Encampment River Bridge Update

site of former Encampment River Bridge

from Gayle Coyer, Executive Director, Superior Hiking Trail Association

The news about the Encampment River bridge is not good. When the huge ice jam hit the bridge it tipped the middle crib over. As the bridge broke apart in the middle (as it is designed to do) the ice snapped the cable for both pieces and they went down the river. One half was several hundred feet downstream and Han was going in there today to try to secure it. The other half is gone completely, maybe all the way down to Lake Superior. With the river still high and road restrictions on, we don't know when we will be able to replace the bridge.

The ice buildup was from a freaky situation where we got a hard rain on Dec. 31st which brought the water up really high. Then a new layer of ice formed about 3 or 4 feet above the old layer. So instead of about 1 foot of ice they ice was 3-4 feet thick. It was this thick ice that took the bridge out, even though the bridge was raised a couple of feet when we rebuilt the cribs and ramps last October.

The Encampment River bridge is located about in the middle of the section of Co Rd 301 (Fors Rd) to Castle Danger. Here are the directions for a roadwalk:

From Co Rd 301 (Fors Rd) take the SHT 0.4 miles until it crosses Co Rd 3 (Hwy 3). Turn left (north) and go 4.7 miles to West Castle Danger Road (this road does not have a green sign but there is a bright blue sign that says "To Hwy 61" with a right arrow). Turn right (east) and go 1.6 miles to where SHT crosses road. Go left on SHT 0.1 miles to Castle Danger Trailhead parking lot.

This segment is on SHTA map 1

See Superior Hiking Trail Association

Encampment River Bridge Destroyed Again

where the new Encampment River Bridge used to be

from the Superior Hiking Trail Association

The new Encampment River bridge built in 2010 was pushed downstream by an ice dam this past weekend. This is on the Superior Hiking Trail in a section not far north of Two Harbors.

This is an extremely difficult place for a bridge as one bank of the river is high, and one is low. The past bridges descended a long cleated ramp to reach the bridge decking which was about 5 feet above summer water level.

However, a continual problem along the North Shore (of Lake Superior) is that in the spring water is high, filled with ice floes, and the valleys are narrow. Bridges are often damaged or swept away. Many of the smaller bridges have been cabled to trees on one bank so that if they are broken loose in the spring the bridge may be turned sideways, but may be salvaged for re-placement.

Encampment River, however, is a major bridge. It is not known at this time if the bridge can be salvaged. It's a shame, since it was finally replaced last year, after many seasons of being in a damaged and dangerous state.

One has to wonder if it might be worth the expense to build a high bridge from the upper bank, with stairs descending to the lower bank. The ice could still attack the footings, but it wouldn't present the whole stringer/decking system to the pressure of jammed ice being carried downstream.

This segment is on SHTA map 1

See Encampment River Bridge Repaired

Encampment River Bridge Repaired.

Encampment River Bridge before repairs (photo by JHY)

by JHY with information from the "hiker" egroup

When my hiking buddy, Marie, and I crossed the Encampment River bridge (Superior Hiking Trail, MN, just north of Two Harbors) in August of 2009, I happened to be a bit ahead. Noticing that it was an odd bridge, with the steep, cleated ramp at one end, I ventured off the trail to take some pictures. I quickly discovered that it was a bridge in need of serious repair! Notice that almost all of the supports in the middle of the span are broken or missing.

Since Marie isn't crazy about dangerous passages, I simply didn't point out the situation till we were well across the span and had clambered up the ramp!

Another hiker coming from the opposite direction has said "The "stairs" down the west bank to the bridge over the Encampment River are functional, but terrifying..."

The SHT is a portion of the North Country Trail, which follows the north shore of Lake Superior.

Encampment River Bridge after repairs (photo by Kim Fishburn)

But, thanks to some great work by volunteers, the bridge is repaired, at least temporarily. On the weekend of October 16-18, over 20 people arrived to help. The work was supervised by Han Taylor of North Shore Trail Maintenance.

The project involved hauling in heavy materials about 150 yards from a private driveway, building and placing the stairway anchored to heavy cables on the south side of the bridge, hoisting the bridge up using a come-a-long and cables, re-building the crib out of 6” x 6” timbers, resetting the bridge, and building a ramp on the north side of the bridge.

By comparing the two pictures, you can easily see that the supports have been restored.

