The crown jewel of Minnesota might just be a 310 mile long patch of dirt. A trail, in fact, known as the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT). It’s not as well known as the Appalachian Trail or Pacific Crest Trail, but it’s arguably the most beautiful of the long trails in the US. In fact, it’s been named one of the 5 Best Hikes in America (Readers Digest), the trail with the best Trail/Camp/Shelter conditions, the best signage, and one of the most scenic in the country (Backpacker Magazine).

The trail stretches along the North Shore, and goes through 7 of Minnesota’s most beautiful state parks. An experience along the SHT is always unique and always unforgettable.

The trail travels through a variety of forests with birch, aspen, pine, fir, and cedar trees.
Flickr/Kjell Olsen
Flickr/Tony Webster
It passes by some of MN's favorite waterfalls, and most iconic North Shore viewpoints.
Flickr/Pete Markham
Flickr/CHRIS DRUMM
The trail follows the ridgeline overlooking Superior, offering unbelievably beautiful views.
Flickr/CHRIS DRUMM
Flickr/Randen Pederson

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It also goes up into the Sawtooth mountains, where you can experience backcountry camping in one of Minnesota's least-visited and most stunning state parks, George Crosby Manitou State Park.
Flickr/Tony Webster
Flickr/Justin Meissen
The trail has 93 backcountry campsites that require no permits, no reservations, and no fees.
Flickr/Dino Trnjanin
Flickr/Andrew Olson
Flickr/Andrew Smith
The Superior Hiking Trail Association works tirelessly with the help of hundreds of volunteers to keep the trail maintained.
Flickr/ramendan
You can visit their store and office in Two Harbors at the corner of Hwy 61 and 8th Street (731 7th Ave.).

Even if you’ve seen all the sights along the way – nothing compares to a backpacking experience on the Superior Hiking Trail. It’s truly something the likes of which you can only find in Minnesota, and it’s worth every last step.

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