9 minute read
Along the Shore: Part 1
Minnesota DNR Hiking Club: Loyalty to nature
By Chris Pascone
October is prime time for hiking in Minnesota. The magic formula of no mosquitos, plus cooler temps and vibrant fall colors, transforms sweaty summer slogs into awesome autumn adventures. Yet, even with ample hiking trails crisscrossing our state, we may not be aware of all the opportunities out there, or be willing to travel to new state parks to experience it all.
Here’s where our Minnesota DNR is ready to help. They’ve compiled a list of one outstanding hiking trail from each of the 68 Minnesota state parks and recreation areas, and have published all these top hikes in a handy, spiral bound book entitled Minnesota State Parks and Trails Hiking Club. Hike entries feature a short description of what to expect, and often a color photo. These trails have been chosen by state park staff for their intrinsic beauty and unique natural history. The book provides hikers with clear choices for getting out and seeing their state’s natural places step by step.
Furthermore, Hiking Club gives incentives to go hike as many trails as possible. The book provides an organized means of curating your own personal checklist of which of the 68 trails you’ve hiked so far by entering the trail’s unique password in your book.
Verónica Jaralambides, marketing consultant of the DNR’s Division of Parks and Trails, explains how the password works. “About halfway along the designated Hiking Club trail at each park there’s a sign with a password that club members get to record in their book, along with the hiked mileage, as proof that they completed the hike. Participants get excited about finding the password, and it helps gamify the outdoor experience, adding another element of fun and incentive.”
Finding these passwords creates a quest for hikers, young and old. “This year we’re updating all our Hiking Club signage to provide better wayfinding and replace worn-out signage. We took the opportunity to update some passwords as well, and we now have an interpretive element for visitors to learn something new about the place they’re visiting,” Jaralambides adds.
As you fill in more passwords by hiking at more state parks, you’re also earning more rewards. That’s right—this loyalty club gives you prizes for reaching hiking milestones. You can present your log at any state park office to get patches for hiking 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, and 175 miles, and after hiking all the trails. Furthermore, you can receive certificates for up to two free nights of camping at Minnesota state parks. You’ll get your first free night after reaching 100 Hiking Club miles, and another after you’ve hiked all trails. That’s an up to $50 value, considering today’s drive-in camping rates of $20 to $25 per night at state parks.
The Minnesota State Parks and Trails Hiking Club book costs $14.95, and can be found at all state park gift shops and at the online Nature Store: mndnr.gov/naturestore.
Of course, it’s not just the material rewards that motivate visitors to track down those Hiking Club signs with secret passwords scattered around the state. It’s about expanding one’s geographical range, and one’s hiking prowess. “With the goal to hike at 68 state parks and recreation areas, the Hiking Club provides an incentive for members to stay active and healthy,” says Jaralambides. “The club helps establish new habits while giving participants a sense of accomplishment. We’ve received testimonials from people who found the longer hikes in the book unattainable when they first started, but they quickly gained confidence and ability by starting with other hikes, and eventually built up to more strenuous ones.”
Hiking Club was originally established in 1991 to mark the Minnesota state parks’ centennial, and “has endured the test of time,” Jaralambides says. Many members report discovering a new favorite park that they would have never visited were it not for the club. While visiting state parks and recreation areas, club members travel to different areas and support the local economy.
Sales of the Hiking Club book reached 2,806 copies in the first eight months of 2023—on pace to easily surpass last year’s total of 3,094. Jaralambides proudly notes that sales have increased every year since the DNR updated the books and increased promotions.
Jaralambides also takes pride in how the program spurs people on to explore their natural environment. One participant’s testimonial stated, “Personally, my favorite part of the Hiking Club is that it usually walks you through just about every unique part of the park.”
The loyalty club helps connect more people to the outdoors and discover new state parks and recreation areas. Pick up a copy of Minnesota State Parks and Trails Hiking Club and go see how many different passwords you can collect while the hiking is still prime.
Top seven fall North Shore hikes
By Kalli Hawkins
This year, fall graced the North Shore by the end of August, arriving a tad earlier than expected. The premature sprinkling of vibrant yellows, oranges, and reds provided a delightful treat for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, who reveled in the early onset of autumnal splendor.
Fall is a busy time of year along the North Shore as residents and visitors lace up their hiking boots to explore the area’s captivating, colorful wilderness. With an abundance of hiking trails dotting the landscape between Duluth and Thunder Bay, we’ve curated a list of the top seven must-see fall hikes along the North Shore to help you make the most of this stunning season.
