310-mile ridge walk above Lake Superior from the Wisconsin border to the Canadian border, the Midwest's premier long-distance trail.
“Walk 310 miles along the ancient volcanic ridge above Lake Superior. It is America's most accessible and rewarding long-distance trail.”
Plan your Superior Hiking Trail trip here, then get your permit from the agency.
Walk-up permit
How to get SHT Thru-Hike
The Superior Hiking Trail needs no permit. The Superior Hiking Trail Association: "There are no permits, fees, or reservations needed to stay at an SHT campsite." Camp at the designated campsites, which keeps you off private land. Where the trail crosses a state park, those campsites take a reservation and a fee through the state parks, so book them before you stay.
Official permit pagePlanning another trip? See the permits we alert on.
SHT Thru-Hike permit season
- route distance, point to point
- 300mi
- elevation gain
- 37,821ft
- max group size
- 10people
How to get a SHT Thru-Hike permit
No permit needed.
No permits required anywhere on the trail
SHT trailheads and parking
- Southern Terminus (Wild Valley Road)
800 ft
- Martin Road
1,100 ft
The two SHT trailheads in full
Primary800 ft elevation
Southern Terminus (Wild Valley Road)Official start near the Wisconsin border, connecting to Jay Cooke State Park
- No restrooms
- No water
- Weak signal
Parking
Small trailhead lot. No overnight fees.
Getting there
Via county roads from Duluth area. Detailed directions on SHTA website.
Nearest services
Duluth (20 miles): full services
Alternate1,100 ft elevation
Martin Road / Duluth StartPopular alternative start bypassing the no-camping Duluth section
- No restrooms
- No water
- Some signal
Parking
Roadside parking. No facilities.
Getting there
North of Duluth via scenic Highway 61
Nearest services
Duluth (10 miles): full services
As of September 2026, the managing agency does not require a permit for SHT Thru-Hike in Superior Hiking Trail, Minnesota. SHT Thru-Hike rates 5/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. The SHT Thru-Hike route covers 300 miles with 37,821 feet of elevation gain, rated strenuous.
- Permit required
- No
- Type
- Thru-Hike
- Location
- North Shore of Minnesota, MN
How this permit is issued
Official permit page →More on SHT Thru-Hike: Live availability activitySuperior Hiking Trail Thru-Hike permit itinerary
How much a SHT Thru-Hike permit costs
SHT Thru-Hike permit fee: Free.
The SHT Thru-Hike hike
- Distance
- 300 miles
- Elevation Gain
- 37,821 ft
- Route Type
- Point to Point
- Duration
- 2-4 weeks
- Difficulty
- Strenuous
- Elevation Range
- 602 - 1,829 ft
SHT Thru-Hike landmarks
- 1Wild Valley Road (Southern Terminus)
Official start of the SHT near the Wisconsin border.
- 2Jay Cooke State Park
Dramatic gorge of the St. Louis River. First state park crossing.
- 3Spirit Mountain
Ski area with sweeping views of the St. Louis River valley.
- 4Chester Bowl
Urban trail section through Duluth. Limited camping options.
- 5Split Rock River Loop
Dramatic waterfalls and gorges where the river meets Lake Superior
- 6Gooseberry Falls State Park
Five waterfalls cascading into Lake Superior. Popular resupply point.
- 7Split Rock Lighthouse
Iconic lighthouse visible from the trail. State park with camping.
- 8Tettagouche State Park
High cliffs, Shovel Point, and Baptism River falls
- 9Palisade Head
350-foot rhyolite cliffs with dramatic Lake Superior views.
- 10Carlton Peak
360-degree views from exposed volcanic rock summit
- 11Temperance River State Park
River carved through volcanic rock creating deep potholes and cascades.
- 12Oberg Mountain Loop
Iconic 2.3-mile side loop with panoramic views. Peak fall colors destination.
- 13Lutsen Mountains
Ski area crossover with North Shore views
- 14Cascade River State Park
18 waterfalls along the Cascade River. Popular camping area.
- 15Good Harbor Bay
Lake Superior beach access and dramatic shoreline views.
- 16Judge C.R. Magney State Park
Home to Devil's Kettle, a waterfall that disappears into a pothole.
