Summary:

This one night hike is a perfect way to get introduced to the beauty of the north shore.  We will be following the “Twin Lakes Trail”, aptly called the “Lollipop Loop” due to the out and back trail used to access the main part of the SHT.   Although this is a short little hike, it will not disappoint due on the views of the picturesque lakes you’ll get to see. As we approach the main section of the SHT, we’ll follow the eastern section of the “Twin Lakes Trail”, finally reaching Bear Lake and then Bean Lake, where the views along the cliffs are among the most breathtaking on the SHT. After we absorb the energy that this trail has to offer, we’ll nestle into camp where you’ll find this beautiful little waterfall, which we have featured an image of on our home page.  Our second day hike will follow the west section of the “Twin Lakes Trail”, back out the same stem of the lollipop we came in on, where we will have awesome views of Lake Superior and Silver Bay.  Although this hike is short, it’s a very good one to start with.  Especially if you have smaller children that want to try backpacking.  This is also one of our favorite winter trip hikes.  Its easy access and mild to moderate difficulty; makes this route a perfect “starter” trip for those not wanting to spend more than one night on trail for their first time.

Details:

• Silver Bay “Lollipop” Loop
  
• On Trail by 12:00pm
• Total Distance of 7.6 Miles
• Elevation Gain during hike of 360′
• 2 Days, 1 Night on Trail
• 4.3 Mile hike to camp
• 1^st Nights Camp: Penn Creek (8 tent pads)
• 3.3 Mile hike to trail end
• Off Trail Approx: 12:00pm

Map

Elevation Plot

Summary:

This one night hike is a great way to start your hiking adventure.  It is one of the most traveled hikes on the trail, so plan on meeting people as we trek along.  We’ll make our way through the Split Rock State Park, past the river as it empties into Lake Superior.  After making our way past the wayside rest, we’ll start a nice easy ascent on our way to our camp for the night.  We’ll come to a nice little waterfall where we’ll have a good photo opportunity.  After a few miles we’ll run into the famous pillar rock formation that gives the river and the state part its name, the “Split Rock”.  We’ll take some time here as its a nice resting point before we’ll wrap up our hike for the day.  As we make our way to our site, we’ll cross over the river again.  Soon we’ll arrive at the Southeast Split Rock River site, just across from the pillar formation.  There is also a nice elevated rock formation here where the river splits and reconnects.  This site allows for some spectacular views of the area.  The following day’s hike is a nice and easy downhill trek which follows the river for a while before cutting away and down into the state park.  Although a short, easy hike, the split rock loop is one of our favorites.

Details:

• Split Rock River Loop
  
• On Trail by 12:00pm
• Total Distance of 11.3 Miles
• Elevation Gain during hike of 340′
• 2 Days, 1 Night on Trail
• 6.4 Mile hike to camp
• 1^st Nights Camp: Southeast Split Rock (2 tent pads)
• 5.1 Mile hike to trail end
• Off Trail Approx: 01:00pm

Map

Elevation Plot

Summary:

This is the easiest hike SkeeterTrails has to offer. We’ll spend our first night on the shores of a very secluded lake.  After a pretty easy hiking day we’ll stop and relax at the Blesesner Campsite.  Its a site that boats a beautiful creek that empty’s into a bold river. This is a section where there is a possibility that we could see some moose. On our way to the site, we’ll get to eat lunch on a quaint little island where we have to walk across a boardwalk to reach. This would be a perfect section for our little hikers to try out.

Details:

• Finland Rec Center to George H. Crosby State Park
• On Trail by 04:00pm
• Total Distance of 11.3 Miles
• Elevation Gain during hike of 360′
• 3 Days, 2 Nights on Trail
• 2.8 Mile hike to camp
• 1^st Nights Camp: South Egge Lake (4 tent pads)
• 5.8 Mile hike to camp
• 2^nd Nights Camp: Blesener Creek (3 tent pads)
• 2.7 Mile hike to trail end
• Off Trail Approx: 12:00pm

Map

Elevation Plot

Summary:

This is one of our favorite hikes, which starts with an easy walk into a very nice site right along the Beaver River. You will hear trains here throughout the night as the site is close to the active railroad that carries the “taconite”. Day two will bring us up on a ridge with views of the Beaver River valley. The second night in the woods will have us at a large group site. If it has recently rained we can watch a hidden waterfall right in camp! This waterfall is featured on our homepage images.  If you look close you can see it through all the moss on the walls of this cavernous inlet.  The final day will include one of the most popular parts of the SHT…..Bean and Bear Lakes. The views from up on the cliff are spectacular. After we are done taking in the views we will exit the SHT and go back into the Silver Bay area via the Twin Lakes Trail.

