Information for large hiking groups and all other events

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Large Group Hiking and Backpacking

If you plan to bring a group of 8 people or more for camping and hiking and will spend 3 nights or more on the SHT: We would like to know in advance that you are coming; please complete the Trail Use Notification form below. This is NOT a reservation system; it is simply a way for us to learn about when big groups of campers/hikers are on the SHT, and where you will be, so we can gauge whether there might be a conflict. 

The following guidelines will help you and others enjoy the Trail: 

• Consider splitting a large group into several smaller groups to reduce the impact on the campsites and to improve your own and others’ experience. 
• Camping is only allowed at designated sites and many tent sites have only 2 or 3 tent pads. 
• All campsites are required to be shared –- you may not reserve the site or turn others away.
• The fire ring and benches at the campsites must also be shared. 
• Large-group backpackers must be considerate of other parties and keep behavior respectful, responsible, and safe. 
• Base-camping (setting up your equipment and doing day hikes from a campsite) is not allowed. 
• Large groups interested in base-camping while day hiking should consider reserving a group campsite at a state park. Group sites are available at Jay Cooke State Park, Gooseberry Falls State Park, Tettegouche State Park, and Cascade River State Park. 

Before heading out on the Trail with your group, we recommend that you review our Know Before You Go page to learn how to you can reduce your impact on the Trail and surrounding land and waters.

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Large Group Events

Events on the SHT: If you intend to hold any kind of ticketed or formally organized event on the SHT (e.g. trail race, guided hiking tour), we require that you complete the Trail Use Notification form. If you plan to hold any event on the SHT inside the City of Duluth or on land managed by another entity (e.g. state park, national forest, private lands, etc.), you may be required to request a permit and/or follow additional rules set out by our landowner partners. Please respect their rules to ensure we continue to have access to their lands. 

If you are from an organization, institution or business (e.g. Boy Scouts, college, high school, outdoor education enterprise, race organizer): You must also provide a certificate of insurance that names the Superior Hiking Trail Association as an Additionally Insured party. You can find the specific text to include in the Trail Use Notification form above. 

Please contact our Trail Stewardship Director Mackenzie Hogfeldt at Mhogfeldt@superiorhiking.org with any questions on large groups or events on the SHT.