Map 1: Boy Scout Landing to Knife River
Beginning at Minnesota Point, this water trail segment heads northeast past low cliffs, stately mansions and cobblestone beaches. It also encompasses the estuary of the St. Louis River, where the world's longest freshwater sandspit protects undeveloped backwaters and industrial waterfront from Lake Superior waves. You'll find a maze of bays that offer paddling options when the lake has less than ideal conditions.
Shipwrecks are tragic reminders of Lake Superior's power, something that no paddler should underestimate. Lake cliffs can be serious hazards to the unwary. Calm summer waters can change to life-threatening conditions in minutes, and cliff areas can prevent you from seeking safety on shore.
A paddler must be prepared to deal with conditions and have the paddling skills needed to ensure their safety. Local marine weather forecasts should be monitored before and during any trip on the lake. You should understand how these forecasts can help predict lake conditions. Wave heights can be greatly increased by shoreline features and currents.
Harbor safety
- The Duluth-Superior harbor is the largest freshwater port with both commercial and recreation vessels sharing the water. Large commercial vessels deserve respect. These ships need a long distance to stop, produce a large wake and often can't see paddle craft.
- Stay near the shore and well away from commercial vessels. Do not paddle in fog or other poor weather.
- Outgoing currents through the entrances of the Duluth-Superior harbor can clash with incoming waves to create chaotic paddling conditions. Seek instruction and practice kayak skills before paddling from the harbor to Lake Superior. Be certain your boat has adequate bow and stern floatation and a pump for emptying a flooded boat.
Camping
- Respect private property along the shore! Stop only at designated areas.
- Camp only in designated campsites.
- Campgrounds require fees and reservations, while watercraft campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Leave a clean campsite and carry out all trash.
- Be sanitary! Use designated toilet facilities or bury human waste away from the water.
- Learn more about watercraft campsites.
Local contacts
Two Harbors area office
1568 Highway Two, Two Harbors, MN 55616
218-834-1430
Nearest medical facilities
St. Mary's Medical Center
407 East Third Street, Duluth, MN 55805
218-786-4000
St. Luke's Hospital
915 East First Street, Duluth, MN 55805
218-321-3790
Kayakers below the harbor lighthouse.
A kayak nears Duluth's Aerial Lift Bridge.
Ships in the Duluth harbor. Make sure you know the nautical rules of the road!
Map 2: Knife River to Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
This water trail segment begins at small resort communities near Two Harbors and continues northeast, where high cliffs dominate the shoreline. There are areas with limited public access points, especially between Stewart River and Castle Danger, so be sure to plan ahead.
Shipwrecks are tragic reminders of Lake Superior's power, something that no paddler should underestimate. Lake cliffs can be serious hazards to the unwary. Calm summer waters can change to life-threatening conditions in minutes, and cliff areas can prevent you from seeking safety on shore.
A paddler must be prepared to deal with conditions and have the paddling skills needed to ensure their safety. Local marine weather forecasts should be monitored before and during any trip on the lake. You should understand how these forecasts can help predict lake conditions. Wave heights can be greatly increased by shoreline features and currents.
Explore on shore
Gooseberry Falls State Park
Water trail mile 51
Pull onto shore near the Gooseberry River to access park trails, picnic tables, restrooms, water and a paddle-in campsite (first-come, first-served).
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
Water trail mile 57.7
Get a glimpse of this iconic lighthouse from the water before heading onto shore for hiking trails with closer views. Also enjoy park picnic tables, restrooms and water.
Camping
- Respect private property along the shore! Stop only at designated areas.
- Camp only in designated campsites.
- Campgrounds require fees and reservations, while watercraft campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Leave a clean campsite and carry out all trash.
- Be sanitary! Use designated toilet facilities or bury human waste away from the water.
- Learn more about watercraft campsites.
Local contacts
Two Harbors area office
1568 Highway Two, Two Harbors, MN 55616
218-834-1430
Gooseberry Falls State Park
3206 Highway 61 East, Two Harbors, MN 55616
218-595-7100
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
3755 Split Rock Lighthouse Road, Two Harbors, MN 55616
218-595-7625
Nearest medical facilities
Lakeview Hospital
325 11th Avenue, Two Harbors, MN 55616
218-834-7300
A kayak below Split Rock Lighthouse.
A kayaker heads onto the lake under a double rainbow.
Map 3: Split Rock Lighthouse State Park to Schroeder
Paddle past tall cliffs, low basalt rock outcrops and rocky beaches on this segment of the water trail. There are areas with no public access, particularly between Kennedy Landing and Sugarloaf Point. Be sure to plan ahead with an eye on the weather and your personal needs.
Shipwrecks are tragic reminders of Lake Superior's power, something that no paddler should underestimate. Lake cliffs can be serious hazards to the unwary. Calm summer waters can change to life-threatening conditions in minutes, and cliff areas can prevent you from seeking safety on shore.
A paddler must be prepared to deal with conditions and have the paddling skills needed to ensure their safety. Local marine weather forecasts should be monitored before and during any trip on the lake. You should understand how these forecasts can help predict lake conditions. Wave heights can be greatly increased by shoreline features and currents.