The banks were found to be extremely prone to slumping, and it took extra time to do the repairs. The final conclusion is that this bridge must only be considered temporary, and a suspension bridge will probably be the permanent solution. Meanwhile, hikers can safely cross the Encampment River, with confidence.

This segment is on SHTA map 01

See Superior Hiking Trail Association
See hiker egroup

First NCTA Extended Outing Program

Lorana on KP duty

by Lorana Jinkerson, excerpted from the NCT Hikers newsletter, Footprints, fall 2010

Mary Coffin, NCTA BOD member from New York, has lead many Extended Outing Programs for the Adirondack Mountain Club. Modeling it after that successful program, she lead the first NCTA Extended Outing Program from September 8 through September 15 along the Superior Hiking Trail (soon to be officially part of the North Country Trail). I was lucky to be one of the 11 NCTA members on that trip.

We met in Duluth, MN on Wednesday, September 8 for preliminary instructions. Each day we were given several options of possible day hikes/activities and, depending upon weather conditions and the feelings of the group, we chose the hike/activity that was most appropriate.

Our first hike took us north of Judge Magney State Park where we started heading south on the Superior Hiking Trail towards Judge Magney Park. This hike was relatively easy, although there were some steep ups and downs, very similar to some of our segments to the west of Marquette. The afternoon brought us to Devil’s Kettle, a mysterious hole in the ground where water from a waterfall goes, never to be seen again, or so they say.

The next morning, we chose to hike within the Cascade River State Park, to Cascade Falls and up Lookout Mountain. The late afternoon found us in Grand Marais, hiking out to Artist’s point and on the breakwall. With the wind coming in, we donned our rain gear for protection from the wind.

Saturday night it began raining around midnight. We awoke to a light mist and lots of fog. Our hike was up on a ridge and, most of the day, we saw nothing but fog. Finally around lunchtime, we started getting a few breaks. There actually was a sign that said “Hellacious Overhook.”

Monday we broke into two groups to hike. My group headed south on the Superior Hiking Trail from our camp area, including climbing the notorious Drainpipe, a challenging rock climb, ascending for about 150 feet. Luckily my group was going up but it required all points, hands and feet, on the rock at all times.

Tuesday morning we closed up camp and then headed south towards Duluth, stopping along the way at Gooseberry State Park for a hike along Lake Superior, our lunch and a wrap-up session.

I would highly recommend the NCTA’s Extended Outing Program to all of you. In the future, there are hopes more than one a year will be offered. But, for now Mary has one scheduled for Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore from Wednesday, August 8 - 15, 2011.

This segment is on SHTA maps 1-4

See North Country Trail Hikers Chapter of the NCTA for the entire article
See Pictured Rocks Extended Outing for info about 2011

Hiking Rush Hour Expected on Otter Lake Road

Swamp River Bridge on Otter Lake Road. The Superior Hiking Trail Trailhead is ahead just around the curve, while the Border Route Trail Trailhead is directly behind the photographer (photo by Todd McMahon)

a guest post by Todd McMahon

Otter Lake Road is a remote forest road in northern Minnesota just a few miles from Canada. It doesn’t get very much traffic, probably just a handful of cars a day. But on the morning of Saturday, September 18, 2010 a rush hour will occur on Otter Lake Road, when two NCT affiliates launch organized hikes from the road.

The Superior Hiking Trail Association will be hiking 8.7 miles from Otter Lake Road south to Jackson Lake Road. Meanwhile, the Border Route Trail Association will be doing a Reconnaissance and Maintenance Hike on the Pigeon River Cliffs Section of the BRT.

The SHTA hike will cover the northern-most section of the Superior Hiking Trail, which includes Rosebush Ridge the highest point on the trail. This hike will have beautiful views of Lake Superior along with some challenging ascents and descents. Gayle Coyer, Executive Director of the Superior Hiking Trail Association, will be leading the hike. The hike is free for anyone who wants to attend. Gayle will be camping at Judge Magney State Park and will be hosting a Campfire Program on Saturday Night. Park admission and camping fees will apply to anyone wishing to camp at Judge Magney State Park. Gayle will also be leading a 5.1 mile hike from Jackson Lake Road to the Arrowhead Trail on Sunday, September 19.

