North Shore Gems: Temperance- Grand Marais

The North shore of Lake Superior has one of the most underrated and picturesque trail systems anywhere in the United States, highlighted by the arterial throughline of the Superior Hiking Trail. Running 300 miles on mainly public lands from Duluth, Minnesota, to the Canadian border, the trail is divided into six unique sections. The accessibility of the trail is prominent, running roughly parallel to the North Shore Scenic Highway.  While each section has much to offer, a great section for those looking to push without the 300-mile price tag is the Temperance River Wayside to Grand Marais stretch of the trail. 

The North Shore is an entirely unique landscape compared to anywhere in the nation, as countless tributaries fall hundreds of feet to the shores of Lake Superior. These streams saw their way through basalt fields, creating deep canyons along the way.  These creeks are some of the most beautiful aspects of the Superior Hiking Trail, and are the centerpiece of the section running from The Temperance to Grand Marais. 

The plus side of this is the fact that water is accessible and clean, making it perfect for a lightweight trek. Ambitious hikers can complete the trip in just two days, while others may choose to take their time exploring up into the riverbeds of both the Temperance and Cascade. One can also venture off the main trail to explore the many spur trails that lead to the great water of Gichigami. 

The trip can either be done with a shuttle or as a pickup, as one can park at both Pincushin Mountain and the Temperance River wayside. The route then rolls over multiple bluffs and hills, including Lutsen Mountain, home to one of the only ski resorts on the North Shore. Along the route, camp sites are additionally marketed and readily available, while Minnesota also has wild camping laws that allow for one to set up camp anywhere on the hundreds of miles of public land along the trail. Importantly, several portions of the section are without this freedom, both near Lutsen Mountain and within Cascade River State Park.  Regardless, the difficulty of the hike is characterized by gradual, consistent climbs and numerous river crossings that, while challenging, are deeply rewarding with some of the best views in the Midwest. 

Abstractions:

Cover Photo: Creative Commons Tony Webster.

Map: Open Source: Superior Hiking Trail