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Guided Hikes  

SHTA GUIDED HIKE PROGRAM: The 2010 SHTA Guided Hike Program will offer ten hikes throughout the year on different sections of trail, highlighting newly completed sections. There will be two events with a family focus; the National Trails Day celebration in June, and the Hike for Health in September. Also in September, an opportunity to participate in two days of hiking on the more remote end of the trail. The complete schedule is listed below.

All SHTA hikes begin at 10:00 a.m. rain or shine. All hikes are free of charge and open to the public. Each hike is led by a member of the Superior Hiking Trail Association and includes an orientation and briefing by an area naturalist. Wear sturdy boots or hiking shoes, bring lunch, beverages and insect repellant.

February 20 Showshoe Hike 10:00 a.m. Caribou River Wayside to Sugarloaf Road

4.4 miles. Snowshoe along the cascading Caribou River, then climb to the ridge thru a beautiful birch forest with occasional views of Lake Superior. At the Sugarloaf Road, walk down the road to the Sugarloaf Cove Interpretive Center. Meet at the Center parking lot, Hwy 61 milepost 73, lake side of the highway.

March 6 Showshoe Hike 10:00 a.m. New section - Gun Club Road to County 301 Trailhead

3.4 miles. The trail moves through mixed forests to scenic Silver Creek, following the creek with views of snow-draped white pine on the opposite bank. Meet at the County Road 301 Trailhead. At Hwy 61 milepost 28.5, turn left on Lake Co. Rd 3 and go 2 miles. Turn left on Lake Co. Rd 301 (Fors Rd) and go 0.3 miles to the parking lot on left.

May 15 10:00 a.m. New section - Jay Cooke Grand Portage Trail Trailhead to Jay Cooke State Park Visitor Center

6.6 miles. Highlights include views of the St. Louis River Valley, groves of white pine trees and following the historic portage route along the St. Louis River. A great opportunity to look for spring wild flowers. Meet at the Jay Cooke State Park Visitor Center. 1) From the south: take I-35 Carlton Exit #235 and go east (right) on Hwy. 210 5.5 miles to Visitor Center. 2) From the north: take I-35 Co. Rd. 1 Thompson/Esko Exit #242. Turn left on Co. Rd 1 (Thomson Road) and go 3.4 miles to intersection with Hwy. 210. Turn left on Hwy 210 and go 1.6 miles to Visitor Center. A Minnesota state park sticker is required. It can be purchased at the park visitor center.

June 5 10:00 a.m National Trails Day Trail Celebration Event will be held in Duluth with 3 hikes to choose from; long, short, or family hike. Final details will be published at a later date.

July 17 10:00 a.m. New section - Rossini Road to Fox Farm East

6.4 miles. This relatively level section features the lovely west branch of the Knife River, one of the major river systems in St. Louis County. One of the highlights is a series of old beaver ponds with 28-inch diameter beaver-chewed trees dotting the trail. The trail rises in a couple of places for views of the surrounding countryside and Lake Superior, 12 miles away. Meet at Fox Farm Road, East Trailhead. From Hwy. 61 milepost 14.9, turn north (inland) on Homestead Rd. (Co. Rd. 42) and go 5.75 miles. Turn left (west) on West Knife River Rd. and go 0.5 miles. Turn right (north) on App Rd. and go 1.5 miles to intersection with Two Harbors Rd on right. App Rd. changes to Fox Farm Rd. at this intersection. Continue straight (north) on Fox Farm Rd. 0.9 miles to trailhead parking lot on left.

August 21 10:00 a.m. New section - Lake County Demonstration Forest to Reeves Road

11.0 miles. The highlights of this section start with the Lake County Demonstration forest, which has an interesting collection of hiking trails, including an interpretive loop. The relatively level section also features several old growth maple forests and the scenic Stewart River. Meet at the Reeves Road Trailhead. At Hwy 61 milepost 26 in Two Harbors, turn north on Hwy 2 (Lake Cty Rd 2) and go 5.5 miles. Turn left at Reeves Road and take an immediate left into the trailhead parking lot.

September 18 10:00 a.m. Jackson Lake Road to Otter Lake Road

8.7 miles. The trail reaches its highest elevation of 1829 feet on this section. It includes a scenic old growth maple forest and overlooks of Jackson Lake and Swamp River valley. Challenging with steep ascents and descents. Meet at the Otter Lake Rd trailhead parking lot. At Hwy 61 milepost 128.9, turn north on Arrowhead Trail and go 4.5 miles to Jackson Lake Road. Turn right on Jackson Lake Rd and go 8.4 miles. At T-stop, turn left on Otter Lake Rd and go 2 miles to trailhead parking lot.

September 19 10:00 a.m. Jackson Lake Road to Arrowhead Trail

5.1 miles. The trail descends creek valleys and climbs rocky ridges with great views of Lake Superior and Isle Royale. Meet at the trailhead parking lot on Arrowhead Trail (Co Rd 16). At Hwy 61 milepost 128.9 turn north on Arrowhead Trail and go 3.3 miles to parking lot.

September 25th -Hike for Health Location and details published at a later date.

October 9 10:00 a.m. Sonju Lake Road to Finland Recreation Center

7.5 miles. A beautiful hike through maple forests. Hike along the east branch of the Baptism River and by Sonju Lake (with an island you can walk out to) and Egge Lake. Meet at the trailhead parking lot at the Finland Rec Center. From Hwy 61 milepost 59.3 go 6.2 miles on Hwy 1 through Finland. Turn right on Co Rd 7 and go 1.3 miles to parking lot by ball field just past Rec Center.

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