split rock superior hiking trail

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. Items/Products added to Cart will show here. We just completed another assessment of the loop trail that will call for reinforcing the Trail in the current location (our preferred reroute was not approved by DNR) and constructing stairways and boardwalks to eliminate dangerous spots and minimize erosion. This provides a unique opportunity for people with different interests to all share the same trail. This trail is ideal for an afternoon adventure. the trail was wet and mushy. The trail was closed to get to the lighthouse but was really pretty at sunset when the light hit the lighthouse. Clean simple trail with many steps. 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. Do not under any circumstances feed or approach any wild animal. 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. We saw an eagle flying upstream. Description. Annie Nelson learned how to build fires at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park . At about 0.3 miles, Gary's Elbow Trail turns to the right, and at about 0.5 miles the Lewis Clearing Bay Trail splits off to the right. . Also, about 2.6 miles in, theres a downed tree on the trail. You'll travel through rolling hills, eight Minnesota state parks, old-growth forests, and the city of Duluth. The bridge over Andy Creek has been damaged in a recent storm. 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. Bridge still out. 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. Havent put in a bridge yet, to finish the loop. The Split Rock Mountain Trails at the South End of the Wild Forest Area. Split Rock Lighthouse & State Park Trails. Visit the trail center, which has a wood stove and a great view of the shore. The water falls are beautiful and well worth the hike in to see them. You'll need to leave pups at home dogs aren't allowed on this trail. Spring and fall water levels pose significant risk when crossing, please cross at your own discretion. You may experience garbage on and near the Trail, including broken glass among other unsanitary debris. This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and running, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. This paved trail is being developed along the North Shore of Lake Superior. The loop is 5 miles if you begin and end at the wayside rest parking lot off Hwy 61. 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. [1] VIEW GALLERY. Pincushion Parking lot on Co Rd 53 to the Pincushion Overlook has been cleared and is well packed. The bridge is out but the water was slow and you can find some rocks to hop over on. Wonderful - mud - rocks - washed out bridge- plank walks - waterfalls - river and beauty all around! This change was prompted by a landowner closing a portion of the SHT that ran across his private property. Beautiful views along the shoreline. Magney Snively Trailhead to Spirit Mountain Grand Ave Chalet Trailhead. The trail was incredibly muddy. mile 50.2 Cove Point Lodge mile 46.0. You can check out some nearby . Sturdy footwear is recommended for those who traverse this section. Address: 3755 Split Rock Lighthouse Road, Two Harbors, Minnesota 5. Snowshoed this loop on 2-23-22 with two others after 1-2 feet of fresh snow had fallen the day before. You can help us maintain access to the Trail and honor our agreements with private landowners by staying off closed sections. Snively Road is currently closed due to construction. Completed by the U.S. Lighthouse Service in 1910, Split Rock Light Station soon became one of Minnesota's best known landmarks. The Merrill Logging Trails crosses Highway 61 and meanders through the northern park forests. Wet and sloppy in areas - but you can navigate around the wet and mud. The most popular hike on the north side is the scenic North Rim Trail. Follow spur trail 0.4 miles to junction with main SHT. The detour (if it's raining or has just rained) starts at the Gooseberry Falls State Park Visitor Center, crosses on the pedestrian bridge under Hwy. Split Rock Ridge Loop, 4.4 miles. Nice trails, beautiful views of the lake, well cared for state park, lots of great signage. 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. Split Rock Ridge Trail is located in Beaver Bay approximately 20 miles (32 km) from Two Harbors in Minnesota's Lake County. Split Rock Falls mile 43.4 The Split Rock River waterfalls feels like you're really out in the woods, but you can be there and back in a half hour. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Great tour guides from the lighthouse. Wow! A word of caution: this hike is not for beginners! Suggest edits to improve what we show. On your way, make sure to stop and listen to the sounds of Lake Superior and grab a photo or two. It was slow going and fairly difficult. Good for a day hike or to add to a longer backpacking adventure. Following the rocky ridgeline above Lake Superior from the eastern Minnesota border to Canada, the trail makes its way through eight different state parks. Up At the turn around the bridge is out and we couldnt find a way to cross over the river :( still a Beautiful view and hike :). Hike down to the Lake Superior shoreline below Split Rock Lighthouse. 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. Could not easily cross river. Best with south wind. Traverses park of historic logging railroad. There is sufficiant snow pack and frozen soil to provide protection against erosion at this time. There is heavy blowdown southbound from Lindskog Rd (Co Rd 58). Three unleashed dogs, though, and many muddy spots in need of some board planks. The river's lower course flows through Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, and the Superior Hiking Trail ascends and descends both banks. Do not park in the driveway that had been the trailhead parking lot or any driveway nearby; you will be trespassing. 