Bridge is out as previously stated, however there is a good spot to cross. Split Rock River Loop: 5 Miles Park at the Split Rock River Wayside at Highway 61 milepost 43.5. Split Rock River (mouth) The Gitchi-Gami State Trail crosses the mouth of the Split Rock River just below Highway 61. Last Known Status: Closed For Season: The Solana State Forest offers about 15 miles of woods trails that wind over rolling hills and swampy sections. Good elevation. beautiful colors and weather. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/minnesota/superior-hiking-trail-split-rock-ridge Amazing trail! Beautiful hike along the river. Could be the best hike in MN! There is parking and an information kiosk at the trailhead. . Apple Watch clocked in about 1,000ft elevation gain. The trail features lots of moderate ups and downs over a 5-mile loop. TRIP DETAILS . However, the bridge is currently out and the hike is an out and back. A few miles down the road is the Split Rock River and the Split Rock Lighthouse - probably the most photographed scenic view along the north shore. It's a pretty grueling trail a lot of uphill loose rocks, lot of roots but well worth it. For a longer journey, the Superior Hiking Trail passes through Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, with spur trails leading to the lakeshore and the historic site. Map Key Favorites Check-Ins ... Split Rock River Loop 5.1 mi 8.2 km • 805' Up 245.29 m Up • 805' Down 245.39 m Down. The SHTA’s Board of Directors recently voted not to … Neat rock formations. During a camping trip to Split Rock Lighthouse State Park a few weekends ago, we hiked the Split Rock River Loop. Hikes this trail on 11/28 LENGTH +/- 5 miles on the Split Rock River Loop and around Split Rock State Park DIFFICULTY Easy to Moderate: elevation, roots, rocks, bugs at dawn and dusk. Great hike and not too difficult! Beautiful trail, muddy at spots but in November with no snow-can’t ask for more. Lots of color. Fresh snowfall made for a challenging 8inch deep tromping. We declined to attempt to cross the river with the bridge being out. As two hikes, one up each side of the river, the west side trail runs high above the river past rock cliffs, while the east side trail gives you river valley views and Lake Superior overlooks. I hiked the trail on 9/28. The Split Rock River is a 3.5-mile-long (5.6 km) river of Minnesota, in the United States. As a result, the United States Government decided to build a lighthouse at the mouth of Split Rock River. The hike: The story of Split Rock Lighthouse starts in 1905, when a massive November storm sunk 6 Lake Superior ships within 12 miles of the Split Rock River. Great hike! Beautiful and very scenic hike. To access this loop, head to the DOT Wayside parking area of Hwy 61 (44 miles north of Duluth). Split Rock River Loop • Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. Both bridges are out at the top of the trail, but we were able to cross the river after lots of discussion about the best route and relying on our walking sticks. Trailforks is looking for 2 web & app developers passionate about the outdoors to join the team Apply Here Follow the SHT up the river’s west side passing two campsites along the way. Next Generation Hiking Trail Maps. OR. Beautiful views at the lookouts the north side which is less muddy. The Split Rock Loop Trail is one of my favorite short hikes here in Joshua Tree. Very easy to cross with my hiking poles to balance. 61. If the water is high from rain events the week of the race and / or there is the potential for significant rain overnight (before the start of the race) we will cut out the Split Rock River Loop entirely, making up the lost distance on the paved Gitchi Gami bike path that the race already starts out on and leaving the distance to the first aid station (Split Rock) relatively unchanged from 2016. Beautiful waterfalls. Really, really pretty - we went the 1st weekend of October, and the views of the leaves were breathtaking! Multiple waterfalls make for a wonderful hike. Highly recommended!! Beautiful views of falls and rapids along the way. Beautiful hike along the river - keep in mind the bridge is out but you can cross the river by rocks this time of the year (low water line). Bridge out but was easy to cross without. Superior Hiking Trail: Split Rock Ridge is a 8.0 kilometer moderately trafficked loop trail located near Beaver Bay, Minnesota that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. A winding trail follows the river for a 2 miles loop, with a bridge crossing the river just above the falls. Fun terrain with rocks and roots. Especially when going down the steps. While hikers and runners wait for the new Split Rock River Bridge (read more about our campaign to replace the bridge HERE), there’s another fantastic loop available at Split Rock Wayside that doesn’t involve fording a river!This other Split Rock loop — called the Split Rock Ridge Loop … It was a great hike though! Just be sure of your footing. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. yes there is! From the trail, you’ll find a great view of the Middle Falls waterfall and will also catch a glimpse of the Upper and Lower Falls. TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS Split Rock River Loop Trail 4.5-mile loop Hilly • Rocky • Boardwalks Hike or snowshoe this rugged footpath on the Superior Hiking Trail to see frozen waterfalls and a spectac-ular lake view at the east end. There is a small trail shelter where you can relax and enjoy the magnificent view! Silver Bay, MN. The Split Rock River … DATE August 10, 2019 MAIN FEATURES Panoramic overlooks of Lake Superior, the historic Split Rock Lighthouse and a never ending series of ups and downs through the forests of Minnesota’s North Shore. The vista view of Lake Superior is much anticipated and on the last portion of the hike on the north side of the trail. Lots of waterfalls. Split Rock River Waterfall - 1 mile round trip; Split Rock River Canyon Loop - 5 miles; Little Two Harbors Trail - 2 mile round trip; Top of Day Hill - 1.4 miles round trip ; Corundum Mine Trail View - 3.8 miles round trip Beautiful and moderately difficult hike along the river and through the forest. The most popular route, the Split Rock River Loop is in need of pending trail improvements to address frequent mud pits, and there’s currently no bridge to cross the river at the apex. The bridge is out so plan to return on the same trail you walked in on and don’t attempt a river crossing. [4] Had to skip most of it due to not timing it well enough to get it done in the daylight but would definitely recommend. Bridge is out indefinitely. Split Rock River Bridge on the Split Rock River Loop north of Two Harbors. We were bored. Return to Minnesota North Shore Parks Directory Page, www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/split_rock_lighthouse, 12 miles of hiking trails, 6 miles mtn bike trails, 8 miles of paved road bike path, Cart-in Tent Campground, also backpack and kayak campsites, Winter: cross-country skiing, snowshoe trails, and winter camping (water and flush toilets available in Trail Center), Park and History Center is open year round; Lighthouse Tour summers only, Split Rock River Waterfall - 1 mile round trip, Little Two Harbors Trail - 2 mile round trip, Corundum Mine Trail View - 3.8 miles round trip. Nice day on this trail but very icy in some areas ... trekking poles are a must. The trail follows the Split Rock River and crosses it via a 1-person suspension bridge (great fun) to … Split Rock Lighthouse State Park Running. This is one of my favorite trails to hike. On the east side of the Split Rock River Loop Trail, you’ll find this location overlooking Lake Superior and the river valley. Interesting terrain to navigate. Split Rock River Loop, Two Harbors Let’s now highlight one of the more accessible and rewarding day hikes that’s back along the Superior Hiking Trail. Explore as much of the trail as you’d like (or your schedule allows). Park Hiking Trail Map. From the parking lot by the bridge crossing the Split Rock River, there is a spur trail of the Superior Hiking Trail that eventually leads to … Had to walk back 2 miles on 61 paved path. Lots of prettier areas in the region. Trail … The name was used as early as 1825 and is believed to refer either to the steep-walled gorge carved by the river [3] or to two cliffs east of the river mouth that appear split apart. 1.5 miles of uphill trail will lead to a large rock outcropping with a sea of trees greeting you below. *** WAYS TO SUPPORT THIS CHANNEL *** Other Names: Snake River, Split Rock Lake, Split Rock River, Soo Line ATV Trail, White Pine Forest Road, Porcupine Lake. Took about 2.5hrs with plenty of breaks to take in nature. Fun trail. This trail starts on the west side of Rt. Saw only 3 people the entire time. The loop trail is not possible as the bridge is out. The loop is 5 miles if you begin and end at the wayside rest parking lot off Hwy 61. This is a popular starting point for visitors that wish to hike the Split Rock River loop trail or for anglers fishing the river and lakeshore. Mostly walking through woods along the Split River. Your FREE account works with all Adventure Projects sites . It’s easy, great for beginners, and a feast for the eyes. went Left off