Superior Hiking Trail Reports 2008 Accomplishments

one of the many spectacular views to be had from the Superior Hiking Trail (photo by J Young)

extracted from the Superior Hiking Trail 2008 Annual Report

Although not 100% official yet, for all practical purposes the North Country Trail is concurrent with the Superior Hiking Trail along Lake Superior's north shore.

Gayle Coyer, SHT Association Executive Director reports, "We had a great season on the trail." On National Trails Day, June 7, the completion of 6.2 miles of new trail near Two Harbors was celebrated. Also completed were 8 miles of trail between Two Harbors and Duluth. Over 65 volunteers contributed almost 1000 hours of time to accomplish these tasks.

Bridges are an ongoing maintenance issue on the SHT due to narrow gorges with very high water at certain times of the year. Bridges at Mission Creek, Cascade Creek, and Indian Camp Creeks had to be replaced in 2008. A large rain event in June damaged a number of bridges, moved puncheon and felled trees. Cleanup from that storm took a great deal of time.

Ongoing maintenance of trails is always a time-consuming project. Volunteers performed maintenance and submitted inspection reports on 60 trail sections, 82 campsites and 48 trailheads.

Keep in mind that the SHT is 200 miles, and the overall NCT is 4600 miles. One can begin to get a sense of the scope of dedication and time involved in creating and maintaining this trail. The SHT has their inventory and work well-organized.

Coyer concluded, "I want to thank all of our members and friends. We really appreciate your support and look forward to another great year!"

See Minnesotans, Support the Arrowhead!