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.”
How to get SHT Thru-Hike
The Superior Hiking Trail needs no permit. The Superior Hiking Trail Association: "There are no permits, fees, or reservations needed to stay at an SHT campsite." Backpackers are asked to use the designated campsites so they do not end up on private land. The one exception is where the trail crosses a state park — those campsites do take a reservation and a fee through the state parks, and must be booked before you stay. There is nothing here for us to watch.
Official permit pagePlanning another trip? See the permits we watch.
How to get SHT Thru-Hike
The Superior Hiking Trail needs no permit. The Superior Hiking Trail Association: "There are no permits, fees, or reservations needed to stay at an SHT campsite." Backpackers are asked to use the designated campsites so they do not end up on private land. The one exception is where the trail crosses a state park — those campsites do take a reservation and a fee through the state parks, and must be booked before you stay. There is nothing here for us to watch.
Official permit pagePlanning another trip? See the permits we watch.
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SHT Thru-Hike Quick Facts
This permit is not bookable online
The Superior Hiking Trail needs no permit. The Superior Hiking Trail Association: "There are no permits, fees, or reservations needed to stay at an SHT campsite." Backpackers are asked to use the designated campsites so they do not end up on private land. The one exception is where the trail crosses a state park — those campsites do take a reservation and a fee through the state parks, and must be booked before you stay. There is nothing here for us to watch.
Official permit page →Key Information
Permit Details
What to Expect
Route Details
Highlights
- •Constant elevation change—'roller coaster' terrain throughout
- •94 backcountry campsites with no reservations or fees
- •Frequent water crossings on bridges and rocks
- •Eight state parks with developed camping options
- •Resupply towns are off the trail, not on it - the SHTA says reaching them means walking in or finding a ride
- •Heavy mosquito and tick activity in summer
Best Time to Visit
September to early October offers the best conditions—fall colors, fewer bugs, and moderate temperatures. Summer brings heavy mosquitoes and humidity. Spring offers waterfalls at peak flow but muddy trails and bugs.
Hazards & Considerations
- !Black bears—proper food storage required
- !Heavy mosquito and tick activity May-August
- !Slippery rock and root-covered trail
- !Stream crossings can be dangerous after heavy rain
- !Hypothermia risk from sudden weather changes
- !Limited cell service except near towns
- !Almost no SHTA camping through the Duluth segment - the SHTA names one campsite at the Red River near the southern terminus and none again until north of the segment, which it measures at 54.7 miles from the Minnesota border through the city
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (602 ft)
Backcountry Tips
- Today: 91% chance of precipitation. Pack rain gear.
- Day 3: 94% chance of precipitation. Pack rain gear.
- Day 4: 94% chance of precipitation. Pack rain gear.
Today
58°
55°
91%
Sun
57°
52°
Mon
60°
53°
94%
Tue
67°
49°
94%
Wed
62°
46°
Thu
65°
51°
Fri
71°
51°
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 a well-maintained trail with regular resupply options.
Recommended Experience
Should have completed multi-day backpacking trips. Previous thru-hiking experience helpful but not required. Good fitness base for the constant climbing.
Not Recommended For
Those who dislike constant elevation change, hikers bothered by mosquitoes, anyone expecting flat terrain.
About This Permit
The Superior Hiking Trail is a 300-mile footpath following the rocky ridgeline of the Sawtooth Mountains along Minnesota's North Shore of Lake Superior. From its southern terminus near the Wisconsin border to the 270-degree Overlook near Canada, the trail offers constant views of the world's largest freshwater lake. The Superior Hiking Trail Association, the nonprofit that maintains it, counts 300 miles of main trail and 41 miles of spur trail.
No agency issues a permit for this trail, and no agency manages it end to end - it crosses national forest, state parks, state, county and municipal land, and more than 80 private properties, all by landowner permission. The SHTA states plainly that there are no reservations, fees or permits required to use its 94 backcountry campsites, which are first-come, first-served and expected to be shared.
Two real obligations sit outside that, and both belong to Minnesota state parks rather than to the trail: state park campsites along the route must be reserved and paid for in advance, and a park sticker is required to park overnight at a trailhead inside a state park.
The trail climbs to 1,829 feet and drops to 602 feet. The SHTA publishes no cumulative elevation gain for the route.
The Experience
Why It Matters
The Superior Hiking Trail represents decades of volunteer trail-building passion. It showcases the unique geology and ecology of the North Shore while providing accessible wilderness for thru-hikers of all experience levels.
The Route
The trail begins near the Wisconsin border and climbs through the rolling terrain of the Sawtooth Mountains. For 310 miles, it follows the ridgeline overlooking Lake Superior, crossing countless rivers cascading toward the big lake. Eight state parks punctuate the journey, offering resupply and rest. The trail ends at the 270-Degree Overlook near the Canadian border, where it connects to the Border Route Trail for those seeking more.
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. At night, the northern lights sometimes dance above your camp.
Trailhead Information
Southern Terminus (Wild Valley Road)
800 ft elevationOfficial start near Wisconsin border—connects to Jay Cooke State Park
Parking
Small trailhead lot. No overnight fees.
Getting There
Via county roads from Duluth area. Detailed directions on SHTA website.
