Exploring the Split Rock River Loop
One of the most prominent landmarks of Lake Superior's North Shore is Split Rock Lighthouse, acting as a bastion set on a massive cliff overlooking the lake. For many traveling along the shore, a visit to the cliff and a pie from the Rustic Inn are quintessential parts of any northern road trip. While seeing the lighthouse and learning the history of shipping on the Big Lake are important, many are missing out on one of the most accessible and beautiful wild camping spots on the scenic highway.
The name of the Split Rock Lighthouse is far from haphazard, drawing its moniker from a spire of basalt jutting into the Split Rock River, a tributary dumping into Lake Superior just south of the lighthouse. Following the path of the river lies one of the most underrated hiking and wild camping trails on the North Shore, the Split Rock River loop.
Photo Courtesy of Howard Ignatius
Beginning from a pull-off on the North Shore Scenic Highway where the river meets the great lake, the Split Rock Trail can be explored either as a longer loop or as a standard out-and-back to the twin pillars for which it is named. Much of the trail is inside of the Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, and those who choose to complete an out-and-back can do so while staying within the park. Doing so will provide picturesque views of the Split Rock River canyon lined with pines as the ancient tributary etches its way through the north shore
However, what truly makes the trail a gem of the north is the fact that just as the trail exits the State Park and one enters the Superior National Forest, one is able to wild camp. This is a truly rugged experience, as the wild camping rules in the National Forest require tents to be pitched 100 feet away from any designated campsites and water sources. For those looking to camp on the river, several designated campsites exist including the Northwest and Southwest Split Rock River sites. It is this diversity that makes the Split Rock River Trail such an under rated and undervalued well of adventure hiding in plain sight just miles from a heavily popular state landmark.
