Hiking is an activity we love in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, and with all the natural beauty our state has to offer, anybody could understand why. However, after a long day of hiking, nothing beats a little pampering at a Minnesota spa, like Waves of Superior in Tofte. So, here's our idea for a moderately-challenging day hike through some of the state's most beautiful terrain, including waterfalls, gorges, and Lake Superior views - and your reward at the end will be a visit to Waves of Superior Spa.

Although you could start hiking from anywhere along the Superior Hiking Trail, we're suggesting a day hike that will take a only a few hours but give your legs a decent workout.

Start at the Cross River Wayside in Schroeder. Take a minute to enjoy the scenic waterfall where the river passes under Highway 61.

Continue east across the bridge, and then turn left up Skou Rd. After a few hundred feet, you'll come to a spur of the Superior Hiking Trail.

Go ahead and hit the trail!

When you reach the point where a bridge on the trail spans the Cross River, turn right (northeast), away from the river.

After about three miles, the SHT will eventually intersect with the Gitchi Gami State Trail - a paved multi-use trail - at a bridge over the Temperance River. Get on the Gitchi Gami Trail and keep heading east/northeast.

As the trail descends and approaches Highway 61, you'll see Surfside on Lake Superior resort on the other side of the highway.

You'll come to a driveway just beyond the resort, take it down to the road, and backtrack on the shoulder of the highway a couple hundred feet to the entrance.

There, you'll find the Waves of Superior Spa - where you've hopefully already made reservations - waiting for you.

Enjoy a massage, facial, or other post-hike treatment.

Soak in the indoor pool and hot tub, then relax in the sauna.

You can even book a manicure and foot massage to take care of your feet after a day of hiking.

Then simply relax and enjoy not being on the trail.

The spa even has a cafe, so you can refuel as well as relax.

The hike is just under six miles, with an elevation gain of 600 to 700 feet. Visit the Waves of Superior Spa website for more information or to reserve your services. Maybe even stay a night or two at Surfside on Lake Superior and explore more of what the Tofte area has to offer. We don't think you'll be disappointed.

Do you have a favorite Minnesota spa? What other day hike-plus-spa combinations can you think of?