Superior National Forest Guide
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Superior National Forest was established in 1909. It features more than 695 square miles of surface water and contains diverse habitats, such as a boreal forest ecosystem, watersheds, hills, and meadows. Visitors to the national forest can partake in recreational activities like boating, swimming, camping, hunting, fishing, hiking, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and more. On the shores of Lake Superior, you will be able to access many lake amenities like fishing piers, swimming beaches, and picnic areas. There are also numerous developed and primitive camping sites, many of which are next to bodies of water.
RV Rentals Near Superior National Forest
Superior National Forest Hiking Trails
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Oberg Mountain Loop Superior Hiking Trail
The Oberg Mountain Loop Superior Hiking Trail is a loop trail located near Tofte, MN. The trail travels through a forest, and there are numerous informational signs that identify many of the different types of trees along the pathway. The trail features several overlooks. Dogs are allowed if they are leashed.
Length: 2.6 miles
Intensity: Moderate
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Eagle Mountain Trail
Eagle Mountain Trail is an in-and-out trail that is located near Grand Marais, MN. The trail goes by a lake and ends at a high elevation with good views at the top. Most of the trail is flat and even, but there is a steep incline for a half-mile before the summit. There are several rocky patches along the trail, and dogs are allowed on a leash.
Length: 6.3 miles
Intensity: Moderate
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Bass and Dry Lake Loop
Bass and Dry Lake Loop is a loop trail that is near the town of Ely, MN. The trail goes by Lass Lake and Dry Lake and has great scenery along the way. The trailhead is easy to find, and the path is well marked. The trail is rocky on the Dry Lake portion. Dogs are allowed if they are on a leash.
Length: 6.3 miles
Intensity: Moderate
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Kadunce River Wayside Trail
Kadunce River Wayside Trail is an in-and-out trail that is located near Grand Marais, MN. This trail travels close to the Kadunce River, and portions of the trail are between high cliff walls. It is possible to wade in the river during portions of the trail. This walk is fun to take during the winter months, as you can hear the water rushing under the ice on the river. The waterfall often freezes in the winter.
Length: 1.1 miles
Intensity: Easy
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Caribou Lake to Lutsen Ski Resort
Caribou Lake to Lutsen Ski Resort is an in-and-out trail that is near Lutsen, MN. The trail travels close to Caribou Lake for part of its path, and it has excellent views of the water. There are also great views of Lake Superior from various overlooks. Dogs are allowed if they are leashed.
Length: 6.5 miles
Intensity: Difficult to Strenuous
Activities in Superior National Forest
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Identifying Flora and Fauna
Superior National Forest is home to a large variety of wildlife, including deer, gray wolves, loons, lynx, black bears, bald eagles, moose, and many other species. Pines, firs, aspen, and spruce are abundantly represented in Superior National Forest. Due to past extensive logging in the region, these forests are relatively young.
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Fishing
The forest contains many rivers, creeks, and lakes, and you will be able to fish for smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike, brook trout, lake trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, and other species.
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Stargazing
There are many opportunities for stargazing inside Superior National Forest. The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is designated as a dark sky sanctuary by the International Dark Sky Association and offers exceptional stargazing on clear nights.
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Geocaching
All national forests allow geocaching inside their preserves. Certain rules and restrictions apply.
How to get to Superior National Forest
Address: 8901 Grand Ave Pl, Duluth, MN 55808
Fee: Entry fee $0
Spending time in Superior National Forest is one of the best ways to explore the region between Lake Superior and Canada. There is plenty to do throughout any season, but driving an RV on a road trip through the forest will allow you to easily access most areas. There are a number of natural landmarks like Lake Superior, Isle Royale National Park, and Voyageurs National Park that are nearby, and you are sure to have a great time both inside and just outside of the national forest.
Frequently Asked Questions About Superior National Forest
Is there a fee to get into Superior National Forest?
There is no fee to get into Superior National Forest. However, there are permits required for recreational activities such as paddling in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness or using certain day-use sites.
Does Superior National Forest offer free camping sites?
Yes, Superior National Forest offers free camping sites. There are several free rustic campgrounds that include outhouses, picnic tables, and fire rings but no water or garbage cans. Most of the forest outside of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is also open for dispersed camping, which is free as well.
Is there a limit to how long you can camp in Superior National Forest?
Yes, there is a limit to how long you can camp in Superior National Forest. You can camp for up to fourteen consecutive nights in one spot, and thirty consecutive total nights within the forest boundary. You need to leave the forest for at least one night after that before you return.
Do you need a permit to fish or hunt in Superior National Forest?
Yes, you need a permit to hunt in the Superior National Forest. Anyone 16 and up is required to have a Minnesota fishing license to fish in Superior National Forest.
What type of wildlife lives in Superior National Forest?
Wildlife living in the Superior National Forest includes deer, gray wolves, loons, Canadian lynx, eagles, moose, and black bears. There is a variety of birds and fish in the forest lakes and streams as well.
