The SHT, from start to finish.

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Backpacking the Trail’s entire 300 miles during a single, end-to-end backpacking trip, thru-hiking is an incredible way to experience the full variety of the Superior Hiking Trail’s beauty and challenges. Thru-hiking is very challenging, physically and mentally; you should carefully consider whether you’re in good physical condition and have the skills required for long-distance and long-term trekking before setting out.

Getting Started

It is possible to hike the Trail in either direction. However, we recommend beginning hikers start at a southern trailhead, in more gentle terrain. This will give you time to adjust to the Trail – and you’ll have easier access to bail-out points at the beginning of your hike between Duluth and Two Harbors. The northern end of the Trail is remote, and the terminus located at the 270-degree Overlook near the Canadian border.

Option 1: Start at the northern terminus and head southbound. This route is about 300 miles (not including spur trails).* Traveling in this direction is also known as “SOBO.”

Option 2: Begin at the southern terminus and head northbound. This hike is the full 300 miles (again, not including spur trails).* Traveling in this direction is also known as “NOBO.”

Option 3: Flip Flop – choose a middle point on the Trail to leave your vehicle and shuttle to your starting point. When you reach your vehicle, either move your vehicle to your ending point and shuttle back to where you left off, or shuttle to the other end of the Trail and hike back to your starting point. This option eliminates the stress of arranging a pick-up at the more remote northern end of the Trail, and allows later season thru-hikers to complete the northern end of the Trail first and avoid early onset winter conditions, then complete the southern half. This route is about 300 miles (not including spur trails).*

*Note: If you plan to hike any additional spur trails, be sure to prepare for a longer distance. 

Line Up A Ride

Whichever way you decide to hike, we recommend hiking back to your vehicle, or scheduling your pick-up well before you leave. During the busy late summer and early fall seasons, shuttles can be 100% booked and unavailable for same-day pick-up. Have a plan in case you need to bail out early. There are no regular transportation options available around either terminus, and cell reception is limited in many sections of the trail—especially as you get to the northern end.  

Visit our Parking and Shuttles page to review additional transportation options for your trip. 

Arrange Camping

Camping in undesignated areas (stealth- or dispersed-camping) is strictly prohibited along the entire Trail. Plan to stay in one of the 94 SHT campsites along the trail. 

Camping in the City of Duluth

There are no SHT camping sites inside the city limits of Duluth, but there are several convenient fee-for-use campgrounds near the trail (at Spirit Mountain, Bagley Nature Area, and Indian Point, among others). Campfires are strictly prohibited within city limits.

Test Yourself Before You Go

Full thru-hikes generally take 2-4 weeks. Taking a “shake-down” trip of 1-2 nights will help you to determine your pace and give you a chance to field test your gear before setting off. We highly recommend a few day hikes or a short backpacking trip on the SHT before setting forth on a thru-hike. Without firsthand knowledge of pace and gear, you’re much less likely to achieve your goals. 

Arrange Resupply Plans

It’s not feasible to carry weeks’ worth of supplies with you as you hike the trail. You’ll need to plan a few resupply runs. 

Post Office Information: Supplies can be picked up in several small towns not directly on the Trail. It will require walking into town or finding a ride. 

Package Hold Options: Some businesses allow hikers to drop off or mail packages. You must make arrangements with businesses before you send packages to them! When businesses get unexpected packages, they may return them, thinking it’s been delivered to a wrong address. 

Plan For Your Pets

Dogs are welcome to thru-hike the Superior Hiking Trail with human supervision, but even thru-hiking dogs must be kept on a leash regardless of how well-trained the dog is. This rule applies to your dog! This is for the protection of wild animals, plants, and the comfort level of fellow hikers – in addition to the safety of you and your dog. 

Seriously consider whether your dog will be able to complete a thru-hike. Lots of roots and rocks on the Trail can become challenging over time – remember your furry friend has twice as many feet as you do –and they typically don’t have hard-soled shoes for protection.  

See additional information about pets on the trail in our FAQ page.