Details:

• County Road 4 (Beaver Bay) to Silver Bay (Twin Lakes Trail)
• On Trail by 08:00pm
• Total Distance of 10.9 Miles
• Elevation Gain during hike of 575′
• 3 Days, 2 Nights on Trail
• 0.8 Mile hike to camp
• 1^st Nights Camp: North Beaver River (3 tent pads)
• 6.0 Mile hike to camp
• 2^nd Nights Camp: Penn Creek (8 tent pads)
• 4.1 Mile hike to trail end
• Off Trail Approx: 01:00pm

Map

Elevation Plot

Summary:

One of the most popular hikes of the trail; will start off with some moderate climbing and a great “pay-off” view of Lake Superior. You better get a good nights sleep, because in the morning we’ll proceed on a relatively short hike that is not easy.  That’s right, we’ll be conquering a few aggressive hills during today’s hike!  This hike is all about night two.  After the tough climb you’ll get rewarded by feasting your supper on the Cliffs near the Section 13 campsite.  Hopefully after a filling meal you’ll get to  see the sun set at this beautiful spot.  This is our guide Russell’s favorite spot on the SHT!  The final day will be a lot easier as it’s mostly down a deep ravine and finally across a very long boardwalk.  Just before the hike ends we will traverse a magical spot where it feels like fairies fly free.  The mystical feel of the area appears to have been taken right out of a pages of some whimsical children’s book.  Last but not least we’ll cross a bridge over the East Branch of the Baptism River, and end at the Finland Recreation Center.

Details:

• MN Highway 1 to Finland Rec Center
• On Trail by 04:00pm
• Total Distance of 14.0 Miles
• Elevation Gain during hike of 1150′
• 3 Days, 2 Nights on Trail
• 2.2 Mile hike to camp
• 1^st Nights Camp: West Kennedy Creek (5 tent pads)
• 6.0 Mile hike to camp
• 2^nd Nights Camp: Section 13 Site (4 tent pads) WATER 1/2 Mile Away
• 5.8 Mile hike to trail end
• Off Trail Approx: 01:00pm

Map

Elevation Plot

Summary:

We will start our hike in Cascade River State Park, making our way up to Lookout Mountain, which has great views of Lake Superior and the inland hills. From there we will continue through mixed forests with some moderate hills. We will make our first nights camp at the Spruce Creek Campsite. Listening to the creek will ensure you get a good nights sleep! The next day is one to arrive early at camp, as it is nestled on the banks of Lake Agnes. We’ll break down and head out early to ensure we get a site, as the Lake Agnes area is very busy.  Taking a dip in the lake is a great way to spend time in the back country, so you may want to bring a swim suit for this hike!  The final day will bring us past some gorgeous post-card like vistas, where we’ll end at the Lutsen Mountain Recreational Area.

Details:

• Cascade River State Park to Lutsen Mountain Recreational Area
• On Trail by 12:00pm
• Total Distance of 15.5 Miles
• Elevation Gain during hike of 900′
• 3 Days, 2 Nights on Trail
• 5.5 Mile hike to camp
• 1^st Nights Camp: Spruce Creek (5 tent pads)
• 4.5 Mile hike to camp
• 2^nd Nights Camp: Lake Agnes (4 tent pads)
• 5.5 Mile hike to trail end
• Off Trail Approx: 12:00pm

Map

Elevation Plot

Summary:

This 3 night excursion will have great campsites, wonderful river valleys and even a floating bog!  The first day in is steep, but short as we make our way up the Caribou River gorge. Day two will mostly be a flat hike with a covered bridge and cool floating bog. This is also a great stretch of the trail to look for wildflowers. The third day will bring us thru a vast maple forest, views of the big lake, and to the edge of a marsh called Boney’s Meadow. Day four will have us out via the Temperance River gorge with waterfalls galore.