Meanwhile, the Border Route Trail Association will be having a hike to find possible locations for new campsites on the Pigeon River Cliffs Section of the Border Route. And they will be doing some trail maintenance, especially in the three timber sale areas on the trail that were clear-cut this spring. Ed Solstad, the BRTA’s Mechanized Trail Director will be leading this hike. The BRTA will be camping at the Otter Lake Trailhead Campsite. This outing will start on Thursday evening, when they will be driving up from the Twin Cities and end on Sunday evening when they drive back. The cost for the trip is $55 per person, which includes transportation from the Twin Cities and all food on the outing except for the pit stops on the way up and back.

According to Gayle Coyer, the last time the SHTA hosted the Northern Hikes over 50 people attended. The BRTA’s hike has a limit of 12 people, due to transportation reasons. For more information about these hikes check out their websites.

See Superior Hiking Trail Association
See Border Route Trail

National Geographic Chooses SHT - a Best American Adventure

photo by JHY

from National Geographic

National Geographic has just added 50 new trips to the America's Best Adventures feature, raising the total to 100 iconic escapes. These include not only hiking, but biking, paddling, surfing, climbing, etc. Minnesota's Superior Hiking Trail, which is a portion of the North Country Trail, is one such recently added destination.

NG calls the SHT the "best long hike in the country between the Continental Divide and the Appalachian Trail." Reasons for this high praise include ancient mountains, Lake Superior, and forests of birch and aspen mixed with the boreal balsam and spruce.

The wildness of the area and terrain coupled with its proximity to access and services if needed is a winning combination. Over 30 trailheads and 86 free backcountry campsites provide great flexibility for trip planning. One can hike with only a few encounters with civilization, or follow the entire 287-mile trail with a lodge-to-lodge approach.

The article mentions connections with the Border Route and Kekekabic Trails, but sadly, never mentions the NCT. This may be due to the fact that we are all still waiting for official Congressional approval of their inclusion in the North Country Trail route.

This segment is on maps produced by the Superior Hiking Trail Association

See Superior Hiking Trail Association
See Update on the Status of the Arrowhead Reroute

Superior Trail Guidebook- New Edition

if you like this article, click the Blip chiclet!
from the Superior Hiking Trail Association

The Guide to the Superior Hiking Trail details over 277 miles of footpath on the North Shore of Lake Superior from Jay Cooke State Park near Duluth, MN. to the Canadian border.

The new (sixth) version has the newest sections from Fox Farm Rd to Cty 301. This is about 28 miles. Also the guide has been altered to have the Jay Cooke and Duluth Sections first, as they should be. The trail begins at Jay Cooke at the visitor center and follows park trails for 6 miles until the Grand Portage trailhead. The gap between Martin Rd in Duluth and Fox Farm East trailhead is about 25 trail miles.

The Guide is layed out section-by-section with each section providing trailhead parking directions, campsite and water source info, and a mile-by-mile description of the trail and scenic features. Anyone who has used the SHTA guides recognizes that theirs is an excellent and easy-to-use format.

See Superior Hiking Trail Association

New Trail to Cross Knife River on SHT

new Knife River bridge (photo by Gayle Coyer)

if you like this article, click the Blip chiclet!
from the Ridgeline, the magazine of the Superior Hiking Trail Association, winter 2010

A new 6.4-mile section of the Superior Hiking Trail, south of Two Harbors will be opened in mid-May, 2010. This section goes from Fox Farm Road/ East Trailhead to Rossini Road, crossing the West Branch of the Knife River.

Trail Construction Supervisor, Larry Sampson, and more than 70 volunteers put in over 1000 hours on the project. The section features nice maple forests, huge beaver-chewed stumps, and over a half mile of old beaver ponds.

The SHTA is currently working on the map for this new piece of trail. They have scheduled a guided hike for July 17, 2010, beginning at 10 am. Meet at the Fox Farm Road/ East Trailhead.

This segment will be issued by the SHTA soon

See Superior Hiking Trail Association

KQDS TV Does Spot on Superior Hiking Trail

Gayle Coyer on the SHT (photo a still from the video- click to see video, which will take you to the article site.)

if you like this article, click the Blip chiclet!
based on a news article at KQDS TV

Gayle Coyer, Executive Director of the Superior Hiking Trail Association, showed viewers a stretch of new trail near Two Harbors this week. This section opened in September, and extends the trail farther south from the trailhead on County Road 301.

"It's more of a walk in the woods, but it's a beautiful woods, there's old growth maple forests, red pine, previously logged areas," explained Coyer, comparing this section with others which have become well-known for spectacular views of Lake Superior. This section adds 22 new miles of trail, and four campsites to the Superior Trail System.