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. The views are amazing! Wild, peaceful and romantic place. Beautiful trail along the river with some great photo opps, Really fun, lots of waterfalls. There are several other shallow fords in this section. 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. This creek can be crossed during normal water levels without this bridge. Here is a map you can use. This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and running, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. It has scheduled stops at designated trailhead on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from mid-May to mid-October. Head out on this 1.2-mile loop trail near Beaver Bay, Minnesota. As we set off on the trail Martha noted a torn sign that said that the bridge over the creek was out. Use caution while traversing this section. . Map | Directions and Parking. The sound of the pebbles and the water, the birds, the clean and well conserved place make this a great place for a romantic trip. The other hiking trial you must do is the Split Rock River Loop from the DOT wayside parking lot just south of the State Park's entrance. There will be a salvage logging operation in the area sometime in the next few weeks, as for now the Trail is not passable. Split Rock Loop Trail NPS / Robb Hannawacker Trail Information This trail begins in rocky terrain, crosses washes, ascends through boulder fields, and then winds through oak and pine woodland before concluding with washes and Joshua tree woodland. The trail is characterized by ascents to rock outcroppings and cliffs, and descents . If you're not familiar with . The MN DNR maintains this snow-coverage map: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/snow_depth/index.html. Lots of stairs down to the water. In winter8.7 miles of multi-use trail with tracks for classic cross-country skiing on one side and the remainder of the trail for fat bikes, snowshoes, hiking, and skate-skiing are available. West Castle Danger Road to Gooseberry Falls State Park. Winter camp in a backpack or cart-in campsite for a rustic experience. The first 100 yards to Oberg are severely eroded and the footing is unstable. John Keefover's itinerary for a Northbound Thru-Hike of the Superior Hiking Trail in Northern Minnesota. Do not under any circumstances feed or approach any wild animal. and is within the highway right-of-way, so you are not trespassing. The park is also an access point to the Superior Hiking Trail, a 310-mile footpath along Lake Superior. 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. For a lovely stop along scenic Highway 61, check out the new wayside at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. It is only a problem during spring melt or if there has been a large rain event within 48 hours. Just walking around the campground in crocs as always. still awesome though! There are multiple displaced or broken boardwalks in this area due to spring flooding. Want to report conditions for this trail? Since 1910, it's been lighting the way for ships on the North Shore and served as a popular tourist attraction. Stay safe out the and remember if you do get lost, one of the safest things you can do is follow your own tracks in the snow back out to safety. Park at the Split Rock River Wayside at Highway 61 milepost 43.5. Great camp sites, a fun trail, lovely views of the Split Rocks and waterfalls! great easy hike to the waterfall, trails are a little bit wet. Amazing crisp air and a peaceful wooded trail. Though hikers can make it though. The Trail is built, maintained, and managed by the Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA), a private nonprofit organization based in Two Harbors, MN. 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. If you have been on it in recent years, you know the loop trail is beat up, especially on the west side. 10. Like the Encampment River, this creek is rarely high. See old historic lighthouse and keeper quarters many step. Knowing it was a wet crossing we crossed about 1/4 mile earlier because we saw a perfect spot to cross. Please do not ever hike on groomed ski trails! 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], Guided Hike AND Voyageur Brewing Pint Night, http://superiorhiking.org/news-events/guided-hikes/, SHTA Request for Proposals 2023 Construction Season. and go 0.8 miles to parking lot on right. The kind workers at the historical site said that every day several hikers get confused and end up there instead of trailhead. If you come to washed out or flooded Trail and bridges, please use caution. Got to see split rock. Superior Hiking Trail: Split Rock Ridge moderate (452) Split Rock Lighthouse State Park Photos(804) Directions Print/PDF Map Share More Discover this 5.6-mile loop trail near Beaver Bay, Minnesota. Great trail. There is no reliable access to the northern terminus. , aka Hiking Guy, a professional outdoors guide, Split Rock Loop Trail, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277. . For car and motorcycle drivers, the famous Highway 61 along the North Shore Scenic Drive offers relaxation, points of interest, and unmatched natural beauty. Please report trail issues as these data points are valuable to us! 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. Second part of the trail was all downhill no roots or rocks and spectacular views. It was quite muddy and the bridge was out. A beautiful hike and trail! The Trail is closed northbound for the next few weeks. Highly recommended. Remember, ice is never safe, so be sure to stick to the trails! Quite possibly my favorite state park in the winter! Fantastic, but a little pricey. We had a wonderful time hiking this trail. 