Join us on a breathtaking multi-day backpacking adventure along the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) in northern Minnesota, where rugged wilderness meets the stunning beauty of Lake Superior’s North Shore. This trail winds through lush forests, passing by cascading waterfalls and rushing rivers, with panoramic views of the vast lake and its rocky coastline. Along the way, explore serene inland lakes, vibrant green woodlands, and the peaceful solitude of the North Woods. Whether you’re following the trail’s steep climbs or strolling through tranquil valleys, the SHT offers an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventurers alike.

Trip Details

Trip Type: 5-Day Guided Backpacking Trip

Trail Section: Temperance State Park to Cascade State Park

Highlights:

• Temperance River Falls
• Carlton Peak
• Mystery Mountain
• Lake Agnes
• Lookout Mountain

When: June 18th – 22nd, 2025

Trip difficulty: ★★★★★

Mileage: 30 – 35 miles total trip miles

Group Size: 5 – 8 guests, 2 guides (Minimum 5 required to run the trip)

Cost: $600 (payment plans available)

Trip Itinerary

Day 1

Hiking Distance:  0 

Meet at the Cascade State Park Group Site. (Group Campground 2) after 4pm. We will spend the night in the State Park Group Site. We will have introductions, gear check, and dinner after setting up camp. Short sunset hike to Lake Superior. And maybe some Northern Lights before we hit the tents and get a good night sleep before the start of our journey. 

Day 2

Meet at Lookout Mountain Trailhead at 7:30am. This is like .3 miles from the group campsite. The shuttle will pick us up at 8am and deliver us to Temperance State Park Trailhead. 

Section: Temperance State Park to West Leveaux Pond Campsite

Hiking Distance: 9 miles

Highlights: Hike along the Temperance River Gorge and up to Carlton Peak. The Temperance River Gorge features dramatic waterfalls and churning rapids cutting through ancient basalt rock, creating mesmerizing scenery around every bend. Then we climb to Carlton Peak with sweeping vistas of Lake Superior and the surrounding forested hills. Carlton Peak is one of “The Best” views on the North Shore.

Day 3

Section: West Leveaux Pond Campsite to West Poplar River Campsite

Hiking Distance: 10 Miles – Includes side trip

Highlights: Begin with serene views of Leveaux Pond before traversing Lutsen Mountain including Moose Mountain. Continue past Mystery Mountain’s lush forests and rugged terrain, offering a touch of the wild. Enjoying time at the powerful Poplar River. 

Day 4

Section: West Poplar River Campsite to Spruce Creek Campsite

Hiking Distance:  10 Miles

Highlights: Start the day off with 3 amazing overlooks of Poplar River Valley. Pause at Lake Agnes, known as the best lake on the trail, for a refreshing swim and a scenic lunch by its pristine waters. Continue your journey through diverse landscapes, culminating at Spruce Creek Campsite, nestled in a majestic cedar grove. A favorite among trail guides, this serene spot offers a peaceful end to a day filled with natural beauty and adventure.

Day 5

Section: Spruce Creek Campsite to Lookout Mountain Trailhead

Hiking Distance:  6 Miles

Highlights: Start off ascending to the ridgeline of birch, spruce, fir cedar, and pine. Lookout overlook gives us sweeping views inland and of Lake Superior. It is a great ending to a great trip. We will take the famous “96 steps” before ending an SHT adventure.

Back at our cars we will celebrate our achievement! 

What’s Included

• • National Park Permit and Fees

  • Camping night one at Cascade State Park

  • Backpacking Guidebook with everything you need to know about the trip

  • Shuttle to starting trailhead

• • 1 Group ZOOM call discussing gear, food, and a Q&A

• • 1 one-on-one call with a lead guide to review health history, gear and answer any questions

• • Equipment List 

  • Training Guidelines

• • 1 Wilderness First Responder Certified Lead Guides

• • 1 Wilderness First Aid Certified Assistant Guide

• • 2 x Group First Aid Kits

• • Satellite GPS beacon for communication and rescue

  • Walkie-Talkies for on trail communication

      What’s Not Included –

• • Flights & Transportation to all trailheads and parks
  • Minnesota State Parking Permit – You will need a 5 day parking permit to park at the trailhead.

• • Rescue Insurance

• • All Food, Snacks and Beverages

• • All Backpacking Equipment

• • Lodging before and after the trip

• • Guide gratuity – Tipping is optional but customary. (Industry recommends 10-20% of trip cost)

Sold Out 

Return to trips page

Terms and Conditions-

“Trips are subject to itinerary changes based on a variety of circumstances beyond our control, including, but not limited to permit or campsite availability, snowpack, river crossings, wildlife, park or land closures, flooding and forest fires. The price of a hiking trip will never change due to itinerary changes. Payments are not refundable for itinerary changes or park or land closures. If a trip is cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control and no alternate itinerary is available a trip credit will be issued equal to the full amount paid minus any nonrefundable expenses incurred by the Company.”