8 Amazing Reasons To Try
Backpacking in Minnesota
If you’re interested in backpacking, most likely the trails that come to mind aren’t in Minnesota. With popular movies and books like Wild, even non-backpackers have heard of the Pacific Crest or Appalachian Trail.
And while the Pacific Northwest gets a lot of the glory when it comes to scenic views and backcountry camping, did you know Minnesota is home to an incredible thru-hiking trail that is over 300 miles long? That’s right! The Superior Hiking Trail is legendary.
Whether you’re a Minnesota native, live out of state, new to backpacking or an experienced thru-hiker, here are 8 amazing reason to try backpacking in Minnesota!
1. Explore The Most Gorgeous Area of Minnesota:
The Superior Hiking Trail
If you haven’t visited Minnesota’s North Shore, I have to be honest…you are missing out!! It’s an underrated gem that so few non-Minnesotans even know exist.
The North Shore is considered the area from Duluth running north to the Canadian border along Lake Superior and scenic Highway 61. This part of Minnesota is full of rocky cliff sides, historic lighthouses, freezing cold winters and beautiful landscapes.
Lucky for us, there is a well-mainted backpacking route that cuts through the heart of this stunning area! The Superior Hiking Trail actually connects seven state parks, 94 free campsites and countless waterfalls and scenic overlooks. This is Minnesota at it’s finest. You will not be disappointed!!
Read: THE MOST INSTAGRAMMABLE PLACES ALONG THE MINNESOTA NORTH SHORE
2. It’s Free And No Reservations or Permits Are Required
If you’re looking for a budget trip, it doesn’t get much cheaper than completely free!
You can park overnight for free at some of the trailheads (like Oberg Mountain!) and all of the campsites are completely free.
You might need to invest in some backpacking gear if you’re new to the backcountry (you can use my SHT backpacking checklist) but other than that, you’ll have no expenses once you hit the trail.
Best of all, you don’t have to hassle with any sort of permits. Just show up with your backpack and go!
Other famous treks like Arizona’s Havasu Falls are getting exceedingly difficult to get a permit. It’s competitive and expensive to even get approved.
Well, that is not the case with the Superior Hiking Trail!
3. Disconnect From Technology
As a travel blogger I spend a lot of time on my phone, laptop and Instagram. One of the best parts about this trip was spending 3 days without technology. It was revitalizing, refreshing and reminded me that I should be trying to fall asleep every night without staring at a screen.
Some of the ladies in our group had service on the trails. But since it’s backcountry, we didn’t have a way to charge our phones aside from portable chargers. It’s a rare occurrence to have 8 adults together for a weekend and no one is spends any time staring into their phone.
I came back from the trip refreshed, motivated and inspired like never before!
4. Meet Amazing People On The Trail
What do you get when you combine “Minnesota nice” and the already friendly, outgoing nature of thru-hikers? Well, I learned the word for it… an amazing “tramily” AKA “trail family”.
But in all seriousness, the campsites are social atmospheres. And when you inevitably meet awesome people, you instantly have something in common. It’s so easy to chat about the trail, your gear, the adventure you had that day… it’s so easy to connect with other thru-hikers!
It really does become a “trail family” because people are quick to help one another, welcome you into the community and form bonds.
5. See Fall Colors Like You’ve Never Experienced
Fall in Minnesota is nothing short of magic. When you’re standing on a peak you’ve just climbed and you’re looking over a sea of red and orange trees, there is no better feeling.
The air is crisp and yes, the nights are cold. So just come prepared and pack warm clothes to keep cozy in your tent.
Not to mention it’s bug free after the first frost and it won’t be humid like the summer months! September is the perfect time to go.
7. Overnight Parking & Shuttle Services
Make Planning Your Trip Easy
If you need an itinerary, check out the 3 day/ 2 night route we hiked. This includes easy overnight parking at Oberg Mountain Trailhead.
Since the SHT is a straight line and not a loop, you will need transportation back to your car at the end. Not to worry, there are a number of easy to schedule and inexpensive options.
You can reserve a shuttle back to your car here.
If you use this shuttle service (there are a few options) just know reservations must be placed at least four days in advance.
You can also buy easy to follow maps of the Superior Hiking Trail on the official website if you want to plot a different route.
6. You’ll Get Addicted To The Freedom
As a full time nomad who is already in love with the freedom that travel provides, I didn’t think I could find anything that made me feel more free than full-time travel….but I was wrong.
Backpacking the SHT is the ultimate sense of freedom. When there is no set plan and the open trail is ahead of you, you can set off at whatever pace you like with everything you need right there on your back.
We had plans to camp at a different campsite originally but wound up staying somewhere else entirely. This is easy to do because again, no reservations are required and there are many campsites scattered along the trail. Grab your compass and your guide book and just hit the trail!
As you hike along, you’ll see signs indicating when the next campsite is so it’s easy to adjust your itinerary as you go if need be!
8. Build Your Confidence Through New Skills
If you’re new to backpacking, you might feel nervous for your first trip. That’s understandable. A lot of people feel that way leading up to their initial trip, myself included!
But once you go and realize that you are in fact capable of doing hard things, you will experience a crazy confidence boost. I couldn’t believe how strong, capable and independent I felt after just a 3 day trip.
Now I know I can filter water from a stream and not get sick. I can properly hang and store food away from bears. I can hike over 20 miles in a weekend and still feel AMAZING afterwards.
The skills you learn will lead to an increase in confidence in all areas of your life, not just backpacking. I felt more sure of myself and more independent after spending time out on the trails. It’s addicting!
Unsure of everything you need to pack? You can find my 3 day packing list here.
For more information on the Superior Hiking Trail, check out the official website and consider becoming a member!
Save on Pinterest for later!
Follow along on the adventure…
Shop My Superior Hiking Trail Essentials
Water Proof, Solar Powered Portable Charger
Sleeping Pad
Tent
