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One of the greatest treasures in life is exploring the forests, mountains, rivers and the lakes that surround us.  In Duluth  we have the unique ability to step right out our door and experience this gift.  I have been involved with hiking for over two decades from Latin American jungles to the mountains of Canada.  I have been seeking the best hiking in the area and have formulated a “top 10 hikes” of the summer.

While in the wilderness caution must be observed, certain items are needed.  Both for the hiking group and what is needed for your personal use should be considered.  A first aid kit is needed for the group including; duct tape, bandages, natural soap, antiseptic wipes, dental floss(for sewing), sewing needles, sunscreen, insect repellent, and any necessary  pharmaceuticals (Benadryl, Ibruprofen). Items such as food, a knife, water purifier and a stove(if needed) are also sharable items. Personal items to bring should include compass, water bottles, flashlight, camera, and  lighter.  Proper clothing and footwear is key and knowing the future weather will help you prepare.  Remember down jackets don’t work well in the rain.  If you are camping through the night you will need a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and of course a proper sized backpack.  Remember if overnighting, food must be hung away from bears between two trees at least ten feet off the ground.  Remember to leave no trace so the next person can have the same experience.

With all the top level hiking in the area there will be some beautiful hikes that get left out of the top ten.  Many of these are right in town, Chester creek, Park Point Spirit,  Hartley Park, the Lakewalk to Enger Tower.  Others are up the North Shore.  The Superior hiking trail is in a class of its own with just under 300 miles of trail.  Jay Cooke Park has missed the mark because of the construction this summer.  Remember State parks charge for parking and overnight camping.

10.  COVE LOOP

-Trailhead: North Shore Hwy 61
just before Beaver Bay.
-Distance: 5.1 miles in a Lollypop
loop.  Three overlooks including
the dramatic Fault line ridge.
-Moderate difficulty
-No overnight camping

9. TETTEGOUCHEE STATE PARK

-Trailhead: North Shore in Tettegouche State Park just past Silver Bay on Hwy 61.
-Distance: Up to 23 miles of hiking.  including High falls, tallest waterfall in Minnesota and overlooks at Raven rock, Mt Baldie, and Mt. Truddee.
-Easy to moderate difficulty
-Overnight camping ( 34 sites and 5 cabins)

8. CARLTON PEAK

-Trailhead: Northshore on Hwy 2
off of Hwy 6, Called Britton Peak
parking area. Trail on south side
of road.
-Distance: 4.4 miles including
Britton Peak and Carlton Peak.  Views of Tettegouche and Lake
Superior.  
-Moderate to extreme difficulty
-No overnight camping

7. HISTORIC PORTAGE TRAIL

-Trailhead: Northern Wisconsin 3 miles east on Hwy 3 from Solon Springs
-Distance: 4 miles hike to and back.  Oldest known trail in the midwest used by natives to portage from the Brule river to St. Croix lake. Part of the North Country Trail System.
-Easy difficulty
-One overnight camping spot at Catlin Creek

6. ELY’S PEAK

-Trailhead: South of Duluth off of Grand Ave on Becks Rd.
-Distance: 2.1 miles.  Hike down the paved Munger Trail for .5 miles then head north on Superior Hiking Trail to climb to the peak for a panoramic view of St. Loius River, Bardons peak, and Jay Cooke park.
-Moderate difficulty
-No Overnight camping

5.PORCUPINE MOUNTAINS (Big Carp River Trail)

-Trailhead: North of Ironwood in Upper Michigan on South Boundary Road
-Distance: 18 mile loop.  Walk through pristine cedar old growth, down Big Carp
River then camp on Lake Superior.  For an extended loop either hike back on Little Carp River trail, Pinkerton River Trail, or Mirror Lake Trail.
-Easy to moderate difficulty
-Plenty of overnight camping including a site 1 mile from trailhead and numerous  lake superior sites.

4. CROSBY MANITOU STATE PARK

-Trailhead: Just outside of Finland up the North Shore on Hwy 7
-Distance: Up to 23 miles of trail.  Views consist of Manitou Falls and Benson Lake.There are many overlooks and dense forest.
-Moderate to extreme difficulty
-16 overnight camping sites.  The most outstanding sites are #13, #14, and #16

3. BEAN AND BEAR LAKE LOOP

-Trailhead: In Silver Bay off of Hwy 5 (Penn Blvd)
-Distance: 6.6 mile Lollypop Loop.  Spectacular hike with whole trail sections overlooking Bean lake, Bear lake and Lake superior.  Bear lake is surrounded by cliffs up to 100 ft tall.
-Moderate to Extreme difficulty
-4 overnight camping sites on and above Bear Lake

2. ST. PETER’S DOME AND MORGAN FALLS

-Trailhead: 15 miles south of Ashland on County Line Rd (FR199) from Hwy E
-Distance: 4 miles to overlook and back.  Hike includes 70 ft. waterfall and a view of Lake Superior from the overlook.
-Moderate difficulty
-No overnight camping

1. OBERG MOUNTAIN

-Trailhead- up North Shore off Hwy 61 on Hwy 336
-Distance: 1.8 mile loop.  During the hike around Oberg Mtn veiws  of Carlton Peak, Lutsen Mtn. and Lake Superior are almost endless.  The trail also weaves through rare northern Minnesota maple forests.
-Moderate Difficulty
-No overnight camping