Superior Hiking Trail 2018

Despite being over 30 years old, most of the Superior Hiking Trail usage has occurred in the last decade. One section, the Bean and Bear Lakes Loop, is one of the most heavily used sections of trail and frequented by both day-hikers and backpackers. This 7-mile loop passes through deep forest, by stunning rocky overlooks, and two gorgeous lakes. This section of the trail was selected because its rising popularity, especially with inexperienced backpackers, has caused numerous impacts including significant trail erosion, improperly disposed of human waste, visitor created trails, and proliferation of illegal campsites, and campfire impacts.

Solution

• 253 People Educated
• 326 Miles of Trails Protected

The Hot Spot week focused on the Bean and Bear Lake loop, a popular section of the trail located near Duluth, MN. Leave No Trace held a training for Superior Hiking Trail staff and key volunteers. This training gave the participants an in-depth understanding of the Seven Principles, especially those that apply to the impacts threatening the Superior Hiking Trail. They also provided participants with tools for effectively educating visitors about the importance of practicing Leave No Trace skills and ethics on the trail. As a part of the Hot Spot week, the team also worked to educate local community members at a local brewery. This event allowed them to educate a large number of people about the severity of the impacts on the trail and how Leave No Trace practices could help protect the trail.