Jay Cooke State Park - Hiking (2 of 4)

Jay Cooke has over 50 miles of hiking! I can't think of a better way to see the park than getting out for a walk. I will offer a number of suggestions for hike to take, but I have yet to find on that I didn't enjoy.

The Carlton trail along with the Thomson trail generally pass along either side of the river gorge from the rangers station to the dam. Both of these trails are interesting and offer frequent access to the river. A loop can be made with these trails and will be about 5 miles long.

The Silver Creek trail is part of the hiking club trail and is a must see. It's been awhile since I did this trail, so I can only say that it was fun.

The Ogantz trail offers access to some fun falls and has some outstanding views. As a bonus nearby areas are handicap accessible. On my second day in the park I strung together about a 5 mile loop using the Grand Portage and Oak trails. These trails pass through a variety of forests and by some interesting geologic formations. The Grand Portage trail was used by fur traders some 300 years ago. The trail also passes along the St. Louis River and has some great views of the bluffs across the river. I also noticed evidence of Bear and Wolves in the area. I was told by a Ranger that there are 2 packs of wolves that claim territory in Jay Cooke State Park.

I also spoke with a couple that lived in the vicinity of the park and highly recommended the Spruce and High trails. Given the location and length of these trails, these trails would be perfect for use in conjunction with a couple of the backcountry camping sites.

If all this is not enough, the souther terminus of the Superior Hiking Trails also starts out in the park. Access is from the Grand Portage trail. I did not do this section, but am a huge fan of the trail. One thing of note is that the Superior Hiking Trail is very well blazed, which is good because it is not currently on the park map.

Tettegouche

Well, its mid February and its cold, too cold for me to be outside, so I thought I reminisce about what has become my favorite state park, Tettegouche. Tettegouche State Park is located along the North Shore of Lake Superior approximately 90 minutes North of Duluth.

Tettegouche has something for everyone, and in my case some of the best hiking in the Upper Midwest. The park has miles of shore on Lake Superior as well as many inland lakes. Bean Lake is shown here. Hiking trails circumnavigate the park passing ridges, lakes, and even a beaver dam. Some of the least visited areas are the most spectacular. I would recommend that everyone who loves the outdoors make it a point to hike every mile of this park. The Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) winds through the park from Beaver Bay to State Highway 1. I would recommend parking at the Beaver Bay trail head (just West of town) and catching the Superior Shuttle to Highway 1. Then hike the 12 or so miles back to your vehicle. This will be one of the best day hikes you will ever find in Minnesota. Additional day hikes will take you to overlooks and beaver habitat in the parks back country, the highest falls entirely in Minnesota, or the rugged ridges overlooking Lake Superior.

In addition outstanding hiking, Tettegouche also offers car and walk in camping, backcountry camping along the SHT, fishing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, bird watching, fishing, a historic logging village, as well as some interpretive activities.

Many times I have been asked what my favorite park is, and I don't mince words. Tettegouche is it. If you have never been there, make plans for this summer. You can reserve campsites 90 days in advance and they do fill up. I recommend trying to get one of the walk-in sites. And, oh yeah, there are black bears, so don't be stupid...

I'm sure I will be revisiting this topic and park again in the future.