Duluth to Two Harbors Construction

SHTA to Continue Construction of Last Segment of Trail Between Duluth and Two Harbors in 2008

SHTA is excited to continue the next big phase of trail construction, the Duluth to Two Harbors section. Trail planners decided the best section to build first is the 19-mile stretch from the current start of the SHT at Lake County Road 301 southwest to the Rossini Road. It will take two years to build this section. New trail construction was off to a good start in 2007 with almost 8 miles of trail constructed.

The Route: The route will go along scenic Silver Creek, where two campsites will be located. It will then travel through Lake County forestlands alternating between maple forests and birch-aspen-fir-spruce forests. The trail will go along the Stewart River, where another campsite will be located, and will then connect to the Lake County Demonstration Forest trails, where a whole system of interpretive hiking trails are located. From there the trail will cross the Knife and Little Knife rivers where a couple more campsites will be located before coming to a trailhead on the Rossini Road.

The route will require the placement of about 5 bridges over 20 feet and five smaller bridges. It will also require boardwalk through some wetter areas.

Volunteer: For 2008, we first need to finish a section of trail near Silver Creek that was started in 2007. Then it’s on to the next section to be constructed, an eight-mile stretch from the Reeves Road to the Lake County Demonstration Forest. This beautiful trail section will travel through varied northwoods forests with some views and a connection to the Lake County demonstration forest with additional trails and interpretation of natural, cultural and management features.

Mark Van Hornweder will take the lead in finishing up the Silver Creek section. Then Rob Marohn and the Minnesota Conservation Corps will take the lead on the eight-mile section.

Because this section of trail is more remote, we will again be hosting camping weekends for trail building in 2008. For each work weekend, you can sign up to work Saturday only, Sunday only, or both days. Work will be from 9-4 on Saturdays and 9-3 on Sundays. All volunteers will be treated to a Saturday evening picnic supper.

May 17th and 18th: Camping at the Two Harbors Campground. Meet at the Two Harbors Campground 9:00 both days. At Hwy 61 milepost 26.1, turn right on Burlington Bay Road and take first left into campground.

June 28 and 29th: Camping at Korkki Nordic Ski Area. Meet at Korkki at 9:00 both days. From Hwy 61 milepost 14.9, turn left on Homestead Road and go 2.4 miles. Turn left on Korkki Road and go 0.5 miles to Korkki Nordic on right.

July 26th and 27th: Camping at Korkki Nordic Ski Area. Meet at Korkki at 9:00 both days. See directions above.

August 16th and 17th: Camping at Korkki Nordic Ski Area. Meet at Korkki at 9:00 both days. See directions above.

There are many different construction tasks, from raking, clipping small brush close to the ground, throwing brush off the trail to treadway construction so don’t feel you have to be highly skilled to volunteer. Training will be provided on treadway construction.

Wear long-sleeves, long pants, and sturdy boots. Bring beverages, your lunch, mosquito repellant and gloves if you have them. Tools will be provided.

You can camp Friday night, Saturday night, or both nights. Breakfast will be served Saturday and Sunday mornings as will Saturday supper but you will need to bring your lunch for both days.

We are also looking for two people for each campout to help with meals. This isn’t too much work and is actually a lot of fun!

You need to sign up in advance for each work weekend so we’ll know how many to plan for. Please sign up by the Thursday before the weekend. Thanks!

REI generously provided a grant to help out with trail construction and the weekend campouts for the 2007 season. Many thanks to REI!

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