Explore on shore
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
Water trail mile 57.7
Get a glimpse of this iconic lighthouse from the water before heading onto shore for hiking trails with closer views. Also enjoy park picnic tables, restrooms and water.
Tettegouche State Park
Water trail mile 72.5
Pull onto shore near the Baptism River to access park trails, picnic tables and vehicle parking.
Camping
- Respect private property along the shore! Stop only at designated areas.
- Camp only in designated campsites.
- Campgrounds require fees and reservations, while watercraft campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Leave a clean campsite and carry out all trash.
- Be sanitary! Use designated toilet facilities or bury human waste away from the water.
- Learn more about watercraft campsites.
Local contacts
Two Harbors area office
1568 Highway Two, Two Harbors, MN 55616
218-834-1430
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
3755 Split Rock Lighthouse Road, Two Harbors, MN 55616
218-595-7625
Tettegouche State Park
5702 Highway 61, Silver Bay, MN 55614
218-353-8800
Nearest medical facilities
Lakeview Hospital
325 11th Avenue, Two Harbors, MN 55616
218-834-7300
North Shore Health
515 Fifth Avenue West, Grand Marais, MN 55604
218-387-3040
A kayak heading into a sea cave.
A kayak and tent on shore at sunset.
Map 4: Schroeder to Grand Marais
Paddle past basalt rock outcrops, rocky beaches and distant views of the Sawtooth Mountains along this segment of the water trail. There are areas with no public access, particularly near Tofte and Lutsen. Be sure to plan ahead with an eye on the weather and your personal needs.
Shipwrecks are tragic reminders of Lake Superior's power, something that no paddler should underestimate. Lake cliffs can be serious hazards to the unwary. Calm summer waters can change to life-threatening conditions in minutes, and cliff areas can prevent you from seeking safety on shore.
A paddler must be prepared to deal with conditions and have the paddling skills needed to ensure their safety. Local marine weather forecasts should be monitored before and during any trip on the lake. You should understand how these forecasts can help predict lake conditions. Wave heights can be greatly increased by shoreline features and currents.
Explore on shore
Temperance River State Park
Water trail mile 95.2
Beach your kayak near the mouth of the Temperance River and stretch your legs on park trails. You'll also find vehicle parking and a picnic area just a short walk from the lake.
Cascade River State Park
Water trail mile 115.4
Pull onto shore near the Baptism River to access park trails, picnic tables and vehicle parking.
Camping
- Respect private property along the shore! Stop only at designated areas.
- Camp only in designated campsites.
- Campgrounds require fees and reservations, while watercraft campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Leave a clean campsite and carry out all trash.
- Be sanitary! Use designated toilet facilities or bury human waste away from the water.
- Learn more about watercraft campsites.
Local contacts
Two Harbors area office
1568 Highway Two, Two Harbors, MN 55616
218-834-1430
Temperance River State Park
7620 West Highway 61, Schroeder, MN 55613
218-663-3100
Cascade River State Park
3481 West Highway 61, Lutsen, MN 55612
218-387-6000
Nearest medical facilities
North Shore Health
515 Fifth Avenue West, Grand Marais, MN 55604
218-387-3040
Sunset on Lake Superior.
A kayak heads for a small beach between the bluffs.
Map 5: Grand Marais to Pigeon Point
This water trail segment passes cobble and sand beaches and low basalt rock outcrops. Much of the segment is within the Grand Portage Indian Reservation and has limited public access points. Plan ahead with an eye on the weather and your personal needs.
The First Nations People of the Grand Portage Reservation have a rich natural and cultural history. Respect the privacy of the Reservation Lands and visit the Grand Portage National Monument area to learn more. Use of all reservation land needs prior authorization by its Trust Lands and Natural Resources Office at 218-475-2415. In order to cross the border into Canada or the U.S., you will need to notify the appropriate customs office for proper entry protocol.
Calm summer waters can change to life-threatening conditions in minutes, and cliff areas can prevent you from seeking safety on shore. Be prepared to deal with conditions. Local marine weather forecasts should be monitored before and during any paddling trip.
Explore on shore
Judge C.R. Magney State Park
Water trail mile 140.4
Pull onto shore near the Brule River, or paddle upstream if the water is high enough, and you'll find a short trail leading into the state park. From there, enjoy picnic tables along the river or hike further on park trails. If you have an hour or two, you could hike the steep Devil's Kettle Trail to see the river plunge into an impressive pothole.
Camping
- Respect private property along the shore! Stop only at designated areas.
- Camp only in designated campsites.
- Campgrounds require fees and reservations, while watercraft campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Leave a clean campsite and carry out all trash.
- Be sanitary! Use designated toilet facilities or bury human waste away from the water.
- Learn more about watercraft campsites.
Local contacts
Two Harbors area office
1568 Highway Two, Two Harbors, MN 55616
218-834-1430
Judge C.R. Magney State Park
4051 East Highway 61
Grand Marais, MN 55604
218-387-6300
Nearest medical facilities
North Shore Health
515 Fifth Avenue West, Grand Marais, MN 55604
218-387-3040
Sunrise over Lake Superior's islands.
Large waves crash onto shore. Lake conditions can change in minutes!