2026 Trail Renewal Projects
June 22, 2026
2026 Trail Renewal Projects are underway! Two multi-year projects are wrapping up – Split Rock River and Cascade River Loops. Bridges are a common theme for the next few years. This year the Onion River and Devil Track Tributary will have newly constructed bridges spanning their banks. Additionally, contractors will rehabilitate trailheads, volunteers will build puncheon, and there will be maintenance along the entire Trail.
Contractor Projects
Split Rock River Loop
Started in 2024, the Loop renewal is nearly complete. The east side (Phase I) was completed in 2025 and the west side (Phase II) will wrap up this summer. The Split Rock River Loop is one of the “Big Bad Five” areas identified in a 2017 trail assessment. The renewal project addresses serious erosion, extremely muddy conditions due to inadequate drainage, and failing infrastructure. To finish the project, contractor Trails Anonymous is:
- Reshaping tread and installing drainage on the wayside spur.
- Replacing 1,000 feet of puncheon and boardwalk.
Cascade River Loop
The Cascade River Loop renewal is in its third year. Damaged by flooding in 2022, the project includes a reroute, renewed tread, and new boardwalk and staircases. This summer, contractor Trail Logic is:
- Building three staircases (2 long and 1 short).
- Renewing treadwork on the reroutes.
Trailhead Renewal and Relocation
Multiple trailheads have been identified for more extensive rehabilitation. Planning and permitting is underway to relocate the Arrowhead Trailhead near Hovland to a larger location. Additionally, three trailheads are scheduled for maintenance, which will include:
- Removing encroaching trees and brush.
- Improving signage.
- Maximizing space by grading, ditching, and adding gravel.
Volunteer Projects
Onion River Bridge Replacement
The current Onion River bridge, which has a weight restriction of one-person crossing at a time, will be removed. Trail users should anticipate a wet crossing until the new bridge is complete. Volunteers will build abutments to prepare the site for the new bridge by excavating and constructing timber cribbing and steps. Willie Bittner of Great Lakes Trailbuilders will lead volunteers for the bridge installation.
- Site layout and abutment construction for new bridge – Sign up to volunteer 7/8 – 7/12.
- New 50-foot fiber reinforced polymer bridge – Sign up to volunteer 9/30 – 10/4.
Devil Track Tributary Bridge Installation
The Devil Track Tributary Bridge near Grand Marais will be reconstructed. In 2025 the former bridge was removed due to structural concerns. Two volunteer crews will help to prep the site with abutments and then construct the bridge.
- Site layout and abutment construction for new bridge – Sign up to volunteer 7/29 – 8/2.
- New 37-foot fiber reinforced polymer bridge – Sign up to volunteer 9/8 – 9/13.
County Road 6 Puncheon
Volunteers replaced 400 feet of old puncheon near County Road 6 (Finland) from June 11-15. The results look great!
Magney-Snively Puncheon
500 feet of puncheon will be replaced in the Magney-Snively natural area in Duluth by volunteers, CCMI, and contractor Joe Baker.
Trail Maintenance
There is a plethora of trail maintenance planned along the Trail corridor. In Duluth volunteers will be renewing tread around Skyline with Joe Baker and constructing a 250-foot reroute in Hartley with Larry Sampson. Backpack and trail crews will be doing maintenance at the Cascade River Loop, Bean and Bear, and the southern Wild Valley section. The following volunteer opportunities still have openings:
- Sign up to volunteer for Skyline check steps and reroute 7/24 – 7/27.
- Sign up to volunteer for Hartley reroute 8/4 – 8/6.
- Sign up to volunteer in Duluth 9/24 – 9/28.
Funding
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, the Federal Recreational Trails Program administered by the State of Minnesota, and the U.S. Forest Service.
Make an Impact
Make an impact for the Superior Hiking Trail’s 40th Anniversary by volunteering on trail projects or becoming a member to help fund them.