She anticipates the it will take about 4 more years to connect these miles with the trail through Duluth. At that point hikers can enter Minnesota on the North Country Trail at Jay Cooke State Park and hike north all the way to the Canadian Border via the SHT and the Border Route Trail.

This segment is on the new SHTA map A

See Superior Hiking Trail

A Decade of Death, A Day of Disaster

wind damaged tree (photo by Andrew Slade)

if you like this article, click the Blip chiclet!
from the blog There and Back- Blogging the North Shore

"A decade of death for the birch, followed by a day of disaster for the spruce. All leading to open skies on an autumn day...where a deep forest had recently been."

So concludes Andrew Slade after observing the damage after the latest wind storm to rip through the North Shore area of Minnesota on the Superior Hiking Trail/ NCT. September 28 saw the destruction of many large spruce which crashed to the ground, and the birch, many of which had died as a result of terrible ice storms in recent years, simply snapped off.

Lookout Mountain sustained a great deal of damage. Trail crews headed out immediately after the storm, and began the clean-up work. Andrew writes, "Thank goodness for trail crews, for strong people with chainsaws. The 2.8 mile loop had nary a stick across the treadway."

You can see several more photos at Andrew's Blog.

See Lookout Mountain, Star Trek Style See This is Stunning. I am Stunned.

SHT Guided Hike Offered, Sept 2010

trip leader, Mary Coffin

from Mary Coffin

Have you wanted to experience Lake Superior's North Shore, but weren't sure if you were up to backpacking? Experienced guide Mary Coffin, is leading a day hiking expedition on the NCT / Superior Hiking Trail, Minnesota, Sept 8-15, 2010

This is a day hiking and camping trip on the 4600 mile North Country National Scenic Trail where it is concurrent with the Superior Hiking Trail. It is said that there are no uninteresting sections of trail here. If you are looking for the camaraderie of like-minded hikers to bag a few miles of the NCNST in northern Minnesota, this might be the trip for you.

Each day hikers will cover 6-10 miles, with day packs, using vans to shuttle between base camps and trail heads. We will set up tents in state parks with flush toilets and showers and cook and eat outdoors. Wilderness Inquiry, a not for profit outfitter, will take care of logistics.

There will be opportunities to observe fall color, waterfalls, rivers, lakes, scenic vistas contrasted by deep deciduous woods, Lake Superior views, lighthouses, wildlife, birds including eagles, waterfowl and moose. Hike in the footsteps of the voyageurs and old time loggers of Paul Bunyan fame! This is a sampling of experiences along the SHT, not a thru-hike.

The trip starts and ends in Duluth. The first and last day in Duluth will be at your own expense for lodging and dinner in the Duluth Best Western Edgewater Polynesian Plaza. They have lower rates on weekdays, AAA and over 50 AARP discounts, continental breakfast and airport shuttle. There are many inexpensive eateries in walking distance.

The trip cost will be $770 per participant which includes: Wilderness Inquiry guide for 6 days, 5 nights, ground transport during trip, all meals and snacks starting from lunch on day 2 through lunch on day 7, Eureka tents, cooking equipment, stoves, campground fees, and NCTA leader for days 1-7. Not Included: airfare, dinner and hotel on day 1 and day 7, alcohol, soda and personal items (including sleeping bag and pad), voluntary tip to the guides. Membership in NCTA is required (check northcountrytrail.org or 1-866-HIKENCT)

Coffin is an experienced trek leader and guide, having led trips around the world from Hawaii to India, to many camping trips in the United States.

Contact Mary Coffin, 315-687-3589, for more information

"See" the Newest Miles of the SHT

Rudi Hargesheimer says "I’ve traveled the world over shooting photos. There are spectacular places with artistic photo compositions waiting to be brought to light everywhere. But, it is in my home state and around our big lake that I’ve returned time after time, and I never stop craving more." He is referring to the North Shore of Lake Superior.

He is also a past board member and President of the Superior Hiking Trail Association. His love for the North Shore extends to the hiking trail. Among his popular trail presentations is a program "Sentiments from the Heart," which combines lines from SHT logbooks with his beautiful photographs.

On September 22, Join Rudi for a look at the newest 78 miles of the Superior Hiking Trail. He will present the 48 miles of trail between Jay Cooke State Park and the northeast end of Duluth. Rudi also will give a sneak peak at the new 30 miles of trail that wraps around to the west and south of Two Harbors. Most of this did not officially open until Labor Day. The Superior Hiking Trail is famous for its northern 205 miles, but this show will introduce attendees to the newest miles.

