Making Progress on Fall Projects to Improve the SHT

Sawmill Creek Pond Boardwalk: Rebuilt and Ready For You

Construction of a sturdy new boardwalk over the Sawmill Creek Pond is now complete!

If you've traveled through the area in recent years, you may recall the wobbly, aging, and, in some places, failing boardwalk across the large beaver pond (see the last vestiges of the old structure in the second photo above). With grant funding provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, the SHTA hired professional trailbuilders Trail Source to remove and replace the old structure. They recently completed installation of a Wickcraft Boardwalk, a pre-fabricated structure made with a galvanized structural steel frame guaranteed to last 100 years.

The new boardwalk is now open for you to enjoy.

The Days Are Numbered for the '138 Steps' Staircase

A reroute of the SHT near Spirit Mountain in Duluth will move the Trail off a steep, eroding staircase (top/left) and onto a more sustainable and enjoyable path (bottom/right).

This project has been planned in partnership with the Duluth Parks and Recreation Department to reduce the impact of the Trail, and use of it, on the surrounding lands and waters. Construction of the new route began in late September, and crews have already made great progress to build a few hundred feet of new trail. Professional trail builders Trail Logic are leading the construction effort with guidance from SHTA staff and support from our volunteer crews.

We hope to unveil the new route soon! Please remember to check our Trail Conditions page before you head out to the SHT to get the latest updates on new routes, trail issues and more.

Whipping It Up on the Duluth SHT

Did you know? Each year, the SHTA hires contractors and organizes volunteers to weed whip nearly every foot of the Trail from Wisconsin to Canada.

Among the many fine folks who've geared up to run a whipping machine, volunteer Lisa Byrne (pictured) stands out for her help to organize several weed whipping work parties with trail running friends each year on the Trail in Duluth.

Learn more about how Lisa and crew have been whipping it up on the Duluth SHT.

2020 Summit Challenge: Only A Few Weeks Left!

Fall colors are here, but not for much longer. Have you completed the SHT Summit Challenge yet?

Over the past few weeks, we've seen more cars at SHT trailheads than ever before.

While we're glad that more folks are discovering and enjoying the Trail, we know that many come to the SHT to find solitude and space. If you're looking for a few less busy destinations for your fall trips on the Trail, check out the SHT Summit Challenge!

There's still time for you to hike, run, walk, or saunter to seven of the summits and take a brief survey by October 31 to complete the challenge.

Cozy Up to Cooler Temps With Gear From SHTA

Duluth Pottery SHT Mug

$35.00

View

Flannel SHT Shirt

$42.00

View

SHT Buff

$24.00

View

Days are getting shorter, mornings and evenings are getting colder, and leaf-off vistas are beginning to emerge on the Trail.

Stay warm and cozy by checking out the gifts and gear in our online store, and watch for more new store items to arrive in the coming weeks. All sales support the Trail!

Our Trail Information Center in Two Harbors is closed to the public until further notice. If you need to pick up a guide or maps on the way to the Trail, check out one of the many fine local retailers who carry SHT products.

Header photo courtesy of Aaron Wernimont.
The Superior Hiking Trail Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Tax ID: 41-1569104

Our mailing address is:
731 Seventh Ave, Suite 2, Two Harbors, MN 55616
(218) 834-2700

Questions? Contact Development and Communications Director Jaron Cramer at jcramer@superiorhiking.org.

Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.