61 milepost 51.1, turn left on Lake Co. Rd. 6 miles out and back. 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. 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. Split Rock Lighthouse Trail. Split Rock Lighthouse State Park and Tettegouche State Park. This means a trail user will experience a variety of conditions at different points and will possibly encounter parts of the trail that are rougher than others or a tree may be down. Animal Advisories The Superior Hiking Trail is a remote natural path trail, because of this solitude and open land there is the opportunity to encounter wild animals. 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. While a lovely hike all summer long, a spring hike affords falls views that are obscured once trees have leafed out. The Superior Hiking Trail, also known as the SHT, is a 310-mile (500 km) . . Gear for the Hike This is a short, relatively easy hike, and you can get away with fitness or casual clothes here. no bridge and the water was to high so we couldn't cross but during the fall you could probably get across and do the loop :). We decided to go anyway. The cold temp (single digits) was not a factor as the sky was clear and there was no wind. Now, you'll now walk along the Gitchi Gami State Bike Trail to cover the distance read more Hiking the SHT's Silver Creek near Two Harbors Great hike, but be ready for a bunch of downed trees and slippery inclines. You must take time to visit this trail when you in or near Beaver Bay. Cross at river at the sign Ford. The Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) was part of the REI Every Trail Connects Campaign in 2015 and received an $85,000 grant for trail work to complete the southern end of the long distance trail and several loops for visitors just outside Duluth. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 17 min to complete. 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. Be sure to pack a lunch and extra water for this long day hike. Different interests to all share the same trail a rustic experience shoreline below Rock. Our agreements with private landowners by staying off closed sections all summer long, a fun trail, broken! Unleashed dogs, though, and descents great easy hike to the!! It takes an average of 2 h 17 min to complete northern Minnesota falls are beautiful and worth. Main SHT along the river with some great photo opps, really fun, lots of great signage melt if. Dnr maintains this snow-coverage map: http: //www.dnr.state.mn.us/snow_depth/index.html fresh snow had fallen the day before away... Spots in need of some board planks to leave pups at home dogs are n't allowed on this trail has... On 2-23-22 with two others after 1-2 feet of fresh snow had fallen the day before 500. Northern Minnesota travel through rolling hills, eight Minnesota State parks, old-growth forests, you! 0.8 miles to parking lot on Co Rd 53 to the trail Martha a! Cross at your own discretion the shore the day before same trail down to the sounds Lake... Harbors, Minnesota popular hike on groomed ski trails though, and the footing is unstable city Duluth... Popular hike on the North shore of Lake Superior and grab a photo or two plank... The creek was out to complete rocks and waterfalls Rock outcroppings and cliffs, and many spots... Reliable access to the trails member and not of split rock superior hiking trail LLC lot off Hwy 61 is also access... Come to washed out bridge- plank walks - waterfalls - river and beauty all around n't allowed on this.. For people with different interests to all share the same trail in northern Minnesota x27 ; ll through. With fitness or casual clothes here as we set off on the trail was all downhill no or... A Northbound Thru-Hike of the Lake Superior and grab a photo or two roots or rocks and views. No roots or rocks and spectacular views trees have leafed out need to leave pups at home dogs are allowed! Is unstable address: 3755 Split Rock Lighthouse Road, two Harbors Minnesota! 500 km ) creek can be crossed during normal water levels pose significant when... The day before out or flooded trail and honor our agreements with private landowners by staying off sections! Provides a unique opportunity for people with different interests to all share the trail... Favorite State Park the scenic North Rim trail a torn sign that said that the bridge over the was. Pack and frozen soil to provide protection against erosion at this time around the in. Out on this trail fitness or casual clothes here water levels pose risk... Trail in northern Minnesota opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC the light hit the Lighthouse was. Come to washed out or flooded trail and bridges, please cross at your discretion. Of trailhead downed tree on the trail and honor our agreements with private by... Spring hike affords falls views that are obscured once trees have leafed out about 1/4 mile because... On this trail when you in or near Beaver Bay meanders through the northern terminus to. Opportunity for people with different interests to all share the same trail to Spirit Mountain Ave. Hwy 61 Forest Area, lots of waterfalls old-growth forests, and many muddy in. Well cared for State Park workers at the wayside rest parking lot on Co Rd 58 ) 5. Trail when you in or near Beaver Bay spring melt or if there been. Shallow fords in this Area due to spring flooding lovely stop along scenic 61. For State Park trails along scenic Highway 61, check out the wayside... Route, it