The program will be in the Expedition Room, Midwest Mountaineering, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 7 pm.

Superior Hiking Trail

Signs of Passage

where the NCT enters the Chippewa NF at the east on County Rd 132 (photo by JHY)

by JHY

The pavement walk from the Chippewa to the Kekekabic is done! My total came in at 183.2 miles (which included a 3-mile detour we had to take one day). Even though there were some beautiful moments, that many miles of pavement will never be my favorite. Here are just some signs of the passage. When we reached the sign that said 15 miles to Ely we felt like we were actually getting somewhere even though there were 2 1/2 more days to walk. Ely is a big hiking/camping/canoeing/biking center and we felt like we were among those who understood instead of being two crazy ladies out walking a hot road.



Now we are headed into the woods today with backpacks to do the final miles I have left on the Superior Hiking Trail.

(photo by JHY)

(photo by JHY)

(photo by JHY)

connecting with the May hike! (photo by JHY)

It's really hard to describe the thrill of connecting with the location where our wilderness hike ended this May. Note the same signpost as in Home, the Hike Was Great!, (with a lot more greenery evident.)

22 New Miles of SHT Set for Fall Opening

from the Ridgeline, Summer 2009, used with permission

The last large portion of road walk on the Superior Hiking Trail is between Two Harbors and the north edge of the city of Duluth. This totals about 40 miles. Last year a 6-mile section in the middle, unconnected to other trail, was opened. It is expected to be connected to the rest of the trail this fall.

Good progress is being made on the new 22-mile section of trail from Co. Rd. 301 to Rossini Road. The Superior Hiking Trail Association had hoped to open the trail to the public in July but with the spring ice storm damage that had to be cleared, they decided to delay the opening till September 1.

This way there will be time to get trailhead signs installed, and blazing completed. The new trail is divided into three sections of 10.5, 7.0 and 5.0 miles, with three campsites.

It has an amazing amount of mature maples forest that should really be a treat to hike through in the fall. It will also be a good section to snowshoe.

More information will be listed on the SHTA web site just before September 1.

Superior Hiking Trail Association

Britton Peak to Cascade River on the SHT

Lake Agnes (photo by Jim Colten)

from a trip report by Jim Colton, posted on the hiker Yahoo group

My friend Fred and myself hiked the Britton-Oberg segment Friday May 22 then met Roliegh, Vicky, Craig, Keri, Joe and Lisette for backpacking from Oberg to Cascade River.

Days were warm and sunny (about 60*F). Low temps were 42*F Saturday morning and lower 30's Sunday and Monday.

The trail was generally dry with infrequent short patches of stiff mud and even fewer areas of loose mud or water. Much sign of trail clearing work by the volunteer crews ... THANK YOU!

Creeks and rivers were running well.

Dutchman's Britches, Marsh Marigolds, what appears to be a yellow violet and acres of a small white and pink flower I can't identify were blooming. A couple other wildflowers appeared to be well on their way. WONDERFUL!

We met numerous day hikers and backpackers (including a group of young people from England) and shared campsites with some very nice folks.

Pleasant weather, great trail and even better fellowship ... life IS good.

To see all the pictures, join the hiker Yahoo group

Hiking the Minnesota Arrowhead

Marie Altenau and Ed Morse on a rocky overlook (photo by JHY)

by JHY

What an awesome hike! I think that we managed to hit the very best time to hike the Minnesota Arrowhead on the northern Superior Hiking Trail, Border Route and Kekekabic Trails. Despite all the horror stories that we have been told, we were able to follow the compacted treadway over the entire 133 miles of the hike.

For all but the Kekekabic Trail we were treated several times a day to rocky outcrops, usually with great views. However, the weather was cold and damp for most of the first 10 days. All those nights were below freezing, and one of the days we walked in snow and a cold wind all day. The picture below is attractive, but we longed for some warmer weather. And before the end of the trip we did seem to really encounter spring.

fog rising between the ridges (photo by JHY)

All along the Border Route the scenery is just incredible. The views just never seem to stop. The lakes that form the boundary between the US and Canada are stretched below the trail.