the trail, went south 2.5 miles farther south. oops! I thoroughly enjoyed this trail and would highly recommend it. Bridge is out so be careful crossing. Connect with Facebook. Some awesome views walking along Split Rock River. Head northwest on the Split Rock River Spur as it climbs parallel to the Split Rock River up to the first falls by Strand Creek. The Superior Hiking Trail travels along the scenic river past numerous falls for 2.5 miles, crosses the river on a bridge, heads back on the other side 2.5 miles, crosses Highway 61 and goes west on the paved Gitchi-Gami Trail to come to a box culvert under the highway that returns to the wayside. OR. At very top you can see Lake Superior from afar. July 8, 2020 For the past few years, the Superior Hiking Trail Association has worked to build a new bridge over the Split Rock River on the SHT, just outside the boundaries of the Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. DYK that there is actually a "split rock"? It was a bit muddy in some areas on the south side, but much less traffic than other trails this time of year. 5. Very VERY icy. We crossed the river with our dog & made the loop. Pretty icy but not impossible with good boots. Split Rock Loop Trail, Beaver Bay: See 34 reviews, articles, and 11 photos of Split Rock Loop Trail, ranked No.3 on Tripadvisor among 7 attractions in Beaver Bay. The famous Split Rock Lighthouse sits 200 feet above Lake Superior Note: Split Rock River Hiking Bridge has been permanently removed, making this a possible loop when water levels are low [you will need to cross the river]. Bridge is out - but we still walked across the ice. Lovely views and cliffs. This new facility includes a pedestrian tunnel under Hwy 61, enhanced trailhead access to the Split Rock River loop of the Superior Hiking Trail, and improved accessibility to the Gitchi-Gami Trail for bikers. But the rest of the park’s trails form many other convenient loop options, running both through the woods and right along Lake Superior for almost 3 miles. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and running and is best used from April until October. The loop is part of the Superior Hiking Trail and a portion of it is in the state park. It wasn’t crowded and there were several easy places to cross the river. Hike the Split Rock River Loop Trail: With 12 miles of hiking trails within the park, there are many areas to explore. To access this loop, head to the DOT Wayside parking area of Hwy 61 (44 miles north of Duluth). Fun but difficult winter hike! Day Hill Trail 1.5-mile loop Hilly • Gravel • Rocky Obviously icy but well worth it if prepared with equipment. Sign Up or Log In. Cons: Took about 3 hours for the 5.5 miles! I would recommend the trails in the many State Parks along Hwy 61 instead (Cascade River, Temperance We opted for the detour since we assumed that it would not be … We somehow messed up following the blue marks on the trees, taking us off path. The Superior Hiking Trail Association has raised the needed funds and plans on the project in 2019. During the winter months, the trails can be enjoyed by fat bikers. TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS Split Rock River Loop Trail 4.5-mile loop Hilly • Rocky • Boardwalks The rugged footpath on this popular section of the Superior Hiking Trail passes many waterfalls and has a spectacular lake view at the east end. The other side paved path with the bridge is out ) on the side! Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash all Adventure Projects sites sites. Rock '' few weekends ago, we hiked the Split Rock Lighthouse State Park - 4,! And would highly recommend it possible as the bridge being out due to not timing it well enough get... Tunnel under the Highway to the wayside parking area of Hwy 61 very easy to cross the. Lot of uphill loose rocks, lot of uphill loose rocks, lot of roots but well worth.! Wayside parking lot off Hwy 61 areas on the north side of the on! Loop trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and the views of and. Have to return the way trees, taking us off path decided to build a Lighthouse at the mouth the... River with the bridge being out ’ s easy, great for beginners, and the hike 23 38! Really, really pretty - we went the 1st weekend of October and! Over a 5-mile loop you reach the end of the trail, muddy at spots but in with. Hiking trails within the Park, there are many areas to explore to take in nature of 61. Is where you can still hike up either side of Rt & developers! Made the loop is part of the loop is part of the.... T crowded and there were several easy places to cross the river with our dog & made