Details:

• Caribou State Wayside to Temperance River State Park
• On Trail by 08:00pm
• Total Distance of 15.6 Miles
• Elevation Gain during hike of 775′
• 4 Days, 3 Nights on Trail
• 0.7 Mile hike to camp
• 1^st Nights Camp: East Caribou River (10 tent pads)
• 6.8 Mile hike to camp
• 2^nd Nights Camp: Dyers Creek (4 tent pads)
• 6.0 Mile hike to camp
• 3rd Nights Camp: South Cross River (4 tent pads)
• 2.1 Mile hike to trail end
• Off Trail Approx: 12:00pm

Map

Elevation Plot

Summary:

This is a hike that we just had to put together.  It combines two of the best hikes that we offer on that the SHT.  It includes half of our “Section 13” hike and the entire “Flat ‘n’ Easy” Hike, which when combined gives you over 11 miles of pristine views and amazing hikes!  We have a sneaky suspicion that this will be our most popular hike.  The first 2 miles are a bear with the climb up to the Section 13 campsite, although after that… this trek is a gem.  Cliffs, boardwalks, mystic mossy walks, lakes, islands, and one of the best campsites on the trail at Blesener Creek.  The time spent on this section will make you want to come back as soon as you pull out of the parking lot at the state park.

Details:

• County Road 6 to George H. Crosby Manitou State Park
• On Trail by 04:00pm
• Total Distance of 18.3 Miles
• Elevation Gain during hike of 600′
• 4 Days, 3 Nights on Trail
• 1.3 Mile hike to camp
• 1^st Nights Camp: Section 13 (4 tent pads)
• 8.0 Mile hike to camp
• 2^nd Nights Camp: South Egge Lake (4 tent pads)
• 5.8 Mile hike to camp
• 3rd Nights Camp: Blesener Creek
• 3.2 Mile hike to trail end
• Off Trail Approx: 12:00pm

Map

Elevation Plot

Summary:

This is an abbreviated hike to our most difficult hike, which is “Hills and Miles“.  However, its still one that will make your heart beat faster.  Being such a short hike to our first camp, we can arrive later and take advantage of the easy hike in.  We’ll need to because the next two days are the longest SkeeterTrails has to offer. Both in terms of distance and hiking time.  If you really want to push yourself with miles, this is the one for you.  Enjoy steep descents, large red pine forest, Pincushion Mountain, deep Devil Track River gorge, intimate streams, long steady inclines and of course great views of the big lake. If you don’t have the extra time to spend another night on trail, yet you want to experience this grinder, this is a great option for only two nights in the back country.

Details:

• Bally Creek Road to County Road 14
  
• On Trail by 08:00pm
• Total Distance of 18.8 Miles
• Elevation Gain during hike of 950′
• 3 Days, 2 Nights on Trail
• 0.2 Mile hike to camp
• 1^st Nights Camp: South Bally Creek Pond (4 tent pads)
• 10.3 Mile hike to camp
• 2^nd Nights Camp: West Devil Track (6 tent pads)
• 8.3 Mile hike to trail end
• Off Trail Approx: 04:00pm

Map

Elevation Plot

Summary:

This hike has a few steep hills we’ll need to climb, but offers excellent campsites, amazing waterfalls and miles of easy going trail. Mike’s Rock is a highlight with spectacular views of Lake Superior. The trail then continues right along the edge of Silver Creek and Gooseberry River. Although the hike looks long, its a mostly downhill hike with easy terrain, and after you’re done you’ll want to do it again.  The end of this hike is the highlight of the weekend, where it will have us traversing one of Minnesota’s most popular playgrounds; Gooseberry State Park. You’ll witness the true power of water as we descend into the Gooseberry River gorge. Its exciting up to the very end, as we pass waterfalls and even a natural water slide!  You’ll want to bring your swim suit for this hike!  You may also want to plan a stay somewhere in the area for one last night.  This state park is one of Minnesota’s most popular and you may want to explore a little.  Having another night in a nice bed and breakfast would give you plenty of time to finish the hike out in the late afternoon, explore the park a little, enjoy a nice supper, and finally cap it off with an easy nights sleep.

Details:

• Reeves Road to Gooseberry State Park
  
• On Trail by 12:00pm
• Total Distance of 19.5 Miles
• Elevation Gain during hike of 425′
• 3 Days, 2 Nights on Trail
• 4.2 Mile hike to camp
• 1^st Nights Camp: Silver Creek (6 tent pads)
• 8.0 Mile hike to camp
• 2^nd Nights Camp: Crow Creek Valley (5 tent pads)
• 7.3 Mile hike to trail end
• Off Trail Approx: 04:00pm

Map

Elevation Plot

Summary:

This hike is one of our guides, Tim’s, favorite!  It brings you to the top of three of Minnesota’s highest points in the state!  We will start the hike in Cascade River State Park, making our way up to Lookout Mountain which has great views of Lake Superior and the inland hills. From there we will continue through mixed forests with some moderate hills. We will make our first nights camp at Spruce Creek Campsite, which is Tim’s favorite site on the entire trail.  Listening to the creek will ensure you get a good night of sleep!  The next day we arrive to one of our favorite spots on the trail, and we’ll want to arrive early at camp as it is nestled on the banks of Lake Agnes, which can get full quick. Bring a swimsuit for this hike as we’ll take a swim in the lake. The next day will bring us past the post-card like vistas. If you like, we will have a lunch option to get a burger and beer at the Lutsen Mountains Recreation Area, before we head to the top of Mystery Mountain for our third night in the woods. The final day will bring us to one of the oldest sections of the SHT. Up and down a few mountains make this last bit a challenge, with first-class views. Just as we sense the end of the trail we will have the option to check out the impressive views from the Oberg Mountain Loop.  This loop does add 1.8 miles to the hike.  If you’re looking for a hike with everything that the north shore of Minnesota has to offer, this is it!

Details:

• Cascade River State Part to Oberg Mountain
  
• On Trail by 12:00pm
• Total Distance of 22.1 Miles
• Elevation Gain during hike of 1450′
• 4 Days, 3 Nights on Trail
• 5.1 Mile hike to camp
• 1^st Nights Camp: Spruce Creek (5 tent pads)
• 4.4 Mile hike to camp
• 2^nd Nights Camp: East Lake Agnes (4 tent pads)
• 6.3 Mile hike to camp (Includes hike to lodge for lunch)
• 3rd Nights Camp: Mystery Mountain (4 tent pads)
• 6.3 Mile hike to trail end (With the option to hike up Oberg Mountain ‘1.8’ Mile Loop)
• Off Trail Approx: 04:00pm

Map

Elevation Plot

Summary:

At the start we have a relatively short yet challenging hike, which will have us ascending the Devil Track River gorge. Camping on the banks of this river is… well, pretty cool! The 2^nd day is the longest on this hike at over 10 miles, with a stretch thru Pincushion Mountain and crossing the famous Gunflint Trail. As usual up here, we get awesome views of the Great Lake Superior. Day 3 will have us on a quest to see (but not go up) Minnesota’s highest point, Eagle Mountain. Towering above all other natural formations in the state, Eagle Mountain stands a mighty 2,301ft above sea level with a prominence of 1,322ft.  Hopefully the view will be clear enough to spot its elusive grandeur.  The last day is mostly downhill into the spectacular Cascade River gorge. This hike has high peeks and deep gorges, with some of the best campsites on the SHT.

Details:

• County Road 58 to Cascade River State Park
  
• On Trail by 04:00pm
• Total Distance of 21.5 Miles
• Elevation Gain during hike of 1400′
• 4 Days, 3 Nights on Trail
• 2.2 Mile hike to camp
• 1^st Nights Camp: West Devil Track (6 tent pads)
• 10.0 Mile hike to camp
• 2^nd Nights Camp: North Bally Creek Pond (3 tent pads)
• 5.1 Mile hike to camp (Includes hike to lodge for lunch)
• 3rd Nights Camp: North Cascade River (6 tent pads)
• 4.2 Mile hike to trail end
• Off Trail Approx: 12:00pm

Map

Elevation Plot

Summary:

The first day of this hike will start off with with one of the most popular “attractions” on the SHT, Bean and Bear lakes. Day two will have us ascending Mount Trudee, a great example of the north shores vast geological history. Today will also bring us down “The Drain Pipe” and across a cool suspension bridge. We will continue with some moderate climbing and a great “pay-off” view of Lake Superior. Getting a good nights sleep will be important, because in the morning we’ll proceed on a relatively short hike that is tough.  That’s right, we’ll be hiking some aggressive hills during today’s hike! After the tough climb you’ll get rewarded by having supper on the cliffs near the Section 13 campsite.  Watching the sun set at this beautiful spot is on our top 10 on the entire trail.  The final day will be a lot easier as it’s mostly down a deep ravine and finally across a long boardwalk.  Just before the hike ends we will cross through that magical spot where it feels like fairies are watching our every move.  Last but not least we’ll cross a bridge over the East Branch of the Baptism River, and end at the Finland Recreation Center.

