SHT users can continue to cross the river at the former bridge site when water levels are low, or by using the Gitchi-Gami State Trail bridge near Highway 61. Copyright Privacy Information Policy Ticketing Policy, make your reservation through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. 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. If you plan to spend the night, make sure to make your reservation through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources ahead of time. This popular trail is a 205-mile route, signed and well maintained, extending from Duluth to the Canadian border. If you hear logging equipment in the area do not approach them. 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. The bridge is out but the water was slow and you can find some rocks to hop over on. The Split Rock Trail is a coastal trail that reminds me of the Lighthouse Trail on Grand Manan Island but is much easier to access. The 9th Edition Guidebook and the Databook both list which trailheads are accessible in winter. The first 100 yards to Oberg are severely eroded and the footing is unstable. Do not rely on this parking lot being accessible, and do not park on Highway 61 here. This 11.3 mile trek takes off from Split Rock Wayside and traverses the Merrill Grade, a historic logging railroad, as you head towards the ridgeline to the north of the famous state park. The Superior Shuttle runs a shuttle service throughout the year. There are several SHT campsites that I think as some of the best on the entire trail! Hotels near Gooseberry Falls State Park Hotels near Split Rock Lighthouse Hotels near Two Harbors Lighthouse Hotels near Split Rock Lighthouse State Park Hotels near Superior Hiking Trail Hotels near Iona's Beach Scientific and Natural Area Hotels near Stoney Point Hotels near Hellacious Overlook Hotels near The Lake County Historical Society Museum Hotels near 3M Dwan Musem The Duluth natural surface trails are now open! Our first back-to-back hike of the season kicks off with a big day on the Trail. The Superior Hiking Trail is a 310-mile trail that takes you along the North Shore of Minnesota. Split Rock Lighthouse Trail. Superior Hiking Trail hikers will have to detour south towards the Tettegouche Park Visitors Center to cross the river on the park road bridge. Please use caution crossing the creek near the Springdale Creek Campsite. Traverses park of historic logging railroad. Directions to Split Rock River Wayside: On Hwy. Lunch spot: Christmas Tree Ridge Overlook 6 miles . Please do not ever hike on groomed ski trails! Like the Encampment River, this creek is rarely high. The loop trail is not possible as the bridge is out. Due to park construction, the campground and park entrance road will completely close August 15 - September 1, 2022. Please use caution while using these structures. Trails traverse cobblestones beaches and adjacent forests; giving way to vantage points for viewing lighthouse. We stopped twice by waterfalls to enjoy them. Split Rock rolls and bounces, cascading and tumbling to its mouth on Lake Superior. 6/16 -This was a great trail! This landmark is only six miles south of Split Rock Lighthouse State Park and is known to offer one of the most popular waterfalls that includes the Upper, Middle and Lower Falls that . As alwaysbring water and be prepared for changing weather. There are so many beautiful views on this hike! Bridges are washed out between Falls Campsite and The Ledge Campsite along the Cross River. Normanna Road Trailhead to Reservoir Road. Photo: Andrew Gustin. 218-226-6372 The Split Rock Loop Trail is easily accessible and well marked. The bridge over High Falls on the Baptism River is closed due to flood damage. . Since 1910, it's been lighting the way for ships on the North Shore and served as a popular tourist attraction. Cross Highway 61 and walk 1.2 miles north on Blueberry Hill Road to connect to the SHT and then continue east on the SHT to Split Rock River Wayside. The section passing through Split Rock Lighthouse State Park spans 14.6 miles, from the lakeshore at Gooseberry Falls State Park to the Beaver River in Beaver Bay. The trails travel through a variety of terrain and forest types and offer a unique opportunity to experience the "wild side" of the Lake Champlain Valley. During high water events, the force of the water can undercut creek and river banks on which the Trail and bridge abutments are built and the structure could be compromised but not visible to the eye. Caribou River Wayside: This has been sporadically plowed some years, but this year its been mostly unplowed. The trail was incredibly muddy. The trail on the app was super confusing. You'll need to leave pups at home dogs aren't allowed on this trail. Whether youre staying a week or a weekend, the park offers plenty of tent camping sites for your enjoyment. Split Rock Lighthouse State Park and Tettegouche State Park. 