Mud season on Minnesota’s North Shore of Lake Superior is when the spring thaw has the trails wet and muddy! Mud season is in April and May, but the exact time frame varies depending on where you go, and the current weather conditions.
It is a good idea to stay off natural hiking trails during mud season for a couple of reasons. First, because who wants to hike in the mud? But more importantly, as the trails thaw and become saturated on top, they can still be frozen underneath the top layer. Walking on the soft, top layer can cause erosive damage to the trail and surrounding vegetation.
So, where is the best place to hike during North Shore mud season?
Several paved or reinforced trails are less muddy, and safe to hike without causing erosive damage, while still offering beautiful scenery and fantastic views! Here are my recommendations:
Two Harbors - Sonju Trail
The Sonju Trail in Two Harbors is a scenic, partially paved tour of the Lake Superior shore from Burlington Bay to Agate Bay and the Two Harbors Lighthouse.
Start at the parking area at Burlington Bay, near the Burlington Bay Campground. The paved trail begins here and winds through the tall pines with amazing views of Lake Superior. Get off the paved trail to find the dirt trail that skirts the shoreline to get even closer to Lake Superior.
Wind your way up to Agage Bay where you will find Two Harbors’ Historic Lighthouse (open for tours May – October). Then, take a walk on the breakwater to the light station and feel like you’re in the middle of Lake Superior! The ore docks are nearby, so there’s a chance that you’ll see one of the huge Lakers coming or going from the port.
Skip rocks on the beach, or explore the Ledgerock shore. There are picnic tables along the Sonju Trail, so it’s a great place to bring a picnic or take out from a local restaurant.
While you’re there, visit Castle Danger Brewery or local shops such as Moosecelleanous, Lou’s Fish House, The Bees Knees, or Burlington Station.
Gitchi Gami State Trail
This paved, non-motorized trail has 4 sections along the North Shore that offer hiking, biking, and rolling along some of the most scenic sections of Lake Superior.
Silver Creek Cliff
The Silver Creek Cliff segment is a short, ½ mile of trail that traverses the side of the Silver Creek Cliff. Before the tunnel was installed, this trail was the roadway. Enjoy high-up views of Lake Superior and interpretive panels that uncover the history of the tunnel.
Gooseberry Falls to Silver Bay
Roll through two of the North Shore’s most popular State Parks – Gooseberry Falls and Split Rock Lighthouse in this 17-mile section. Make a stop in Beaver Bay for the shops and restaurants, then visit the rest area that has a bike station, and view of the Beaver River Falls and river mouth. Next, head into Silver Bay for lunch or coffee.
Schroeder to Lutsen
Take the Gitche-Gumee State Trail through Temperance River State Park and through the town of Tofte. Continue along Lake Superior as you trek into Lutsen and over the Poplar River.
Cut Face Creek to Grand Marais
This newest section of the trail starts at the Cut Face Creek wayside, which has a beautiful beach on Lake Superior. Take the trail 5 miles into the town of Grand Marais, and pass the lovely Fall River Falls along the way.
Gooseberry Falls State Park
There is a paved path leading to the North Shore’s most iconic waterfall – Gooseberry Falls! The wheelchair-accessible path leads to a beautiful overlook of the Upper Falls. Middle Falls is the largest of the series of falls, and the scene that you normally see in photos. There are stairs or a winding paved path leading to a boardwalk viewing platform to see these magnificent falls. You may continue around the loop along dirt paths to see the lower falls, cross the river bridge, and get a view of the falls from the other side of the river.
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
Pebble Beach has a reinforced gravel trail that leads to a beautiful ledgerock beach on Lake Superior. This is the best place to see Split Rock Lighthouse standing tall on the cliff! There is also a lovely view of Ellingson Island. State park pass is required.
If you’re looking for a bite to eat in this area, head to Silver Bay for the Northwoods Family Grille. Or, take a scenic drive inland a couple of miles to Finland, Minnesota to The Four Seasons
Temperance River Falls
See the furious drill bits on the Temperance River! This is where the water has “drilled” into the narrow canyon walls and has created a fierce cauldron of swirling current! Park at the wayside on Highway 61 and take the rocky, rugged path upstream.
Take the boardwalk path downstream to see one of the waterfalls and the mouth of the river as it meets Lake Superior.
Downtown Grand Marais
This beautiful harbor town offers plenty of ways to explore the Lake Superior Shore while enjoying a little local shopping and dining. Cobblestone beaches flank two bays around the town. Harbor Park in the center of town offers a reinforced gravel trail, picnic tables, and lovely views of the lighthouse.
Head out to Artists Point where you can walk the breakwater to the lighthouse and explore the dramatic ledge rock shore around the point.
While you’re there, explore the local shops such as Drury Lane Books, The Sweetwater Co., Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply, and the Lake Superior Trading Post. Grab a bite at the Superior Creamery, Java Moose, the Cook County Coop, or The Birch Terrace.