Nearest Services
Duluth (20 miles) - full services
Martin Road / Duluth Start
1,100 ft elevationPopular alternative start bypassing the no-camping Duluth section
Parking
Roadside parking. No facilities.
Getting There
North of Duluth via scenic Highway 61
Nearest Services
Duluth (10 miles) - full services
Rules & Regulations
- •No permits required anywhere on the trail
- •No fees for backcountry campsites
- •Stealth camping prohibited—use designated sites only
- •Expect to share campsites with other groups
- •Campfires in fire rings only (when conditions permit)
- •Pack out all trash including food waste
- •No camping within Duluth city limits (use paid campgrounds)
Gear Checklist
Required
- Water filter (streams are abundant but need treatment)
- Rain gear (North Shore weather is unpredictable)
- Layers (temperature swings are dramatic)
- DEET or permethrin for mosquitoes and ticks
- Trail map or GPS (many trail junctions)
Recommended
- Trekking poles for rocky terrain
- Gaiters for wet conditions
- Bear canister or hang system (black bears present)
- Tick key or tweezers
- Camera for Lake Superior views
Plan Your Trip
Gear Checklist
Required and recommended gear for SHT Thru-Hike
Shuttle Services
Trailhead transportation options
Browse all shuttlesGuide Services
Experienced wilderness guides
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Key Landmarks
Wild Valley Road (Southern Terminus)
Official start of the SHT near the Wisconsin border.
Jay Cooke State Park
Dramatic gorge of the St. Louis River. First state park crossing.
Spirit Mountain
Ski area with sweeping views of the St. Louis River valley.
Chester Bowl
Urban trail section through Duluth. Limited camping options.
Split Rock River Loop
Dramatic waterfalls and gorges where the river meets Lake Superior
Gooseberry Falls State Park
Five waterfalls cascading into Lake Superior. Popular resupply point.
Split Rock Lighthouse
Iconic lighthouse visible from the trail. State park with camping.
Tettagouche State Park
High cliffs, Shovel Point, and Baptism River falls
Palisade Head
350-foot rhyolite cliffs with dramatic Lake Superior views.
Carlton Peak
360-degree views from exposed volcanic rock summit
Temperance River State Park
River carved through volcanic rock creating deep potholes and cascades.
Oberg Mountain Loop
Iconic 2.3-mile side loop with panoramic views. Peak fall colors destination.
Lutsen Mountains
Ski area crossover with North Shore views
Cascade River State Park
18 waterfalls along the Cascade River. Popular camping area.
Good Harbor Bay
Lake Superior beach access and dramatic shoreline views.
Judge C.R. Magney State Park
Home to Devil's Kettle—a waterfall that disappears into a pothole.
Devil Track River
Deep canyon carved through volcanic rock
Kadunce River
Narrow slot canyon accessible via short spur trail.
Grand Marais
Trail town with full services. Last major resupply before northern terminus.
Border Route Trail Junction
Intersection with 65-mile Border Route Trail to BWCAW.
Grand Portage State Park
High Falls of Pigeon River—Minnesota's tallest waterfall at 120 feet.
Mount Josephine
Last major summit with views into Canada.
270-Degree Overlook (Northern Terminus)
Northern terminus with panoramic views
Safety & Planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for SHT Thru-Hike.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
SHT Thru-Hike FAQ
How do I get a SHT Thru-Hike permit?
SHT Thru-Hike is not sold online. The Superior Hiking Trail needs no permit. The Superior Hiking Trail Association: "There are no permits, fees, or reservations needed to stay at an SHT campsite." Backpackers are asked to use the designated campsites so they do not end up on private land. The one exception is where the trail crosses a state park — those campsites do take a reservation and a fee through the state parks, and must be booked before you stay. There is nothing here for us to watch. PermitSnag does not send alerts for it — check the official permit page for the current process.
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?
On this permit there is no cancellation queue and no alert to set, because nothing is re-released onto a calendar we could watch. Bring backup dates, and check the official permit page for the current process and any closures.
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Trail Conditions
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Questions
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Trip Reports
Write ReportPhotography Guide
Golden Hour
Lake Superior sunrises are legendary—plan to be at an overlook. Fall colors peak in late September with dramatic views from any ridgetop.
Best Light
Morning light on Lake Superior creates the best conditions. The iconic North Shore waterfalls photograph well in any light with long exposures.
Beat the Crowds
The northern half of the trail sees far fewer hikers than the southern sections near Duluth. 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
- 📍Northern lights above a backcountry camp
- 📍Sunrise over Lake Superior
Can't Get a SHT Thru-Hike Permit?
Consider these alternatives if your preferred dates aren't available.
Traditional Thru-Hike (248 miles)
Similar ExperienceStart at Martin Road to skip the Duluth section that lacks free camping.
Tradeoffs
The SHTA measures the northern Duluth city limits to the northern terminus at 248 miles of main trail. Skips the southern segment, where SHTA campsites are almost absent.
Section Hiking
Easier AlternativeComplete the trail in multiple trips over weekends or weeks.
Tradeoffs
More flexible scheduling. Many trailheads with road access make this easy.
State Park Point-to-Point
Easier AlternativeHike between North Shore state parks for 3-5 day trips with developed camping.
Tradeoffs
More amenities and security. Still captures the best scenery.
Where to Stay
Nearby campgrounds to complete your SHT Thru-Hike trip
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