Minnesota's North Shore stretches more than 200 miles along the shores of Lake Superior, from the port city of Duluth to the Canadian border. A haven for outdoor recreational pursuits, the area encompasses the rolling Sawtooth Mountains with a ridge line that parallels the coast. Dramatic waterfalls cascade through volcanic gorges as streams and rivers rush from the peaks to the world's largest freshwater lake. Year-round adventure can keep you fit and active no matter the weather, and access to campsites can require a variety of skills.
Drive-In
Numerous public and private campgrounds offer secluded campsites with vehicle pads, tent pads, fire rings and picnic tables. Gooseberry Falls State Park near the lakeside hamlet of Two Harbors serves as a gateway to the North Shore and is a popular base camp for outdoor enthusiasts. Traverse the Gooseberry River from the shores of Lake Superior and up a series of 30-foot falls via the 20 miles of hiking trails within the park. Fifteen miles of paved bike paths and eight miles of mountain bike trails are also available through the forested hills of the park. Seven state parks line Highway 61 along the North Shore. They provide semi-modern facilities and convenient access to the outdoors as well as other public and private campground options.
Backpacking
The Superior Hiking Trail undulates through the Sawtooth Mountain ridge line for 275 miles providing scenic lake views and challenging terrain. Campsites are spaced along the route and most are located close to water sources for hikers. George Crosby Manitou state park, seven miles north of Finland, offers 21 campsites accessible by hiking through a rugged wilderness setting along a four-mile trail. Backpack camping along the North Shore will usually land you in primitive sites with a fire ring and field latrine. You are likely to be secluded from other people and to frequently encounter wildlife.
Canoe or Kayak
The Lake Superior Water Trail runs the length of the North Shore and provides canoeists and kayakers with more than 200 miles of paddle-powered exploration of the lake. Cold, deep waters and towering rock-face cliffs will accompany you along the entire route. Campsites are available on public land along the forested rocky shores. Split Rock Lighthouse state park offers a remote canoe/kayak-accessible campsite in Crazy Bay on the north side of Split Rock Point. A hiking trail leads up and down the shore from the campsite and Pebble Beach is approximately one mile south.
Weather
Weather along the North Shore changes frequently. Be prepared for surprise storms and radical temperature changes due to elevation and the effect of Lake Superior. Spring brings wildflower blooms and frequent rains. Summers are typically hot and buggy but feature a bounty of wild berries along the hiking trails. Fall foliage along the North Shore routinely attract large crowds. Winters in northern Minnesota can be brutal, but temperatures along the North Shore may be moderated somewhat by the lake.
Activities
In addition to the plethora of hiking, biking and water trails available throughout the region, plenty of opportunities for other outdoor adventure await. The steep cliffs of Lake Superior's shores are popular rock-climbing destinations. Shovel Point and Palisade Head are prime destinations offering 200-foot vertical faces. Many trails are groomed for cross-country skiing during the winter, and snowshoeing makes the backcountry accessible in deep powder. Hundreds of inland lakes, rivers and streams provide ample year-round fishing.
Member Comments