Details:

• Penn Boulevard to Finland Rec Center
  
• On Trail by 12:00pm
• Total Distance of 24.5 Miles
• Elevation Gain during hike of 1300′
• 4 Days, 3 Nights on Trail
• 5.0 Mile hike to camp
• 1^st Nights Camp: East Palisade Creek (4 tent pads)
• 7.6 Mile hike to camp
• 2^nd Nights Camp: West Kennedy Creek (5 tent pads)
• 6.0 Mile hike to camp (Includes hike to lodge for lunch)
• 3rd Nights Camp: Section 13 (4 tent pads)
• 5.9 Mile hike to trail end
• Off Trail Approx: 02:00pm

Map

Elevation Plot

Summary:

A late start on the trail gives us a short, easy hike for the first day on our most difficult section we offer. The second and third days are the longest SkeeterTrails has to offer. Both in terms of distance and hiking time.  If you really want to push yourself with miles, this is the one for you.  Enjoy steep descents, large red pine forest, Pincushion Mountain, deep Devil Track River gorge, intimate streams, long steady inclines and of course great views of the big lake. In fact this hike will take us right to the very edge of Lake Superior with a section called the “Lake Walk”. This trip is for a group that wants a challenge, but is totally up for pushing themselves.  Its one our favorites!

Details:

• Bally Creek Road to Judge CR Magney State Park
• On Trail by 08:00pm
• Total Distance of 29.4 Miles
• Elevation Gain during hike of 1775′
• 4 Days, 3 Nights on Trail
• 0.2 Mile hike to camp
• 1^st Nights Camp: South Bally Creek Pond (4 tent pads)
• 10.3 Mile hike to camp
• 2^nd Nights Camp: West Devil Track (6 tent pads)
• 10.2 Mile hike to camp
• 3rd Nights Camp: Kadunce River (3 tent pads)
• 8.7 Mile hike to trail end
• Off Trail Approx: 03:00pm

Map

Elevation Plot

Hiking can be for everyone!  Here at SkeeterTrails we have put together a number of predetermined hikes, and we believe that one will fit your skill level, physical level, and meet your needs of getting outdoors.  There are over twelve hikes to choose from, each offering their own level of excitement. Some are really easy, while some are more difficult.  All of the hikes offer their own challenges, yet can be handled by most hikers.  You do need to prepare for your trek so that you and your family/group can enjoy yourself.  We do ask that if you have a significant heart history or are over the age of 69, that you get a doctors release to reserve your spot.  Parents of young children should use their best judgement as to whether they can handle the hike or not.  A good rule of thumb is that we have found that an average 10 year old child can handle most of our hikes.  However, we do realize that children even younger can handle it as well.  For the safety of all of our guests we here at SkeeterTrails prefer to focus on the hike and would ask that parents be responsible for their children while we are out on trail.

Permits are not required to hike the SHT.

If you are an active or physically fit person, you will be just fine.  If it’s been a while since you’ve hit the gym, then it might be a good idea to prepare for the hike.  It’s a good idea to start out slow by walking a mile or two every couple days, and eventually work yourself up to five miles every few days.  Most of our hikes do fall into the four to eight miles per day in the distance category.  Remember, you will also have a pack on your back and you’ll need to take that into account.  The more prepared you can be, the more fun you’ll have!

Our hikes range from 10 miles to 30 miles for a total weekend mileage.  The average distance per day is between four to eight miles.  Please refer to the “Pick a Hike” tab on this page for very detailed distance descriptions.

You can call us at 612-594-9966, or send us an email at [email protected].  You can also fill out the contact form on the “Contact Us” page as well.

The easiest is filling out the contact form on our “Contact Us” page.  Otherwise, feel free to call or email us too.  We look forward to hearing from you!

Full payment for all hikers is due within 45 days from the scheduled hike.  If we don’t receive full payment by that time, we reserve the right to cancel your trip and open it up for prospective hikers. Please refer to our cancellation policy for more information.  Our policy’s can be found on the prices tab.

Please refer to our cancellation policy for more information.  Our policy’s can be found on the prices tab.

Absolutely!!!  Although we’ll be sad that you couldn’t join us, we’d be excited to welcome the hiker you would like to take your place. There is a $25 processing fee that would apply.  Please give us as much notice as possible so we can make any changes necessary to their food choices.  Please note that due to time constraints the hike location that you’ve selected will be the hike location for your substitute.  Also, if it’s too close to the hike date, we may not be able to accommodate a new menu selection for your substitute.  The more notice you give us, the better off we’ll all be.  If you have questions, you can always call us.