- 17Devil Track River
Deep canyon carved through volcanic rock
- 18Kadunce River
Narrow slot canyon accessible via short spur trail.
- 19Grand Marais
Trail town with full services. Last major resupply before northern terminus.
- 20Border Route Trail Junction
Intersection with 65-mile Border Route Trail to BWCAW.
- 21Grand Portage State Park
High Falls of Pigeon River, Minnesota's tallest waterfall at 120 feet.
- 22Mount Josephine
Last major summit with views into Canada.
- 23270-Degree Overlook (Northern Terminus)
Northern terminus with panoramic views
Walk 310 miles along the ancient volcanic ridge above Lake Superior. It is America's most accessible and rewarding long-distance trail.
About this permit
The Superior Hiking Trail is a 300-mile footpath following the rocky ridgeline of the Sawtooth Mountains along Minnesota's North Shore of Lake Superior. From its southern terminus near the Wisconsin border to the 270-degree Overlook near Canada, the trail offers constant views of the world's largest freshwater lake. The Superior Hiking Trail Association, the nonprofit that maintains it, counts 300 miles of main trail and 41 miles of spur trail.
No agency issues a permit for this trail, and no agency manages it end to end. It crosses national forest, state parks, state, county and municipal land, and more than 80 private properties, all by landowner permission. The SHTA states plainly that there are no reservations, fees or permits required to use its 94 backcountry campsites, which are first-come, first-served and expected to be shared.
Two real obligations sit outside that, and both belong to Minnesota state parks rather than to the trail: state park campsites along the route must be reserved and paid for in advance, and a park sticker is required to park overnight at a trailhead inside a state park.
The trail climbs to 1,829 feet and drops to 602 feet.
The route
The trail begins near the Wisconsin border and climbs through the rolling terrain of the Sawtooth Mountains. For 310 miles, it follows the ridgeline overlooking Lake Superior, crossing countless rivers cascading toward the big lake. Eight state parks punctuate the journey, offering resupply and rest. The trail ends at the 270-Degree Overlook near the Canadian border, where it connects to the Border Route Trail for those seeking more.
Why it matters
The Superior Hiking Trail represents decades of volunteer trail-building passion. It showcases the unique geology and ecology of the North Shore while providing accessible wilderness for thru-hikers of all experience levels.
The feeling
The trail is relentlessly rolling: a constant rhythm of steep ascents and descents over volcanic ridgeline. Through the trees, Lake Superior appears and disappears, its vast blue expanse a reminder that you're walking the edge of an ancient ocean. At night, the northern lights sometimes dance above your camp.
SHT Thru-Hike hike highlights
- Constant elevation change: 'roller coaster' terrain throughout
- 94 backcountry campsites with no reservations or fees
- Frequent water crossings on bridges and rocks
- Eight state parks with developed camping options
- Resupply towns are off the trail, not on it: the SHTA says reaching them means walking in or finding a ride
- Heavy mosquito and tick activity in summer
How hard the SHT Thru-Hike hike is
- Physical DemandFitness and endurance required4/5
- Technical SkillClimbing, scrambling, or specialized skills2/5
- Exposure RiskSteep dropoffs and fall potential2/5
- NavigationRoute finding and trail clarity2/5
- CommitmentDifficulty of bailing out mid-route4/5
Best for: Aspiring thru-hikers looking for an accessible first long trail. Experienced backpackers seeking a well-maintained trail with regular resupply options.
Recommended experience: Should have completed multi-day backpacking trips. Previous thru-hiking experience helpful but not required. Good fitness base for the constant climbing.
Not recommended for: Those who dislike constant elevation change, hikers bothered by mosquitoes, anyone expecting flat terrain.
When to hike SHT Thru-Hike
Best time to visit
September to early October offers the best conditions: fall colors, fewer bugs, and moderate temperatures. Summer brings heavy mosquitoes and humidity. Spring offers waterfalls at peak flow but muddy trails and bugs.
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (602 ft)
Backcountry Tips
- Day 7: Freezing temps at elevation. Bring insulation even if warm below.
Today
56°
55°
55%
Wed
63°
55°
Thu
65°
45°
Fri
62°
40°
Sat
52°
46°
27%
Sun
58°
41°
22%
Mon
58°
36°
SHT Thru-Hike photography guide
Golden Hour
Lake Superior sunrises are legendary. Plan to be at an overlook. Fall colors peak in late September with dramatic views from any ridgetop.