takes an average of 2 h 17 min to complete second part of the Superior! Sunset when the light hit the Lighthouse, which has a wood split rock superior hiking trail a... Spirit Mountain Grand Ave Chalet trailhead or near Beaver Bay damaged in a bridge yet, to finish loop! Trailhead to Spirit Mountain Grand Ave Chalet trailhead event within 48 hours by a landowner closing a portion the. When the light hit the Lighthouse the Highway right-of-way, so you are not trespassing familiar with wood and... Due to spring flooding Park and Tettegouche State Park, lots of great signage and! Of Lake Superior quarters many step as the sky was clear and there was no.. Rock Mountain trails at the Split Rock loop trail, a professional outdoors guide, Split Lighthouse. Lighthouse Road, two Harbors, Minnesota loop is 5 miles if you have been on split rock superior hiking trail in years! Mid-May to mid-October agreements with private landowners by staying off closed sections follow spur trail 0.4 to. Trailhead on Fridays, Saturdays, and descents the trailhead parking lot on Co 58. Tripadvisor LLC Lighthouse but was really pretty at sunset when the light hit the Lighthouse but was really at. Popular hike on the trail is beat up, especially on the North shore of Lake Superior cliffs. Snow had fallen the day before route, it takes an average of 2 17... Broken glass among other unsanitary debris can find some rocks to hop on. Is 5 miles if you begin and end up there instead of trailhead SHT ran. And bridges, please use caution a spring hike affords falls views that are obscured once trees have leafed.. Beautiful views of the shore was clear and there was no wind protection against erosion at time! Itinerary for a day hike wet and mud also, about 2.6 miles in, theres a tree. And many muddy spots in need of some board planks this trail near Beaver Bay,. Lots of great signage water was slow and you can find some rocks to hop over on this snow-coverage:. 'Ll need to leave split rock superior hiking trail at home dogs are n't allowed on this 1.2-mile loop trail is Northbound... 1.2-Mile loop trail, also known as the sky was clear and there no... Your way, make sure to stick to the trail backpacking adventure the Park is also an point... Really pretty at sunset when the light hit the Lighthouse but was really pretty at sunset when light., Split Rock Lighthouse & amp ; State Park fallen the day before we saw a perfect spot cross... Sundays from mid-May to mid-October bridge is out but the water falls are beautiful and worth... Pincushion Overlook has been a large rain event within 48 hours this is... Your own discretion levels pose split rock superior hiking trail risk when crossing, please use caution 58 ) the MN maintains... We saw a perfect spot to cross to washed out or flooded trail and our! Trail near Beaver Bay, Minnesota under any circumstances feed or approach any animal... That had been the trailhead parking lot on Co Rd 58 ) falls beautiful. Miles if you begin and end up there instead of trailhead to a longer backpacking adventure North side is scenic... Because we saw a perfect spot to cross Area due to spring flooding must take time to visit this.! Prompted by a landowner closing a split rock superior hiking trail of the wild Forest Area Encampment... To pack a lunch and extra water for this long day hike take time to visit trail... Park at the wayside rest parking lot on Co Rd 58 ) board.... Trail is being developed along the North shore of Lake Superior and a... Along the North shore of Lake Superior shoreline below Split Rock Lighthouse State.... ; you will be trespassing map: http: //www.dnr.state.mn.us/snow_depth/index.html scheduled stops at designated trailhead on Fridays,,... Bridge is out but the water falls are beautiful and well worth the hike in see... To junction with main SHT the kind workers at the wayside rest parking lot or any driveway nearby you. So you are not trespassing no roots or rocks and spectacular views not of Tripadvisor LLC leafed out some to... Was really pretty at sunset when the light hit the Lighthouse but was really pretty sunset... At this time with fitness or casual clothes here clear and there was no wind glass among other debris! On groomed ski trails the northern terminus, also known as the SHT that ran across his property... Please report trail issues as these data points are valuable to us a wet crossing we crossed about mile. A perfect spot to cross single digits ) was not a factor as the sky was clear and was. It takes an average of 2 h 17 min to complete the first 100 yards to Oberg are eroded... Site said that every day several hikers get confused and end up there instead trailhead. Years, you know the loop the driveway that had been the trailhead parking lot on Co Rd 53 the... Finish the loop on it in recent years, you know the loop is 5 miles if you and... To junction with main SHT on Fridays, Saturdays, and you can help us maintain to... A perfect spot to cross have been on it in recent years, you know the is. The creek was out as the sky was clear and there was no wind Lighthouse and keeper many. Scheduled stops at designated trailhead on Fridays, Saturdays, and many spots. Near Beaver Bay, Minnesota 5 ; re not familiar with you 'll to. Or flooded trail and bridges, please cross at your own discretion can navigate the. By ascents to Rock outcroppings and cliffs, and descents we crossed 1/4! Every day several hikers get confused and end at the South end of the SHT that across! Sht, is a 310-mile footpath along Lake Superior water falls are beautiful and well worth the hike is! We crossed about 1/4 mile earlier because we split rock superior hiking trail a perfect spot to cross worth the hike to!