About the Trail

Q1:	I am wondering if a person has to be an Association member to go along on one of the hikes listed in the Calendar of events?
Q2:	Are there sections of the Trail where wildflowers can be found?
Q3:	Where Can I Park?
Q4:	Will I get lost?
Q5:	Where can I get SHT trail maps?
Q6:	What should I bring?
Q7:	What about footwear?
Q8:	What is the weather like?
Q9:	Are mountain bikes allowed on the Trail?
Q10:	Where can I get more information?
Q11:	Are dogs permitted on the trail?

Q1:	I am wondering if a person has to be an Association member to go along on one of the hikes listed in the Calendar of events?
A1:	The hikes are open to the public. Back to Top
Q2:	Are there sections of the Trail where wildflowers can be found?
A2:	Wildflowers can be found on all sections of the trail. Flowers vary from section to section and change all summer long. See the Flora and Fauna Photo Gallery. Back to Top
Q3:	Where Can I Park?
A3:	Hikers planning to spend several days on the Trail often ask where they can leave a car for several days. For the most up-to-date information on parking, consult the Guide. Each trailhead is listed with parking details. But here are some tips to help you make your plans. All State Waysides are posted for a 6 hour parking limit. No overnight parking is allowed at State Waysides, this includes, but is not limited to, the wayside areas at Gooseberry, Split Rock, Tettegouche, Caribou River, Temperance, and Cascade River. If you have an older version of the "Guide to the Superior Hiking Trail," there was reference to overnight allowed at the waysides. This is no longer the case. Vehicles may be left at parking areas within the State Parks -- a State Park permit is required. Park personnel ask that you check with them. They will tell you where to leave your car and also ask how long you plan to be gone. Most of the Trailhead parking areas that are not State Waysides allow overnight parking. Back to Top
Q4:	Will I get lost?
A4:	No, not if you are prepared. The Trail is well-signed with the logo you see at the top left of this page. The Trail is well-worn in many places but it is possible to have high grass in places that haven't been cleared recently. It is always a good idea to hike with SHT maps or with "The Guide to the Superior Hiking Trail, 2001 Edition." The Trail is very easy to follow in most locations, but there are few confusing places and a map will help you to stay on the trail. - Bill Dryborough Back to Top
Q5:	Where can I get SHT trail maps?
A5:	SHTA maps are available at a few stores in Minneapolis and Duluth and a many stores on the North Shore. They are also available at state park visitor centers. Since the Trail is linear in most places, how do I get from one end to the other without retracing my steps? There are a few ways to deal with this. - Go with a friend and park cars at both ends of your hike. - Go on an official SHTA hike, where there will be shuttles arranged. - Use the Superior Shuttle. It is a van which can carry up to 10 passengers at a time, packs and dogs too. It stops at most of the trailheads on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from mid-May to mid-October on a fixed schedule. Back to Top
Q6:	What should I bring?
A6:	Always bring water..no matter how short or long the hike will be. Dress in layers so you can add or take off clothing. You will get an aerobic workout on this trail if you hike for any length of time. Bring a map of the section..even if you have hiked it before. You should always have a good idea of where you are. It is a good idea to bring snacks or lunch if the hike will be longer than an hour. Bring a camera, there is always something to take a picture of. - Bill Dryborough Back to Top
Q7:	What about footwear?
A7:	My experience was as follows. I started out wearing a pair of running shoes, which was fine..as long as they are supported well underneath. You will be walking over rocks and roots in places. I wore out a pair of these shoes in no time. I realized that I was going to do enough hiking to warrant a pair of hiking boots. I am now on the second pair of boots. It is nice to have lots of cushion on the feet. And nice to switch to a regular pair of shoes waiting for you in your car after the hike. - Bill Dryborough Back to Top
Q8:	What is the weather like?
A8:	Weather along the North Shore of Lake Superior is greatly affected by the Lake. During late spring and throughout the summer temperatures can vary from high 40's to high 70's or occasionally 80's depending on wind direction and velocity. A unique weather feature is the rapid change in temperature. A sudden change in wind direction can cause temperatures to drop up to twenty degrees in a short period of time. Also temperatures along the lake shore can vary greatly from temperatures inland. Hikers should always be prepared for sudden temperature changes. You may start a hike with temperatures in the mid 70's when a wind shift occurs and the temperature drops to 60. On the other side you may start a hike from a trailhead along the lakeshore where the temperature is in the mid 60's and as the Trail moves up the ridgeline and further inland, the temperature may be in the 70's. The bottom line for hikers using the Superior Hiking Trail is dress in layers no matter what time of year, and no matter how warm the temperature is when you leave, bring a jacket. See Weather Sites for forecasts, etc. - Nancy Odden Back to Top
Q9:	Are mountain bikes allowed on the Trail?
A9:	The Superior Hiking Trail is designed as a footpath only, comprised principally of an 18 inch treadway through a clearing approximately four feet wide. SHTA policy prohibits the use of motorized vehicles, mountain bikes and horses on the Trail. - From the Guidebook. Back to Top
Q10:	Where can I get more information?
A10:	The SHTA store is a good place. It is in Two Harbors, MN right on Hwy 61 as you head north to the Trail. We sell maps, "The Guide to the Superior Hiking Trail, 2001 Edition" Guide, and other things like t-shirts and sweatshirts. And if you are going on a long hike or want to become a member of the SHTA, this is the place to stop and visit. Our store and office hours are Monday-Friday 9-5, Saturday 10-4, and Sunday Noon-4 mid-May to mid-October. The rest of the year we are open 9-4:30 Monday-Friday. Our phone number is 218-834-2700. Our e-mail address is hike@shta.org. Back to Top
Q11:	Are dogs permitted on the trail?
A11:	Dogs are permitted on the trail but are required to be leashed at all times. Back to Top

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