Minnesota's Superior Hiking Trail - Lodge Based

Trip Length5 Days
Group Size4-12
Activity level
Starting from
$2,899 for REI Members
$3,189 for non-members
DeparturesJul 2025-Oct 2025

Experience the untamed beauty of Minnesota's North Shore on this 5-day lodge-based hiking adventure.

Forged in fire then sculpted with ice, Lake Superior's shoreline is a tapestry of rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and dense forests, providing a dramatic backdrop for our adventure. The Superior Trail is a bucket list destination for all intrepid hikers that love the softer amenities at the end of a rewarding day on trail.

We have chosen the very best highlights of the 310-mile Superior Hiking Trail. Over the course of these amazing five days, we will wind through towering pine forests, traverse across rocky cliffs, and take in the breathtaking views of Lake Superior's endless azure waters, cascading waterfalls, and the mesmerizing dance of sunlight and shadow in this captivating wilderness. We begin our journey with a tranquil hike through lush forests from Bean Lake to the pristine waters of Bear Lake. Explore the Kadunce and Cascade River Trails, renowned for their cascading waterfalls and forested pathways, and hike the Gooseberry Falls Loop, offering a glimpse of some of the most stunning waterfalls in the area and a guide favorite view of the iconic Split Rock Lighthouse.

In addition to the world class hiking, we savor breakfast at local cafés and sample fresh caught delicacies at lakeside dinner restaurants with a glass of locally made wine. Our daily adventures are balanced by our comfortable evening accommodations, a cozy retreat where we can unwind after a day of exploring. This trip offers the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and relaxation along the shores of enigmatic Lake Superior.

One of the many well maintained boardwalks along the Gooseberry Falls trail…Stairway to heaven?

Trip Highlights

  • Experience world class hiking along the Superior Hiking Trail
  • Indulge in exceptional local cuisine
  • Hike to vistas of iconic Split Rock Lighthouse and Cascade Falls and more!
  • Enjoy warm midwestern hospitality
  • Explore iconic Lake Superiors’ rugged cliffs, welcoming beaches, and dense forests

Activities

This trip is rated Moderate [3]. Trip members should be capable of hiking up to 10 miles while carrying a daypack that weighs 10-15 pounds on trails with elevation gains/losses of up to 1,500'. Trails will include some steep sections, stairs, creek crossings and exposed overlooks. The trip guides will brief trip members on the rigorousness and exposure of each hike prior to setting out. Most excursions take place between 500'-2,000' in elevation.

  • Hiking

What's Included

Professional guide(s); 4 nights of accommodations (based on double occupancy); Meals as noted in the daily itinerary; Transportation for the duration of the trip; All gratuities at restaurants; All permits and entrance fees; see gear list for details on equipment provided.

Accommodations

Lodge, 4 nights.

Your Adventure Itinerary

Itinerary map for Minnesota's Superior Hiking Trail - Lodge Based
Day 1

Arrival and Hike from Bean Lake to Bear Lake

Our adventure begins in Duluth, where we meet the guides and group at the host hotel, then set off for the trailhead. A hike from Bean Lake to Bear Lake is the perfect introduction to the beauty of this enchanting locale, immediately immersing us in the lush landscape and stunning scenery that typifies the Superior Hiking Trail. With every room overlooking the vast Lake Superior, our lodging provides amazing views and some time to relax before dinner at a local restaurant.  Our first wonderful day complete, we settle in for a restful evening, lulled to sleep by the soothing sound of waves lapping the shore. Lunch and dinner included.

Hiking 7 miles, Elevation Gain/Loss +1,175'/-1,159

Van transfers: 2.5 hours

Day 2

Kadunce River Trail and Shoreside Dining

Begin the day with a hearty breakfast at local’s favorite Blue Water Café, then grab some (world famous?) donuts for the road before heading to the Kadunce River Trail. Our longest hike on this incredible journey, this trail offers a refreshing hike along the river and through the woods, with beautiful waterfalls and forested pathways. But that is not all this exceptional hike has to offer! We go from the towering trees to the wave crashing shoreline, and our adventure transforms as we arrive at the stunning Lake Walk. Here, the breathtaking contrast of lush greenery meeting crystal-clear waters creates a surreal experience, a perfect complement to the morning’s scenic wonders, and the perfect spot for our picnic lunch. We traverse back into the woods and finish along the Kadunce river and it’s many cascades. After the hiking, we return to our abodes and get ready to treat ourselves to a sumptuous dinner with scenic views of Lake Superior. All meals included.

Hiking 9.53 miles, Elevation Gain/Loss +972/-900

Van transfers: 30 min.

Day 3

Pincushion Trail and Wine Tasting

We kick off the day with breakfast at a local favorite café, then travel to the Pincushion Trail for a superior (pun intended) hike. Reaching the summit of Pincushion Mountain—our highest point on the trip at nearly 1,600 feet—feels like a true victory. As we stand at the top, panoramic views of the vast Lake Superior and the charming town of Grand Marais unfold before us, a well-earned reward for our journey. As we transfer to our next lodging set in the Lutsen hills, a trip to the North Shore Winery is on the menu to indulge in a tasting of locally made wines and cheeses. We finish the day with a sumptuous celebratory dinner, before retiring for the evening in our comfy new lodge. All meals included.

Hike 5.2 miles, Elevation Gain/Loss +845/-1,194

Van Transfers: 45 min

Day 4

Cascade River Loop

Today we experience Cascade River State Park. Hiking the Cascade River Loop is a dramatic and classic section of the SHT. Climbing boardwalks, skipping over roots, and dancing around rocks describes today’s classic trail as we navigate along the river, experiencing an amazing array of waterfalls and  dramatic river cascades. The almost eight miles seems to go by in a blink due to the fantastic visual feast. And speaking of dinner, we stay in theme tonight and enjoy a relaxed dinner at the Cascade Restaurant, known for it’s relaxed atmosphere and great food. Heading back to our lodge feels like going home as we settle in for another relaxing evening. All meals included.

Hiking 7.48 miles, Elevation Gain/Loss +/- 1,352'

Van Transfers: 1 hour

Day 5

Split Rock Lighthouse

Did we save the best for last?  Today your guide will take you on one of their favorite hikes that perfectly epitomizes the reason that the Superior Trail has become the worldwide destination that it is. A sumptuous picnic style lunch awaits after on the shores of Lake Superior with epic views of the iconic Split Rock Lighthouse. You may recognize the lighthouse overlook at Little Two Harbors from the many stunning photographs of the area. After lunch, and a bit of exploration along the shore area, it is time to return to Duluth, marking the end of your adventure, but just the beginning of your love affair with the North Shore! Breakfast and lunch included.

Hike 5.7 miles, Elevation Gain/Loss +/- 802'

Van Transfers: 2.5 hours

Itinerary map for Minnesota's Superior Hiking Trail - Lodge Based

Gear List

The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. Try to bring only what is necessary—this will help you and the field staff.

Already booked this trip? Sign into your online traveler profile for a more detailed list of what you'll need.

REI members can shop for gently used gear online or at most REI stores. Members can also trade in pre-loved used gear online or at any REI store in exchange for REI gift card credit. Check out Re/Supply at REI to learn more.

We provide

What to pack

Contact Us

Feel free to give us a call at 1 (800) 622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores and Direct Sales ( 1 (800) 426-4840 ) will also be happy to help you with gear questions. Or check out REI Expert Advice , which has great information to help you prepare for your trip.

Trip specifics may change over time. Reviews reflect the version of the trip that was active at the time the reviewer took it. Please review the itinerary as described above and call our team for any additional details.