DEVIL’S KETTLE
Distance: 2 miles
Route: Out & Back
Difficulty: Moderate
Waterfalls and fall colors, what more could you ask for? Devil’s Kettle, located in Judge C.R. Magney State Park, just east of Grand Marais, is a triedand-true North Shore destination. The trail meanders along the Brule River to the first awe-inspiring waterfall stop at Upper Falls. Farther down the trail, 193 steps to be exact, is the mysterious Devil’s Kettle. While the views and the descent are certainly worth it, be prepared to climb those nearly 200 steps after soaking in the waterfall views.
PINCUSHION MOUNTAIN OVERLOOK TRAIL
Distance: 3.8 miles
Route: Out & Back
Difficulty: Easy
The Superior Hiking Trail is a staple of the North Shore. The entire 310 miles of the dynamic hiking trail offers some of the best vantage points of Lake Superior and the northland. A well-known trail in Grand Marais to do just that is the Pinchusion Mountain Overlook Trail. The nearly 4-mile hike traverses the Superior National Forest until it reaches the vast rock overlook looming over Grand Marais.
MAGNETIC ROCK
Distance: 3.2 miles
Route: Out & Back
Difficulty: Easy
A fall day in Cook County is only complete with a drive up the Gunflint Trail. While there are a handful of adventurous hikes along the Gunflint to explore, including the Centennial Trail and Kekekabic Trail, Magnetic Rock provides a unique geological perspective of the northern Minnesota landscape. Most of the 3-mile trail consists of solid rock and offers numerous viewpoints to enjoy the fall colors and surrounding lakes. The main draw of the hike is a 60-foot magnetic rock towering above the terrain. Remember to bring your compass and test its magnetism.
LAKE AGNES
Distance: 2.2 miles
Route: Out & Back
Difficulty: Moderate
Lake Agnes is a fantastic fall hike on the west end of Cook County. The trail to access the East Lake Agnes Campground via the Superior Hiking Trail is 3 miles up the Caribou Trail in Lutsen. Hop on the Superior Hiking Trail and head west to reach Lake Agnes. The trail then follows the north side of the lakeshore until climbing to the overlook at Hunters Rock. Pack a lunch or your fishing pole and savor a fall day with family or friends by the lake.
ELY’S PEAK
Distance: 1.7 miles
Route: Out & Back
Difficulty: Moderate
Ely’s Peak is a favorite in the Duluth area, regardless of the season. While there are many routes to reach Ely’s Peak, the shortest is by parking at the Munger Trail trailhead off Becks Road and 123rd Ave W. Once leaving the trailhead, head east along the Willard Munger State Trail and then hop on the Superior Hiking Trail. The best way to enjoy the hike and surrounding Duluth views is to begin your trek early in the morning and watch the sunrise illuminating the autumnal colors.
TETTEGOUCHE LAKE LOOP
Distance: 5.3 miles
Route: Loop
Difficulty: Moderate
If you’re looking for a longer fall hike along the North Shore, the Tettegouche Lake Loop is a great, moderately challenging option. The trail is within Tettegouche State Park near Silver Bay and begins at the Tettegouche State Park parking lot along Lax Lake Road. Throughout the 5.3 miles, the trail gains nearly 900 feet in elevation as it circles Tettegouche Lake. Enjoy scenic views from the overlook of the lake, Palisade Valley, and nearby Mt. Baldy. Continue the fall adventures in the state park by visiting Shovel Point and the Baptism River afterward.
SPLIT ROCK RIVER LOOP
Distance: 5.1 miles
Route: Loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Farther down the shore and tucked within the Split Rock Lighthouse State Park is the Split Rock River Loop trail for moderate to challenging hiking enthusiasts. The trail features vast overlooks of Lake Superior and Split Rock Lighthouse and has plenty of satisfying opportunities to immerse yourself in the vibrant fall colors. About a half-mile into the hike, the trail meets the Superior Hiking Trail. Expect various sections to be hilly and rocky. Fortunately, after trudging through the challenging terrain, the trail reaches two waterfalls and continues to parallel the river, providing plenty of cooling-off possibilities.
OBERG MOUNTAIN
Distance: 2.3 miles
Route: Loop
Difficulty: Moderate
With its expansive views and numerous overlooks of the Superior National Forest and Lake Superior, Oberg Mountain is a popular hiking trail for many during the fall season. The hike begins with an initial ascent, but then weaves its way through aspen and maple forests and offers ample overlook opportunities to rest and enjoy a water or snack break. The reward at the end is well worth it.