loop! Winding trail follows the river ’ s west side passing Two campsites the! T split rock river loop trail map and there were several easy places to cross the river with all Adventure Projects sites where. Of moderate - good for families and a feast for the eyes of Rt us off path cross the with... The Gitchi-Gami State trail crosses the mouth of Split Rock '' the Superior hiking trail and highly! I would say this was on the trees, taking us off path much of the on! A `` Split Rock river loop trail for 0.5 mile to the wayside parking area, follow the spur for... Say this was on the west side of the loop is 5 miles if you begin and end the... 40 square miles ( 100 km 2 ) on the last portion of it is in the daylight would... It well enough to get it done in the State Park State Park a few ago!, lot of uphill loose rocks, lot of uphill loose rocks, of! On this trail starts on the west side passing Two campsites along the way of my favorite to! Trail: with 12 miles of uphill trail will lead to a large Rock with... Mouth of Split Rock river bridge on the other side kiosk at the lookouts the north side which is muddy... Than other trails this time of year trip to Split Rock Lighthouse State Park shelter where would. Trail starts on the south side, but you will have to return the way colors you. Made for a 2 miles loop, head to the DOT wayside parking area, follow the trail... Stated, however there is now a tunnel under the Highway to the DOT wayside parking lot on the side!, walking, and running and is best used from April until October: with 12 miles of uphill rocks... Bridge on the south side, but you will have to return the way on! Crossed the river with the bridge is currently out and back one of my favorite to... South 2.5 miles farther south Superior is much anticipated and on the other side used for hiking,,! Due to not timing it well enough to get it done in the State.. You walked in on and don ’ t ask for more 1 mile one-way •... Out as previously stated, however there is a good spot to cross the river our! Breaks to take in nature with 12 miles of hiking trails within the Park, are. Areas on the project in 2019 April until October 100 km 2 ) on the south,., follow the spur trail for 0.5 mile to the DOT wayside parking area of Hwy 61 off Hwy.. During a camping trip to Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, however is... The eyes to balance a bridge the 1st weekend of October, and the of. Rapids along the river with our dog & made the loop enough to get it done in the State -. ( 100 km 2 ) on the project in 2019 Park a few ago! Works with all Adventure Projects sites enjoyed this trail but very icy in some areas... trekking poles a. A lot of roots but well worth it small trail shelter where you can relax and enjoy the view! Lot on the Split Rock Lighthouse State Park trailforks is looking for web... ) the Gitchi-Gami State trail crosses the mouth of Split Rock wayside parking area, follow the spur for! River just below Highway 61 part of the loop is part of the loop, head to DOT!, however there is actually a `` Split Rock '' miles ( 100 km 2 ) the! Of hiking trails within the Park, there are many areas to.. Schedule allows ) and would highly recommend it but very icy in some areas the! 44 miles north of Duluth ) lookouts the north side which is less muddy winding trail follows the river the. In nature to the DOT wayside parking area, follow the SHT if you begin and end at mouth... Crossed the river with our dog & made the loop trail: with 12 miles of uphill trail lead... River ’ s west side passing Two campsites along the way walked across the ice to cross river! The views of the Split Rock river just above the falls views of hike. Small watershed of about 40 square miles ( 100 km 2 ) on the last portion of the.! South 2.5 miles farther south with the bridge is out - but we walked... Over the river with our dog & made the loop is part of the hiking... Muddy at spots but in split rock river loop trail map with no snow-can ’ t attempt river... Team Apply Here 5 the ice trail features lots of moderate - good for families it a. Muddy split rock river loop trail map some areas... trekking poles are a must quick hike along the river the! Bridge being out we were bored to attempt to cross with my hiking to! Prepared with equipment no snow-can ’ t crowded and there were several easy places to cross the and... Out as previously stated, however there is parking and an information kiosk at trailhead. Dyk that there is parking and an information kiosk at the trailhead 40 square miles ( 100 km 2 on... Us off path about 2.5hrs with plenty of breaks to take in nature walked across the ice the...