Trip Report Display
Linking people with nature by footpath along Lake Superior's North Shore.
Just did the newest section of the trail through Magney (from the Arrowhead Trail down to Cty Rd 58) May 12th, 13th and 14th. The trail was definitely wet but manageable. Despite a couple of recently logged sections, the new trail is really great. Lots of varied terrain and plant life, the campsites are great, and the hiking is very nice and relaxing. Not too many overlooks, but not much hard work, either. Anyone looking to do a three or four day backpacking trip on the SHT would do well to consider this section. The ONLY downside to this route (if you are hiking south, which I would recommend for terrain reasons) is you have a real campsite selection quandary. There are no campsites where you need them to be after a normal day of hiking. There are three campsites in this initial section but the farthest one from your start point is about 5 miles. So, the first day is going to be a long one (15+ miles) if you hike past it and stop for the night at the Magney campground (which we did). If you do stay at that 5 mile point, the next day is going to be almost as long before your next SHT campsite unless you add a day and stop at Magney. I'm guessing this must be due to the relatively high concentration of private land in this section. Other than this technicality, it is really awesome to have this long, unbroken stretch of trail to play with. I sure do appreciate the efforts of everyone associated with the SHTA. This is quite some accomplishment! Lots and lots of moose sign (okay, moose poop and BIG tracks). Didn't actually see any but there are obviously a bunch of them out there (or just a couple with bad gastro-intestinal problems!). There was also a lot of wolf poop, so I imagine the pack in these parts is really going strong. Really, really nice creeks and rivers in this section, too. Lots of big dramatic gorges for such small water courses. The campsite at Crow Creek was especially nice (amazing vertical rock face towering above the creek) and I just want to plant a big kiss on whoever sawed and stacked the supply of birch logs there. After a day of solid rain and wet boots and gruesome blisters, it was a tonic for my soul to rest my poor abused feet in front of a decent fire. At least my boots were kinda dry the next morning and I was nice and warm that evening while I ate my dinner. Again, all who volunteer and do trail and campsite maintenance are truly the heart and soul of the organization. Those of us who have a long drive up to enjoy the trail really appreciate all that you local volunteers do to make it so great! |
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