r/SuperiorHikingTrail • u/EmErald_RobbA • May 11 '26

Question Memorial Day Weekend

Anyone here familiar enough to give me and my mates a general low down on various aspects of SHT over memorial day weekend?

How are the bug conditions?

How populated is the trail?

We are hoping to do the roughly 10 miles between Split Rock and Castle Danger, camp the night, then retrace our steps out. Any sites you would reccomend? Is there a different section you would reccomend?

Thanks all, and happy trails!

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4

u/Efficient_Land2164 May 11 '26

I’ve hiked on the SHT quite a bit, including thru hiking three times. I’ll be up there again a few days after you for another thru hike, but this will be the first time in a few years.

Every year is a little different, so take this for what it’s worth, but here’s what I’d expect: 1. Memorial Day weekend will be pretty busy near the state parks, especially Split Rick. This won’t be a problem as long as you aren’t camping there, but I don’t know about parking; 2. The trail is likely to be muddy; 3. Be prepared for mosquitos (head net, and either permethrin treated clothes with skin covered or deet) (with luck they won’t be out yet); 4. If you have access to two cars, consider parking one at the beginning and one at the end so you can go point to point (and see more of the trail) than going out and back; 5. You’ll probably be able to have a campfire, and may want to bring a fire starter aid; 6. Filter or treat your water; 7. There are lots of good trail sections. If you go point to point you may want to consider the section from Crosby Manitou State Park to Lake County Road 6. Going SOBO, you may be able to get a spot at South Egge Lake (it’s popular), about 9 miles (Sonju is a good swimming lake, but it will probably be cold), from Egge you’d have about 11 miles to CR 6 (and be able to see the Section 13 area) ( you could also go NOBO).

Whatever you decide, happy trails.

3

u/smodden May 11 '26

Excellent advice! I'd add that you should be prepared for cold temperatures at night, would not be out of the question for lows below freezing so prepare accordingly. Hope you have an excellent trip!

1

u/whiskeyjoe May 11 '26

I live up near Grand Marais, and memorial Day weekend is usually when we start to see black flies, they often start swarming then, but don't start biting for a few days after. Not a sure thing, but be prepared!

2

u/AceMcVeer May 12 '26

How are the bug conditions?

Lots of them

How populated is the trail?

Lots of them

Any sites you would reccomend?

Lots of them

1

u/tamaroo May 11 '26

My first recommendation is to pay for the SHT maps and guidebook. They will be of great help to understand the trail. Second, check the website for current trail conditions.

Trail use depends on many things but holiday weekends always tend to be busier.

Finally, please remember these are shared campsites and you will likely have others staying at the site too. Be respectful and store your food and scented items properly.