations. Good food at the Blue Fin Restaurant and the Angry Trout. All the participants got along well.
Knowledgeable guides. Beautifull scenery. Lovely accomodations
Great guides, great group, great hiking!
The guides were very nice
Absolutely beautiful part of the country. Wonderful guides and wonderful travelers.
Exceeded my expectations.
Absolutely!
Beautiful scenery, enjoyable hiking, and flexible options for each day made this a great trip.
I very much appreciated the option for a long or short hike most days (weather permitting). Not being a regular hiker, I was concerned that I would think I could handle a long hike every day, and my body would disagree (which it did).
The trails were absolutely beautiful. I had never been to that area before and had no idea the Superior trail existed. The views from the trail were fantastic and the guides were great. The accommodations were also very nice. Staying right on the water was a real plus.
I loved the trip. Hiking on the SHT was so beautiful, as was Lake Superior. Great lodging at the Bluefin. It was very luxurious!
Beautiful country, trip well organized, great hikes, accommodations comfortable and a good group of women.
The hiking was very challenging! Food was great!
The location and the people.
Beautiful place, perfect weather, hiking with new friends
A group of interesting and intelligent women. Guides were personable and fun. Super accommodations right on Lake Superior! The trails were fun and lovely.
The hikes were beautiful and challenging for me
Wonderful and attentive guides Brenda and Ann. It wasn't an expectation per se, but didn't expect to share a bathroom at Blue Fin Bay
It was my 1st domestic trip with AGC so I was not sure what to expect. I really enjoyed exploring the lake area. I loved the places we stayed. The hikes were lovely. The group was great and so were our guides.
The hiking was wonderful,even in rainy weather. Spectacular fall views. Enjoyed learning about the trees, plants, mushrooms, etc., along the trail. Biggest highlight was spending time with a terrific group of women, including the two guides.
Great trip. As described in itinerary. I was disappointed not to stop at Hawk Ridge either coming or going, as that was a special thing I was anticipating, but weather and timing did not cooperate.
I love it all.
We saw the peak of the fall colours! The trails were excellent.
i was not sure i could keep up on long trips as i walk lots and for long times but at my own pace - i succeeded even though i was always at end i hope Carol who brought up the rear did not miss out on being in the midst of the group the magnificent bubbles formed from foam on Cascade river
Scenery, combination of hike options, guides- all wonderful!
I loved the fall colors and the beautiful lake. I liked the variety of options each day.
The location was just superb... it was and area of the country I had wanted to hike for a long time.. our guides, Anne, and Anna Claire, were very accommodating and knowledgeable..... the group of women on the tour were a very congenial group which made for a pleasant experience,too.....I was just a wonderful trip...
Friendly people.
Vistas, fall foliage and great group of women and guides !
This was my second trip with AGC
I liked the diversity of the trails we hiked. Some were level through woods, some rocky or full of roots, some were muddy/boggy and challenging. The scenery was spectacular once you came on to an open bluff area.
The highlight of the trip for me was finally meeting Deb. And I felt very privileged having her show us that part of the country - essentially her back yard.
- Where do we eat?
The guides will be cooking breakfasts and some dinners at your lodging; other dinners will be at restaurants where you can order off the menu. At breakfast the guides will put out 'fixings' for lunch and you will pack your own lunch and snacks. - What dietary preferences or restrictions can you accommodate on this trip?
If we know well in advance, we can accommodate vegetarian, lactose-free, and gluten-sensitive diets. We cannot guarantee a completely gluten-free diet and we cannot provide a kitchen guaranteed to be free of cross-contamination. If you are vegan, we ask that you bring some additional protein bars; and if you are gluten-sensitive, please bring some gluten-free snacks. If you have severe allergies, Celiac disease and/or other significant dietary restrictions, please call the office before you register. - I will be coming by myself. Do I need to pay a single supplement?
You only need to pay a single supplement if you want to guarantee you have your own room the first and last nights. Otherwise we will stay in condos where everyone has her own bedroom. Some bedrooms will have their own bathroom and others will share a bathroom (maximum 2), rooms will be assigned randomly, unless you request a roommate. - Do you guarantee excellent fall foliage?
We wish we could! We can say that unless it is a highly unusual year, there will be fall foliage. But when the peak occurs and how intense it is varies from year to year.
