Winter on Minnesota’s North Shore has a way of sharpening the senses. The air is crisp, the horizon stretches wider and the sound of Lake Superior carries farther across the shoreline. When you step onto a quiet forest trail with fresh snow under your boots, the whole world seems to slow down just enough for you to notice every detail.
This winter is an especially meaningful time to explore the region on foot. In 2026, the Superior Hiking Trail celebrates its 40th anniversary with four decades of connecting people to one of the most dramatic and soul-stirring landscapes in the Midwest. Stretching roughly 300 miles along the North Shore highlands, the trail has grown from a bold idea into a beloved footpath that links travelers to ridgelines, rivers, waterfalls and sweeping Lake Superior overlooks.
Winter hiking offers something other seasons cannot: space, silence and long views. When leaves are down and branches are dusted with snow, the forest opens up. You can see deep into the boreal woods, across valleys and toward the Sawtooth Mountains. Wildlife tracks become stories written across the trail. Frozen river edges frame ribbons of moving water. Waterfalls turn into living sculptures of ice and mist. On a winter trail, even familiar routes feel undiscovered. Oberg Mountain, Shovel Point, Temperance River and Lookout Mountain take on a different personality under snow and frost. Overlooks feel more dramatic. The lake looks wilder. Winter hikes also tend to be wonderfully uncrowded. You might stand at a cliffside viewpoint with only the wind and the views for company, watching steam rise from Lake Superior on especially cold days.
The Superior Hiking Trail’s 40th anniversary is more than a milestone. It's a celebration of vision, stewardship and shared adventure. Built and maintained through deep community effort, the trail has become a living link between people and place. Generations of hikers have tied boots at its trailheads, crossed its bridges and paused at its overlooks. In winter, sections of the Superior Hiking Trail become a different kind of treasure. Hiking the trail during its anniversary year adds an extra sense of purpose. Each mile walked becomes part of a shared story that started 40 years ago and continues with every traveler who steps onto it today.
One of the best ways to experience winter hiking along the North Shore is with local guides who know where to go and when conditions are just right. Guests of Bluefin Bay Family of Resorts can sign up for complimentary guided winter hikes throughout the season, making it easy to explore without worrying about logistics or gear. Lace up your boots, hop in the shuttle and head out with the activities staff to some of the region’s most scenic trail systems. Popular destinations include Oberg Mountain, Temperance River State Park, Sugarloaf Cove, Carlton Peak, Cascade River, and more. Each hike is unique, with a range of distances and difficulty levels suited for families, beginners and experienced hikers alike.
Winter conditions vary, which is part of the adventure. When the snow is deep and fresh, guests are outfitted with complimentary snowshoes for a one of a kind trek through the Northwoods. When trails are nicely packed, winter hiking takes the lead and ice trekkers are provided for extra traction and confidence. Guides also offer snowshoe fittings and brief tutorials, so even first-timers can head out comfortably.
Some outings add an extra layer of North Shore charm. The guided bonfire hike blends two winter favorites: forest hiking and fireside comfort. Guests hike a scenic stretch of trail, then gather around a crackling fire for s’mores and hot beverages.
This anniversary year, step into the story. Follow the ridge. Climb to the overlook. Listen to the wind in the pines and the distant roll of Superior’s waves. Then come back to a warm fireplace at Bluefin Bay Family of Resorts, knowing you've experienced the North Shore in its most honest and exhilarating season.