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2025 Trail Renewal Projects

This is going to be a really exciting year on the Superior Hiking Trail as we complete three 2-year Trail Renewal Projects on the Split Rock River, Bean and Bear Lakes, and Cascade River Loops. Two volunteer groups will backpack-in to project sites, and we’ll be offering new Saturday work parties on the Duluth SHT. Here’s a round-up of some of the projects we’ll be completing this year.

This year, we’ll complete two backpack-in projects, including one to install a latrine and firepit at our newest campsite on the Cascade River Loop – Boreal Campsite.
Volunteer Projects

SHTA Volunteer Crew Leaders will lead several multi-day renewal projects on the Trail this year, including:

  • Replacing a failing 450’ boardwalk near Lax Lake Road in Beaver Bay. Volunteers needed June 12-16.
  • A 600’ reroute on Bean and Bear Lakes Loop. Volunteers needed July 10-14.
  • Trail maintenance, step replacement, and short reroutes on the Cascade River Loop. Volunteers needed August 21-25. 
  • Backpack-in Project to replace tributary bridges damaged in 2022 flooding with natural, step stone crossings. Waitlist — our backpack-in volunteer projects have proved to be very popular! 
  • Backpack-in Project on Cascade River Loop to continue renewal work and install infrastructure in our newest campsite — Boreal Campsite. Waitlist.

We’re seeking volunteers for several projects this year, and weekly in Duluth. Find more information on our website at superiorhiking.org/volunteer.

Volunteers install new puncheon and harden the SHT near Martin Road Trailhead in 2024. Photo by Larry Sampson.
Duluth Projects

Along with ongoing trail clearing, maintenance, and weed whipping, the Duluth SHT sections will see improvements through projects completed by SHTA contractor Larry Sampson and volunteers. Projects include:

  • Replacing or installing more than 300 feet of puncheon in locations near Spirit Mountain, Haines Road Trailhead, and Mission Creek.
  • Rehabbing, benching, and hardening the tread in several areas, including 120’ near Spirit Mountain, and locations near Mission Creek and Kingsbury Creek.
  • Installing a step stone crossing across a tributary west of Kingsbury Creek.
Contractor Projects

Major Trail Renewal Projects will continue this year on some of the SHT’s most popular and highly used locations  — the Split Rock River, Bean and Bear Lakes, and Cascade River Loops.

Split Rock River Loop

The west side of the Split Rock River loop will be completely rehabilitated this year, addressing issues like this failed drainage.

More than 3 miles of this loved and highly used loop will be renewed. Much of the existing Trail is on hillsides that have a heavy clay content and are prone to seepage, leading to perennially wet trail conditions. Improvements will include:

  • Rehabilitating existing, worn out tread by reshaping and installing drainage.
  • Replacing failing structures like worn out puncheon, boardwalk, and stairs.
  • Installing new structures where needed.

Contractor: Trails Anonymous

Bean and Bear Lakes Loop

The second part of this 2-year project will renew the spur side of the loop, including a 1-mile reroute that will dramatically improve serious erosion issues. Additionally, we will:

  • Expand the bench (or width) of new and existing tread to 18” to 24”.
  • Utilize the plentiful natural stone in the area to construct steps, checks, retaining walls, and harden the tread to increase its sustainability and resiliency.
  • Replace old structures with new puncheon and timber steps based on modern trail building designs.
We’ll utilize the plentiful natural stone for new infrastructure on the loop like these stone steps built on the loop in 2024.

Contractor: Trail Source, LLC

  • Renew and expand the Bear Lake Campsite by installing six new tent pads, and rehabilitating the 500’ access spur trail. We will also install an additional spur trail to the new tent pad area, and improve the existing fire pit area.

Contractor: Great Lakes Trail Builders

Cascade River Loop

Much of the tread and infrastructure was worn out and failing on this loop, and the area was damaged further during 2022 flooding. The majority of the work on Cascade was completed last year. This year’s project will focus on renewing the northern mile of the east side of the loop, including:

  • Significant structure replacement of puncheon and steps.
  • About 1,000 feet of reroutes to move the Trail to more sustainable locations.

Contractor: Trail Logic

Funding for these projects has been provided by SHTA members and donors, the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources, Federal Recreational Trails Program, and North Country Trail Association.