5 Best Hiking Trails on the North Shore of Minnesota
The North Shore is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and South Dakota. If you’re looking for a new hiking trail for a long weekend getaway or a full week of family fun, we’ve rounded up our top 5 favorite hiking trails up the North Shore. These trails are within driving distance of Two Harbors.
1. Bean and Bear Lake Loop
This trail offers breathtaking views of Lake Superior and some of its most famous landmarks. The course starts at Bean Lake Recreation Area. You’ll pass by many lakes along the way, including Little Sand Bay and Big Sand Bay, before reaching your final destination at Bear Lake Recreation Area. The trail is 6.5 miles long, takes about 3 hours to complete, and is considered a moderate track.
2. Shovel Point
If you’re looking for an adventure with a view, look no further than Shovel Point. This route is one of our favorites because it’s easy and offers beautiful views of Lake Superior. The trail is 1.2 miles in Tettegouche State Park, which will take about 45 minutes to finish. You’ll start at the Visitor Center parking lot before heading east along the trail.
3. White Sky Rock
White Sky Rock is another popular spot in Lutsen, Minnesota, that offers amazing views of Caribou Lake. It’s a moderate 0.3-mile trail and takes about an hour to hike. Your first stop will be the White Sky Rock Overlook, where you can see stunning sunrise. The main features of this track include wildlife, bird watching, and big vistas. For those who love nature, you’ll enjoy the different wildflowers along the trail.
This easy hike along the shoreline offers spectacular fall colors. You’ll take in the sights of Superior National Forest, rocky hillsides, tree roots, and towering cliffs. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into an enchanted forest as you wander past moss-covered rocks and lush green trees on your journey.
4. Fantasia Overlook
Look no further than the Fantasia Overlook Hiking Trail for the best views of Lake Superior’s North Shore. It is located in Silver Bay, Minnesota, and that takes you to the top of a bluff that offers panoramic views of a beaver pond and the famous Lake Superior. Also, it’s a moderately challenging route.
This track is 5 miles long that offers you a spectacular bird’s eye view of the oranges, yellows, and fiery reds before winter. It’s also a great place to enjoy wildlife; you might see bald eagles, ospreys, and even porcupines. The park has over 1,000 feet of elevation gain, so carry lots of water. Pets are allowed, so take your dog for fun and interesting hiking.
5. Oberg Mountain Trail
The Oberg Mountain Trail is a moderate hiking trail near Tofte, Minnesota. It’s a relatively short hike that offers beautiful views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The walk is about 2.3 miles long, and you can complete it in about 2 hours.
The hike to the loop is quite tough for some travelers, but the experience is awesome. Some features include photography, wildlife, wildflowers, pets, and scenic views. This walk has various viewpoints over the Superior National Forest, Oberg Lake, and Lake Superior. Many posts don’t have a railing, so it’s cautious to mind safety. You can access this amazing route all year.
Conclusion
The North Shore is a massive area, so the above trails are perfect within a one-day drive of the Twin Cities. However, you can find plenty of other great hikes on the North Shore. Our list is ideal for those seeking to explore this beautiful area.
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