Pictures of the Lake Superior Hiking Trail

The Lake Superior Hiking Trail, at 244 miles in length, offers the best backpacking experience in Minnesota and, possibly, the entire Upper Midwest. It passes through highly scenic rolling woodlands with views of vast Lake Superior, numerous streams, and dense mixed forest. Kim and I hiked just a small segment of the trail near Two Harbors (Castle Danger), ending at Gooseberry Falls. The time we chose, October 4-5, was perfect for enjoying all the blessings of autumn -- abundant fall colors, cool temperatures, and an absence of biting flies. The trail was easy to follow and very well kept. Access is free, and no permits are needed. This is a trail worth coming back to and hiking from end to end in one trip.

View of Lake Superior from rock outcropping.

Enjoying the autumn scenery.

Fall colors are primarily represented by maple, birch, and aspen.

View of tree crowns from beneath.

In the forest.

A conspicuously green area.

Leafy path.

Colors and Superior Hiking Trail marker.

A campsite.

Our shelter -- a 10 x 10 silnylon tarp.

Bear bag. My easy hanging method requires a waterproof stuff sack, 50 feet of rope, and a carabiner.

Our shelter in the morning after 12 hours of profound sleep. It got down to the low 30s.

Breakfast: granola heated up slightly on a TrailDesigns Caldera Cone alcohol stove.

Bliss.

The first set of waterfalls we reached.

Sunlit forest.

A happy camper.

In Gooseberry Falls State Park.

Roots on path.

Forest and water.

Creek.

More falls in Gooseberry Falls State Park.

Different angle.

Wider view.

Bright colors on hillside.

View down to Lake Superior.