Trailheads from ~5 mi · minutes up the shore
Superior Hiking Trail
Over 300 miles of ridgeline single-track above the big lake.
The Superior Hiking Trail is the spine of the North Shore — more than 300 miles of footpath following the ridgeline from Duluth toward the Canadian border, with constant overlooks of Lake Superior. You don’t have to thru-hike it; some of the best sections are day hikes from trailheads right around Duluth.
Day-hiking from the hostel
The trail actually runs through Duluth, so you can reach it within minutes. Pick a trailhead, hike out to an overlook or a waterfall, and turn around — you set the distance. Sections just up the shore add river gorges, ridgetop views and, in autumn, some of the best fall color in the Midwest.
Hostel du Nord makes a natural basecamp: a real bed, a shower, laundry and a full kitchen between days on the trail, plus a cedar sauna for tired legs.
For thru-hikers
If you’re walking the whole trail, Duluth is a logical resupply and rest stop. Sleep in a private pod, do laundry, cook a real meal and recharge before the next stretch north. We host hikers, cyclists and road-trippers all season.
From the front desk
- Tell us your fitness and time and we’ll point you to a good section.
- Fall color on the ridgelines peaks late September into mid-October.
- The sauna is exactly what you want after a long trail day.
Good to know
Superior Hiking Trail — FAQs
Can you day-hike the Superior Hiking Trail from Duluth?
Yes. The trail runs through Duluth and has many trailheads in and just past the city, so you can hike a scenic section out-and-back in a few hours and return to the hostel the same day.
How long is the Superior Hiking Trail?
More than 300 miles of ridgeline footpath run from the Duluth area toward the Canadian border, following the hills above Lake Superior.
Is Hostel du Nord a good basecamp for the trail?
Very much so. With private pods, showers, laundry, a full shared kitchen and a sauna, it’s an ideal rest, resupply and recovery stop for both day-hikers and thru-hikers.
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Nearby & related
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Sleep 10 minutes from the trailhead.
Downtown Duluth — where the Lakewalk, the breweries and Highway 61 all begin.
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