Superior Hiking Trail Thru-Hike Permit
310-mile ridge walk above Lake Superior from the Wisconsin border to the Canadian border—the Midwest's premier long-distance trail.
“Walk 310 miles along the ancient volcanic ridge above Lake Superior—America's most accessible and rewarding long-distance trail.”
Get Availability Alerts
Be notified instantly when SHT Thru-Hike permits become available due to cancellations.
Get Availability Alerts
Be notified instantly when SHT Thru-Hike permits become available.
SHT Thru-Hike Quick Facts
Key Information
Permit Details
What to Expect
Route Details
Highlights
- •Constant elevation change—'roller coaster' terrain
- •94 backcountry campsites with no reservations
- •Frequent water crossings
- •Eight state parks with developed camping
- •Trail towns every 20-40 miles
Best Time to Visit
September to early October offers the best conditions—fall colors, fewer bugs, and moderate temperatures.
Hazards & Considerations
- !Black bears—proper food storage required
- !Heavy mosquito and tick activity May-August
- !Slippery rock and root-covered trail
- !Stream crossings dangerous after heavy rain
How to Get This Permit
Create a Recreation.gov account
Sign up at recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Have your payment info ready.
Know the release schedule
Permits typically release on a rolling basis. Check the specific release time for your desired dates.
Be ready when permits drop
Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.
Monitor for cancellations
If your dates are sold out, people cancel all the time. Set up PermitSnag alerts to catch openings instantly.
When to Go
Conditions
Summer offers the most reliable conditions for most wilderness areas.
Crowd Level
ModerateAdvantages
- +Longest days
- +Warmest temperatures
- +Reliable trail conditions
Challenges
- !Peak demand for permits
- !Book accommodations early
- !Weather varies
Difficulty Assessment
Fitness and endurance required
Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills
Steep dropoffs and fall potential
Route finding and trail clarity
Difficulty of bailing out mid-route
Best For
Aspiring thru-hikers looking for an accessible first long trail. Experienced backpackers seeking well-maintained trail with regular resupply.
Recommended Experience
Should have completed multi-day backpacking trips. Previous thru-hiking experience helpful but not required.
Not Recommended For
Those who dislike constant elevation change or are bothered by mosquitoes.
About This Permit
The Superior Hiking Trail is a 310-mile footpath following the rocky ridgeline of the Sawtooth Mountains along Minnesota's North Shore. Unlike many long-distance trails, the SHT requires no permits and no fees. Its 94 backcountry campsites operate first-come, first-served.
The Experience
Why It Matters
The Superior Hiking Trail represents decades of volunteer trail-building passion, showcasing the unique geology and ecology of the North Shore.
The Route
The trail begins near the Wisconsin border and climbs through the Sawtooth Mountains. For 310 miles, it follows the ridgeline overlooking Lake Superior, crossing countless rivers. Eight state parks punctuate the journey, offering resupply and rest.
The Feeling
The trail is relentlessly rolling—a constant rhythm of steep ascents and descents over volcanic ridgeline. Through the trees, Lake Superior appears and disappears, its vast blue expanse a reminder that you're walking the edge of an ancient ocean.
Trailhead Information
Southern Terminus (Wild Valley Road)
800 ft elevationOfficial start near Wisconsin border
Nearest Services
Duluth (20 miles) - full services
Martin Road / Duluth Start
1,100 ft elevationPopular alternative start bypassing the no-camping Duluth section
Nearest Services
Duluth (10 miles)
Rules & Regulations
- •No permits required
- •No fees for backcountry campsites
- •Stealth camping prohibited—use designated sites
- •Expect to share campsites
- •No camping within Duluth city limits
Gear Checklist
Required
- Water filter
- Rain gear
- Layers for temperature swings
- DEET or permethrin for mosquitoes and ticks
- Trail map or GPS
Key Landmarks
Landmarks (23)
Safety & Planning
Emergency Info
Download the PermitSnag app for offline access to emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for SHT Thru-Hike.
Food Storage
Check bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations in the PermitSnag app.
SHT Thru-Hike FAQ
How do I get a SHT Thru-Hike permit?
SHT Thru-Hike permits are obtained through a reservation system. Use PermitSnag to track availability and get notified when cancellations occur.
When is the best time to visit SHT Thru-Hike?
Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the SHT Thru-Hike permit?
This permit has a demand score of 5/10, making it moderately competitive.
What if I can't get a SHT Thru-Hike permit?
Cancellations happen daily. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to get notified the moment a spot opens up. We check availability every few minutes, 24/7.
Photography Guide
Golden Hour
Lake Superior sunrises are legendary—plan to be at an overlook. Fall colors peak in late September.
Best Light
Morning light on Lake Superior creates the best conditions. Waterfalls photograph well with long exposures.
Beat the Crowds
The northern half sees far fewer hikers. Weekday hiking and September timing offer the best solitude.
Classic Shots
- 📍Lake Superior from Carlton Peak
- 📍Split Rock Lighthouse from the trail
- 📍Fall colors on the Sawtooth ridge
- 📍High Falls of Tettegouche
Can't Get a SHT Thru-Hike Permit?
Consider these alternatives if your preferred dates aren't available.
Traditional Thru-Hike (260 miles)
Similar ExperienceStart at Martin Road to skip the Duluth section that lacks free camping.
Tradeoffs
Misses 50 miles but avoids logistical challenges.
Section Hiking
Easier AlternativeComplete the trail in multiple trips over weekends.
Tradeoffs
More flexible scheduling with many road access points.