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Help Shape the Future of the Superior Hiking Trail

July 27, 2023

Calling All Superior Hiking Trail Enthusiasts!

We are thrilled to announce that the Superior Hiking Trail Association is embarking on an exciting journey to create its Master Plan, and we want YOU to be an essential part of it!

As one of the most beloved and picturesque hiking trails in the country, the Superior Hiking Trail holds a special place in the hearts of many nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. Now, it’s time for us to come together as a community to shape the Trail’s future.

On the SHTA’s SocialPinPoint website, users will find an interactive map of the entire trail. Zoom in to see place names. Then click “Add Marker” to start submitting your input, feedback, and ideas related to a specific location on the SHT.

What is the Superior Hiking Trail’s Master Plan?

The Master Plan is a comprehensive roadmap that will outline the vision, goals, and strategies for the development and preservation of the Superior Hiking Trail for the next 10 years. It will serve as a guiding document for trail management, sustainability initiatives, and future enhancements. We want to ensure that the SHT remains a pristine and accessible wilderness experience while accommodating the increasing interest in outdoor activities.

Your Voice Matters – Introducing Social Pinpoint

To make this a truly community-driven endeavor, we are using a powerful online tool – Social Pinpoint, a cutting-edge public engagement website designed to gather your thoughts, ideas, and feedback. Social Pinpoint provides an interactive and user-friendly interface that allows you to participate from the comfort of your home or while you’re out on the trail!

How Can You Participate?

Visit the SHTA’s Social Pinpoint Website at SHTA.mysocialpinpoint.com. Use two methods to share your input: the Public Engagement Map and Envision the Future Text Box.

Once you’ve added a marker, a menu will appear that will allow you to select the category of your feedback, and a text box to include any relevant information. The map also allows users to upload photos and videos.
Public Engagement Map

“Pin” Your Ideas

Is there a specific area along the trail that you think needs improvement or conservation efforts? Pinpoint it on the map and share your thoughts on what changes or enhancements you’d like to see.

Voice Your Concerns

If you’ve noticed any environmental concerns or issues along the trail, we want to hear about them. Your input will help us prioritize conservation efforts and ensure the SHT remains a sustainable and thriving ecosystem.

A submission from Hiker123 suggests the SHTA establish a spur trail from the main corridor to Two Harbors. The trail is located 6 miles north of Two Harbors. For backpackers and thru-hikers hoping to resupply in town, that is a long roadwalk down busy highways compared to other Trail Towns along the corridor.

Share Your Favorite Trail Memories

We all have cherished memories of the SHT – whether it’s an awe-inspiring view, a hidden gem, or a memorable encounter with wildlife. Share these heartwarming stories and let others feel the magic of the trail through your eyes.

Envision the Future

More comfortable writing out your vision for the Trail’s future than using our interactive map? That’s great too! Use the Envision the Future text box to submit your vision about campsites, trail access, or management of the Trail. The sky’s the limit! Dream big so that we can include your dreams in our future plans.

CLICK TO SHARE YOUR VISION

Spread the Word

Let your fellow hikers, friends, and family know about this opportunity to contribute to the SHT Master Plan. The more voices we gather, the stronger our plan will be!

Timeline and Next Steps

The Social Pinpoint platform will be open for contributions for the next few months. After that, our SHTA team, committee members, and our consultants at ARDC will review all the feedback and use it to shape the Superior Hiking Trail’s Master Plan. We will keep you updated throughout the process, and there will be additional opportunities for public input as we move forward.

Thank you for your dedication to preserving and improving the Superior Hiking Trail. Together, we can create a Master Plan that ensures this trail remains Minnesota’s premier natural footpath for generations to come. Lace up your hiking boots, gather your thoughts, and let’s embark on this adventure together!

-Mackenzie Hogfeldt, SHTA Trail Stewardship Director