JHY overlooking the US-Canadian border from the Border Route Trail (photo by RMA)

One of the most fun things that happened was that we encountered Matt Davis leading a group of hikers on the Kekekabic Trail coming west to east. We stopped and chatted with them for about an hour! Believe it or not, we met more hikers on this remote section of trail than we have ever met on any of our other NCT hikes.

See My Quality Day for more details from the hike.

SHT/NCT Part of TrekNorth Education

based on a news article from the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, "Ultrafit: An outside education," April 13, 2009

TrekNorth is a public charter school in Minneapolis, Minnesota, but students participate in an Outdoor Adventure Program that takes them from Alaska to the Appalachian Trail... and the North Country Trail. Backpacking on the Superior Hiking Trail section in northern Minnesota is one of the standard components of the program.

The completion of a high adventure is a requirement for graduation from the school. In the Black Hills of South Dakota, a TrekNorth junior realized, "I could do this for the rest of my life." He is now headed for a career as a geologist and a third-year student at Michigan Technological University in Houghton, Michigan.

Dan McKeon is the school's executive director, and the instigator of Outdoor Adventures. He has taken students to the Needles of South Dakota, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, and more. He believes that students build traits on the trips that are impossible to gain in a classroom. "Students learn on trips that they are tougher than they realized, and can do more than they ever thought possible."

One former student commented, "TrekNorth changed my life, and it's so good to see it getting the recognition it deserves. More schools like this across the country would be a boon to future generations."

Opportunities to Help Clean Up Ice Damage to SHT

from the Superior Hiking Trail Associaton

Our biggest task for maintenance on the North Shore for May and July will be to clear the SHT from the devestating ice storm that hit the trail in March. Volunteers can sign up to help on the following dates. From the meeting point, we will be creating crews of 2-3 people to go out with certified SHT chainsawyers to buck up trees and clear the trail.

You must pre-register in advance by the Thursday before each work date so we know how many people to expect. Email the SHTA Office at volunteer@shta.org or call at 218-834-2700 to sign up.

Participants should dress for work: wear sturdy boots and long sleeve pants and shirts. Bring hard hats, safety glasses, gloves and ear protection if you have them -- if not they will be provided. Bring a lunch and beverages. The day’s work should be done by 3:00-4:00.

Saturday, May 2nd and Sunday, May 3rd, 8:30 a.m.: Meet at the main building of the Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center in Finland, Minnesota

Saturday, May 2nd and Sunday, May 3rd, 9:00 a.m.: A second group of trail clearers will meet at the Britton Peak trailhead parking lot and will concentrate on clearing the sections from Temperance River State Park to Lutsen.

Saturday, June 6 and/or Sunday June 7, National Trails Day: SHTA will be hosting free camping Friday the 5th, Saturday the 6th and Sunday the 7th at Tettegouche State Park and providing a free picnic supper on Saturday for all volunteers.

Duluth Maintenance Work Projects: Larry Sampson will be continuing as the Duluth Trail Maintenance Supervisor in 2009. Larry has several projects planned such as putting in small re-routes, adding steps to steep trail sections, and adding water bars to parts of the trail for erosion control. Larry has a small group of dedicated volunteers who help him out with projects, but he would like to increase his numbers of volunteers. If you would like to be on Larry’s volunteer email list, please email him at LBSampson@msn.com

Contact Gayle Coyer, Executive Director, SHTA.
See Coyer Views Ice Damage on SHT from the Air

Coyer Views Ice Damage on SHT from Air

Beaver Bay Ice (photo by Gayle Coyer)

from Gayle Coyer, Executive Director Superior Hiking Trail Association

I was able to fly over a part of the SHT last week (quite a fun ride!) to view the ice storm damage from the air. From the south, it's generally not too bad until you get to about Fault Line Ridge. Beaver Bay, Silver Bay, Bean and Bear Lake, Wolf Ridge seem hard hit. Eric Lindberg tried to get to Bean Lake last week and said in about 2.5 miles there were about 1,000 (!) trees covering the path (mostly young aspen).

So it's going to take quite a while to get everything cleared up. There's still at least 1-2 feet of snow in the woods (I've been measuring with a yardstick!) so a lot of the blowdown is still covered by the 16" blizzard that followed the ice storm.

Twin Lakes Spur Ice (photo by Gayle Coyer)

I didn't take any photos from the air, but here are some taken at ground level of the damage. I'll be posting some trail clearing opportunities shortly for those of you who might be interested.

Superior Hiking Trail Association

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!