Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Minnesota News
MPR News Staff

Popular trail on Minnesota’s North Shore reopens in time for fall color season

A view of a lake from a rock outcropping
A view of Bean Lake along the Superior Hiking Trail near Silver Bay in May 2014. That section of the trail reopened Friday after being closed for maintenance over the summer.
Andrew Krueger | MPR News file

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Just in time for fall color season, a popular hiking trail on Minnesota’s North Shore is back open after a summer-long closure for maintenance.

A rock staircase along a hiking trail
Trail work along the popular Bean and Bear Lakes Loop trail near Silver Bay this summer included using natural materials for structures like this rock staircase.
Courtesy Superior Hiking Trail Association

The Bean and Bear Lakes Loop near Silver Bay — including all of the scenic overlooks from rock outcroppings high above the two lakes — had been closed for trail work since mid-May as crews worked to address severe erosion and other issues from years of heavy use.

This summer’s project, led by contractor Trail Source, also included updating the trail to modern design standards. Contractors used natural materials to build structures like rock staircases.

The Superior Hiking Trail Association reported Thursday that the trail would reopen Friday, Sept. 6 — though work will continue next year on part of the loop, including improvements to the Bear Lake campsite.

Meanwhile — another popular North Shore trail remains closed for maintenance. The eastern half of the Split Rock River Loop — a scenic hike that follows the twists and turns of the river upstream from Highway 61 — closed last weekend. There’s no estimate on when it will reopen.