Less is Best!  Remember, this is only a couple days.  One pair of hiking pants to wear the entire weekend is fine and what we suggest.  A few shirts which you can change into everyday, and of course clean socks and underwear is a good idea.  But leave the extra pants at home.  Whatever you bring must be able to fit comfortably into the dry compression sack we send you, unless you are wearing it.  There are a few other times that you can store in your pack pockets too.  For a more detailed description of what we suggest, please refer to the “Stuff You Probably Need” tab on this page.

That’s up to you!  We have some nice treks to pick from.  We suggest that you read through each one when making your selection on the “Pick a Hike” tab.  We ask that you select up to three hikes you would like to do.  If we have other hikers in your group, we will do our best to match them up so everyone is happy.  We will notify each person/group prior to the hike which location we will be going on.

Simply download the food selection form on the “Pick your Meals” tab, fill it out and either fax, or scan and email it back to us.  You can certainly mail it using the US postal service too.

Fax No: 612-233-0008
[email protected]

Mail it to:
SkeeterTrails LLC
9913 Kiwi Avenue North
Brooklyn Park, MN 55443

Please remember to select each meal for each person.  If you have questions, please call.

This is a very personal question.  Each person is different and so are their feet.  Just remember… Happy Feet leads to Happy Hiking!  Some people prefer to wear tennis shoes while others prefer boots.  It’s a good idea to try out different styles of footwear before you come.  It’s also a very good idea to break in new footwear prior to coming. Putting at least 25 miles on your footwear for a break in period is a good rule of thumb.  In all cases, keeping your feet dry, supported and comfortable while putting on miles is the best approach.

This is very weather dependent. When it’s hot out, bring clothes that keep you cool.  When it’s cold out, bring clothes that keep you warm.  When it’s wet out, bring clothes that keep you dry.  Although, staying dry on a wet weekend can be a futile endeavor.  It’s always a good idea to bring sweat wicking clothes for during the hike, and a single cotton shirt and sweatshirt for while at camp.  For more information please refer to the “Stuff You Probably Need” tab.

We require a four hiker minimum on our trips and we max out at eight.

If your party has less than four hikers and you would like it to be a private hike, our policy requires your hike to be a three night hike minimum.  And to reserve it as a private hike there is a $250 surcharge.

If your party has four to six hikers and you would prefer not to have other hikers on your trip, our policy is that your hike also be a three night hike minimum.  There is no surcharge for groups of four or more.

If your party has seven or eight hikers, there is no minimum night requirements or surcharge.  We will be happy to accommodate your request.

Our fees cover the following:

• Minimum of two guides per trip.
• Transportation from trails end back to your vehicle at the trail head.
• All major gear essentials including but not limited to; pack, tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad.
• All your meals.
• A fully guided experience.

Our trips are designed to make the best of your experience.  If you are very new to backpacking, then this is perfect for you.  Our guides will not only ‘guide’ you on your trip, they will also take the time to show you how to do things.  Some of the things we’ll go over are hiking etiquette, setting up camp, preparing your food, hike safety, and maybe even a little nature education too.  Our program is also set up to help you easily prepare for your trek.  Each of the steps that we have given you to prepare for the trip, have been strategically planned.  It’s the exact same process which you would follow while out on your own.  Your learning how to do this, while not even knowing it!  Our main focus is simply having a super fun, safe, and memorable experience.

Due to liability, we ask that you leave your 4 legged family members at home.  We here at SkeeterTrails do have 4 legged guides, that may from time to time come out with us on our hikes.  Because we are familiar with them and how they are out on the trail with both the outdoors and the people on the trail, we are comfortable with them coming along.  They have been hiking with us since they have been pups.  However, because we are unfamiliar with your 4 legged family member, we do ask that they stay home.

Cellular signals are sporadic on the trail.  There are some locations that are better than others.  We do find it helpful to put your phone in ‘airplane mode’ while hiking.  This will save you tons of battery energy for the weekend, and in the event you need to use it or want to check for a signal… simply switch it back to normal.  If you would like the option of charging your phone while on trail, you can bring a small portable power or solar charger.  They are available at your local electronics store.

Our guides will have a GPS strictly for use in the event of an emergency.  All of the trails on the SHT are clearly marked and a GPS is not necessary.  However, if you feel the desire to carry your own, you are welcome to do so.  We may even go over how to use it while at camp.