Best Light
Morning light on Lake Superior creates the best conditions. The iconic North Shore waterfalls photograph well in any light with long exposures.
Beat the Crowds
The northern half of the trail sees far fewer hikers than the southern sections near Duluth. Weekday hiking and September timing offer the best solitude.
Classic Shots
- Lake Superior from Carlton Peak
- Split Rock Lighthouse from the trail
- Fall colors on the Sawtooth ridge
- High Falls of Tettegouche
- Northern lights above a backcountry camp
- Sunrise over Lake Superior
SHT Thru-Hike rules, gear and safety
Gear checklist
Required- Water filter (streams are abundant but need treatment)
- Rain gear (North Shore weather is unpredictable)
- Layers (temperature swings are dramatic)
- DEET or permethrin for mosquitoes and ticks
- Trail map or GPS (many trail junctions)
Recommended gear
- Trekking poles for rocky terrain
- Gaiters for wet conditions
- Bear canister or hang system (black bears present)
- Tick key or tweezers
- Camera for Lake Superior views
Rules & regulations
- 01No permits required anywhere on the trail
- 02No fees for backcountry campsites
- 03Stealth camping prohibited: use designated sites only
- 04Expect to share campsites with other groups
- 05Campfires in fire rings only (when conditions permit)
- 06Pack out all trash including food waste
- 07No camping within Duluth city limits (use paid campgrounds)
Hazards & considerations
- Black bears: proper food storage required
- Heavy mosquito and tick activity May-August
- Slippery rock and root-covered trail
- Stream crossings can be dangerous after heavy rain
- Hypothermia risk from sudden weather changes
- Limited cell service except near towns
- Almost no SHTA camping through the Duluth segment: the SHTA names one campsite at the Red River near the southern terminus and none again until north of the segment, which it measures at 54.7 miles from the Minnesota border through the city
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for SHT Thru-Hike.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for SHT Thru-Hike · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
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SHT Thru-Hike FAQ
How do I get a SHT Thru-Hike permit?
SHT Thru-Hike is issued directly by the agency. The Superior Hiking Trail needs no permit. The Superior Hiking Trail Association: "There are no permits, fees, or reservations needed to stay at an SHT campsite." Camp at the designated campsites, which keeps you off private land. Where the trail crosses a state park, those campsites take a reservation and a fee through the state parks, so book them before you stay. Bring backup dates and check their page for the current process.
When is the best time to visit SHT Thru-Hike?
Season dates are on the agency's page. Weekdays have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the SHT Thru-Hike permit?
This permit has a demand score of 5/10, making it moderately competitive.
What if I can't get a SHT Thru-Hike permit?
The agency awards this permit directly. Bring backup dates and check the official page for the current process and any closures.
SHT Thru-Hike trail conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions
No active conditions reported
Sign in to report trail conditions.
Questions
No questions yet
Be the first to ask about SHT Thru-Hike.
Trip Reports
Write ReportAlternatives to a SHT Thru-Hike permit
- Similar ExperienceNo permit needed
Traditional Thru-Hike (248 miles)
Start at Martin Road to skip the Duluth section that lacks free camping.
Tradeoffs
The SHTA measures the northern Duluth city limits to the northern terminus at 248 miles of main trail. Skips the southern segment, where SHTA campsites are almost absent.
- Easier AlternativeNo permit needed
Section Hiking
Complete the trail in multiple trips over weekends or weeks.
Tradeoffs
More flexible scheduling. Many trailheads with road access make this easy.
- Easier AlternativeNo permit needed
State Park Point-to-Point
Hike between North Shore state parks for 3-5 day trips with developed camping.
Tradeoffs
More amenities and security. Still captures the best scenery.
Where to stay near SHT Thru-Hike
- Gooseberry Falls State Park Group CampGooseberry Falls State Park
- Gooseberry Falls State Park Gooseberry Falls CampgroundGooseberry Falls State Park
- Split Rock Lighthouse State Park Remote CampsitesSplit Rock Lighthouse State Park
- All Minnesota campgrounds
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