Superior Trail

[McPick]

Hey hikers... I'm curious about potential insect conditions/problems along the Superior Trail in early summer vs late summer. Comments?? Thanks.

[sheepdog]

black flies will be a killer most likely early summer

Observation based on Michigan hiking in the UP. Usually the bugs thin out by late summer.

[paintplongo]

I've hiked on it twice in April just as the last of the snow melted, I'd recommend hiking early in the season, Aprilish, or late in the season, Octoberish. Good Luck!

[Erin]

Thanks for posting.We just today changed our planned hike on the Superior Trail from June to September of next year to avoid the worst of the skeeters and black flies. We are now choosing a five day section from north to south but not too far north as it takes us two days just to get up there and to use the SHT service on Sunday to get on the trail.
None of us have hiked up there and we appreciate any and all suggestions, route, weather, wildlife, safety, etc. We have not been able to get this group together for a five day hike since our AT section and we are very excited about this trail. We are not fast hikers. On our AT, we averaged nine miles a day. When we get off the trail, we would also like some beer and a hot tub/massage like Hot Springs, NC. Any suggestions on that would be great also. Thanks!

[sheepdog]

watch out for the dogman!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uwFZYCwnS0

[jrwiesz]

Try to google for some info.

http://www.rockflowerpress.com/loadb..._CATEGORY_ID=2

http://www.shta.org/

Here are two to get you started.

September, in that area of the country, is usually a good time to avoid the skeeters and black flies.

Enjoy.

[Erin]

Thanks, we got the book yesterday, have found the good website on the trail and Sheepdog, it seems as if "Dogman" is in Michigan and not Minnesota!

[sheepdog]

Thanks, we got the book yesterday, have found the good website on the trail and Sheepdog, it seems as if "Dogman" is in Michigan and not Minnesota!

never can tell
just had a special on the history channel of the wisconsin dog man. He's everywhere

[Erin]

That video link you provided was funny.
The story will be a good one to save for the hike.

[dpnoll]

Call the SHTA office at 218-834-2700. Talk to Gayle and let her know what you are looking for. She will probably be able to suggest a route for you.

[Erin]

Thanks dpnoll, I just saw your post. That helps. I am supposed to pick our route out of a book so Gayle sounds like a good suggestion to me.

[pistol p]

Hello there. Last year I section hiked the entire trail. I is a beautiful trail to trek. A couple suggestions...
-Up here in Minnesota, June and early July are the worst for the mosquitoes.
-Late August and early September the water can be hard to come by.
-If you can set a route to end in Grand Marais, you can find good food and plenty of
beer.
-The first 10-20 miles are pretty rugged, a lot of elevation gain.
- About 16 trail miles north of Grand Marais there is the Lake Walk section. You have
the opportunity to camp right on the shore of Lake Superior.
-The campsite are nice, some even have bear lines.
- I have yet to see a bear, very scare.
- I have heard wolves howling on the northern section of the trail...very cool.
- There are plenty of grouse to stumble upon.
- I have also yet to see a moose.
- You do travel through a bunch of state parks, with plenty of waterfalls to gaze \
upon.
-The northern most 6-8 mile is quite flat, which equals easy travels.
-If you can go up at the end of September, the leaves have a tend to change then.

Whew...If you need anymore info, let me know.

-Pete

[McPick]

Pistol P,

Thanks for the informative reply. I've been wondering about starting (mid-to late spring) at the northern end - flatter as you say - and hiking south. This would be much better for my partner. I think we'll be out a week or two. Short mileage days to begin (5). Perhaps work up to 10 or so. No rush. No deadline. Just do what we can at her pace.

Once I get the guide, I'll mull it over. Perhaps get back in touch with you if I have additional questions.

By the way, I've never seen a beer line in a campground...
Oh.. oops!
BEAR line. (Dang!)

Thanks again.

[Erin]

Thanks Pistol P, I put your info with the guide as a quick reference. We are still on for September and very excited. We are scheduled to get on the weekend of September 11th. I see McPick above is also from Northeast Missouri, I am betting Kirksville area, so this must be a popular destination for we from the far from anywhere mid-west.

[McPick]

PM sent to you

[Eldorado]

FYI the Superior Sawtooth 50m\100m trail running race will be run on the Superior Trail on September 11-12th. Not sure exactly where it starts or ends.

[The_Saint]

I've hiked on it twice in April just as the last of the snow melted, I'd recommend hiking early in the season, Aprilish, or late in the season, Octoberish. Good Luck!

I'd recommend what this guy said^ Oh wait, this is my old name

I was like, this guy is SPOT on. Duhhhhhhhhhhh