Firearms of any kind are prohibited on our hikes.  Please understand that even though some of us are enthusiasts, for the safety of our hikers, guides, and the wildlife, we ask that you please leave your guns at home.  Being in possession of a firearm may result in a forfeiture of your trip.

Prior to your trip we will notify you of a ‘meet up’ location.  We ask that you meet us at least 30 minutes before our scheduled start time at the meet up location.  We’ll be easy to spot when you get there.

A typical meet up location could be a local gas station or restaurant near the trail head.

We do ask that if you have a group of people coming that you all try to ride together.  There are parking lots at the trail heads of our hikes, however spacing is limited.

After our meetup, you and you’re party will follow us in your own vehicle to the trail head.

While we are out hiking you can leave your vehicle parked in the designated SHT parking lots. We have never had any issues with any of our vehicles while we have parked in the lots.

Although we have never had any issues, we still recommend that you secure all valuables and lock the doors.  SkeeterTrails LLC assumes no liability for anything stolen or damaged as a result of parking your vehicle in the lots.

Its really quite simple. When you make your reservation, we’ll send you a dry compression sack for each hiker in your group. Part of your preparation is to fill that sack with the necessary personal items, and bring it with you.  PLEASE DON’T FORGET YOUR SACK AT HOME!!  Make sure you bring it with you.  It would be a very unfortunate thing to not have your stuff while out on trail.  Believe us!  If you refer to the “Things you Probably Need” tab, it will help you to pack what you need to bring.

Your backpack will already be ready to go with all the necessary essentials for you, when we arrive at the trail head.  You’ll simply take your packed dry compression sack and put it in your backpack, and off we go.  We will take the time to review and adjust any weight distribution before we embark.

This depends on how many nights you are on trail.  Food and water are major contributors of weight in your pack.  A good rule of thumb is around 2 pounds of food per day, per hiker.  The lesser the number of days the lesser the weight.  Water also adds about 4 to 5 pounds to your pack.  As you drink water throughout the day, the pack will get lighter.  Most of the weight in the pack is from ‘fixed weight’, whereas items like the sleeping bag, sleeping pad, tent, clothes, etc… don’t change.  All that being said, our packs range from around 30 to 40 pounds for each hiker.  We do our best to distribute the weight appropriately among the hikers in the group.

You can expect to have a great time!  This is our guides main focus.  We fully understand the struggles which we all deal with back at home.  Work, responsibilities, expectations… they can all takes its toll on the human mind.  Our focus is to remove that stress while you are out with us. We offer you the ability to simply focus on being in the here and now.  Backpacking in the back country is a challenging task.  We only have the items we can carry with us the entire time we are out there, to live off of.  It forces us to connect with the people around us and the planet beneath our feet.  If you are new to backpacking, we take all the stress out of this process and allow you to simply enjoy your time.

Thanks to hundreds of volunteers throughout the state, the Hiking Trail is a hot spot for some of the best hiking in the US.  People from all over the country, and world, come to hike this treasure.  The volunteers donate thousands of hours over the course of the year to ensure that the trails is in pristine shape each year.  Without them, this trail would not be what it is.  The SHT offers a very well marked and clean trekking hike.  There are some elevation climbs and tons of things to see.  Please refer to our “Pick a Hike” tab to see what the trail has to offer.

All of our guides are CPR and First Aid Certified through the American Heart Association.  Some of them are even Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technicians.  In the event that someone gets injured on a hike, they are trained to take the appropriate actions necessary to facilitate a safe trek out.  We have an Emergency Action Plan in place to handle any situation.  Although our hope is that this never happens, we are prepared in the event it does!

It is very unlikely that we will encounter any large animals.  Most of the time the largest animal we may come across would be a grouse or large bird.  We do spend a lot of time encroaching on the space of a the squirrels.  They can get quite territorial and yell at you all day.  That is usually the extent of their interaction.

There are no grizzly bears in Minnesota.  We are home to some larger animals such as black bears, wolf, moose, and even cougars.  If you see one of these larger animals… consider yourself lucky among a very select group of people.  With the thousands of combined miles our guides have hiked on the SHT, we have seen only one bear and one wolf.

You should be drinking enough water to ensure you are staying hydrated.  Hot days can become an issue if you are not hydrated.  Our guides are trained to make sure that everyone is drinking enough water.  A good rule of thumb is to drink 1 liter of water every two hours while hiking.  However, this is not a hard and fast rule.  It is very hiker dependent.  One of the other things that people often forget is that while drinking water, you should also replenish your electrolytes.  If you simply drink water and you drink a lot of it, you can be susceptible to a condition known as “Hyponatremia”.  This is a condition which is caused by an abnormally low level of sodium in your blood.  We will supply everyone with sports drink powder which they can add it to their water while hiking.  We recommend that every other liter of water you drink, that you add some of this powder to your water.  Another good idea is to snack on items that are high in sodium such as, sunflower seeds, salted nuts, and jerky.  This will go a long way in helping you replenish your electrolytes.