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. Maybe Ill try it again sometime in the future. Also in comparison to posted trail maps the whole thing seemed backwards. Wonderful - mud - rocks - washed out bridge- plank walks - waterfalls - river and beauty all around! Great tour guides from the lighthouse. Wet and sloppy in areas - but you can navigate around the wet and mud. If conditions warm and cause the top layer of soil to melt, the trails will close again until colder temperatures return. Shuttles outside the set schedule can also be arranged. It offers 310 miles of rugged terrain along the North Shore, with sweeping views of Lake Superior, cascading waterfalls, secluded lakes, endless boreal forests and close encounters with wildlife. The Superior Hiking Trail includes 93 backcountry campsites and largely traverses public land. But it crosses about 50 sections of private property. Contacts Land Manager: Minnesota DNR Parks and Trails Shared By: Zander Gpfert Full Details Trail Ratings #1 hiking trail - Split Rock Loop Trail and it's red rocks Hi, This loop trail alongside the Split Rock river and Superior Hiking Trail and just south of the actual Light House it's accessible and free to hike and park. Nice and easy! Want to report conditions for this trail? After 0.2 miles, spur trail to main SHT is on left across Hwy 61. Duluth Trail Restrictions (TRAILS ARE OPEN). Encampment River area has experienced a large slump near the river crossing. The trail is characterized by ascents to rock outcroppings and cliffs, and descents . 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. 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. Lots of stairs down to the water. We saw an eagle flying upstream. While we will no longer work to build a bridge at Split Rock, we remain focused on ensuring the safety of trail users and the integrity of the SHT experience. Many trail users have crossed the river at the former bridge site during low water. This trail loops around Split Rock River with a bridge that crosses the river at the half way point. John Keefover's itinerary for a Northbound Thru-Hike of the Superior Hiking Trail in Northern Minnesota. The new trail passes close to the Fault Line Creek campsite. The trail is a two-mile (3.2-km) loop and total elevation gain is approximately 150 feet (46 m). This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 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. The Superior Hiking Trail, also known as the SHT, is a 310-mile (500 km) . The SHT still crosses under I35 on the DWP Trail. The bridge across the river to make this a loop appears to be out and crossing wasnt an option so it was an in and out. 12.19.2015 - 12.20.2015Josh and I (Cooper) head out for a quick overnight on the Split Rock River Loop on the Superior Hiking Trail.Check out Josh's videos f. Also, about 2.6 miles in, theres a downed tree on the trail. Basically this Merrill logging company, now modern day Merrill and Ring Lumber Company built the railroad in the late 1800's, early 1900's. These logging companies also started the now ghostown townsite of Splitrock Minnesota. 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 :). If you're not familiar with . You'll need to leave pups at home dogs aren't allowed on this trail. . You'll travel through rolling hills, eight Minnesota state parks, old-growth forests, and the city of Duluth. Suggest edits to improve what we show. Labels: Split Rock Lighthouse, Superior Hiking Trail. In the end, the weightiest and most intertwined factors shaping the Boards decision were cost, complexity and regulations, as well as a focus on the majority of SHT users. 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. ).The round trip is about an hour. See the Lake Superior State Trail for information on the incredible scenery, paddle-in campsites, and numerous adjacent state parks for exploration. The reroute is an amazing trail that frames both sides of Stewart Creek with a short stretch along the DWP Trail crossing an incredible bridge with fantastic views. This trail is ideal for an afternoon adventure. (You didn't here that from me). This happens on occasion and we will clear it soon or in worst case scenario it will be clear in the next annual cycle. What restaurants are near Split Rock Loop Trail? A bit muddy. The Superior Hiking Trail travels along the scenic river past numerous falls for 2.5 miles, . There is a separate stream called Split Rock Creek nearby. Visitors can cart-in their supplies to pristine campsites along Lake Superior. Split Rock Wayside to Beaver Bay, 11.3 miles. Many trailheads are not plowed in the winter and some roads to our northernmost trailheads are unplowed. However there is reported to be a good flow <.25 Mi to the north at a Carlson Creek crossing. This is a popular trail for hiking, running, and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Mostly walking through woods along the Split River. Be aware that there are crews working in the area. The Gooseberry Gap Reroute is complete! The Split Rock Mountain Trails at the South End of the Wild Forest Area. Visit the trail center, which has a wood stove and a great view of the shore. 7/14/19 Beautiful and easy hike that gives you gorgeous views of the lighthouse from below! Take a fat tire bike ride along the shoreline and see the frosty lake, or strap on your snowshoes and hike over to the frozen waterfalls. On your way, make sure to stop and listen to the sounds of Lake Superior and grab a photo or two. We have experienced heavy snow, ice and wind on the Trail this winter. 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