On arrival, each hiker will have approximately two liters of water in their pack to start.  our guides are trained to stop for water breaks at necessary times, and when the water runs dry in the bottles, we’ll be filtering our water from a water source on the trail.  All of our water will be filtered through an advanced ultra-filtration membrane with a 0.02 micron pore size, removing virtually all virus, bacteria and protozoa.  So there is nothing to worry about while drinking the water on the trail.  Most of us prefer this water over the chemically treated water in our homes.

Although we would prefer that you follow through with the commitment of completing your hike, we understand that sometimes you just can’t make it.  We have in the past had to call off a hike due to weather conditions, so we fully understand.  We do have an emergency action plan in place which allows us to deal with situations like this.  Please know that it will be unlikely that we will cancel the entire trip for the other hikers if you decide to quit.  We will escort you to the nearest exit point on the trail and you will have be on your own from there.  There will be an additional fee of $100 per hiker that chooses to leave.

All of the campsites on the SHT are open to everyone and do not require reservations.  Trail etiquette dictates that each tent pad is on a ‘first come, first serve’ basis.  Trail etiquette also dictates that if we have made camp and a group of hikers arrives for the night, we will make room for them.  After a long day of hiking the last thing we want anyone to worry about is whether or not there is enough space for everyone.  We will accommodate all hikers that come.  Just as we would accommodate other hikers, we too fully expect that when we arrive if there are hikers there that they too accommodate us.  Our guides will work with the people already at the site to make room for our group.  Most of our hikes accommodate enough camp space for our groups as we move along the trail.

No problem!  We will help you set it up for you.  We can even teach you if you want.

Hungry?  We will prepare the meals for you.  All of our meals are simple to make, only needing water to re-hydrate them.  Its a simple process of boiling water and pouring it into a pouch which already contains the food.  We will let that pouch sit for a period of time, serve it up, and enjoy!

After getting camp set up, we can explore.  Most of our camps offer some sort of a scenic view for you to enjoy.  Taking a quick walk to a river, creek, or lake is a nice thing to do.  Taking pictures is also great past time.  Now is also the time to relax and just take it easy.  We’ll build a fire, sit around it, and just enjoy ourselves.  Sometimes telling stories or just getting to know each other.  If we have clear sky’s, the stars are the highlight of the dark night.  Being so far away from the city, you can clearly see the Milky Way Galaxy.  Its a beautiful sight to see.

There are marked ‘latrines’ while at camp.  Please use the latrines!  They are private and we will be courteous to all of those that need to go to the bathroom.  Please DO NOT throw anything into the latrines except used toilet paper or ‘biodegradable’ wipes.  This includes used feminine sanitary products for woman.  Those items must be packed out.  Simply place the used item in a plastic zip lock bag and carry it out.  The SHT has volunteers which come out and clean out the latrines and we would prefer to keep this job easy for them.

If you feel the need to bathe, please keep in mind that anything that you put into the water source could be damaging to the environment.  This includes even biodegradable soaps.  Therefore if you plan on bathing, please do not bathe with soaps of any kind in the water sources.  Using just plain water to rinse off your body is the preferred method.  If you would like to carry them, they do make larger body wipes that you can use.  Those must be packed out and not thrown in the latrine or fire pit for burning.

Easy!  We will already have a vehicle waiting for us at the trail end.  We’ll simply shuttle people back to their vehicles at the trail head.

We’ll be collecting all of the gear we lent to you on your hike, after we have brought you to your car.  You’re going to want to bring a bag with you to transfer your personal belongings into after we have completed.  We recommend either a plastic bag of some sort, or a small garbage bag.  It will be stinky with sweat and dirt, so keeping it off of your vehicle would be a good idea.

You have some options.  If you are an annual state park pass holder, it is our understanding that the Gooseberry Falls State Park has showers which you can use.  However, you must have the annual pass.  If you don’t have the pass, there are a couple hotels in the area that will, for a small fee, allow you to take a shower.  You’ll just want to remember to bring an extra set of fresh clothes and stuff to wash with while there.