Sep 11, 2023 - Day 13 on the SHT (Split Rock Lighthouse State Park to Crow Valley and Gooseberry River SP)

Had a consulting conference call this morning which I conducted from the Day Use Shelter overlooking Lake Superior and Split Rock Lighthouse State Park.

From here the trail climbed and descended a section of both sides of the Split Rock River with a number of excellent campsites.  

The bridge is out over the Split Rock River but an easy ford.   I heard a lot of people hiked a long detour down to the visitor station of Split Rock Lighthouse State Park.  It was an easy ford but I hear it changes rapidly when it rains.  Climbing up the bank was difficult though.

Namesake Split-Rock formation.

Strand Creek Waterfall.

Following the trail through Broadleaf Ridge, Gooseberry Falls State Park and past Mike's Rock vista had me walking in the rain.  There were miles of new sections of trail that where covered in a thick clay like layer of soil.  For erosion control?   Bad idea.  This stuff was like greased pig fat.  Slippery as heck.  Camping at Crow Valley on my first day of hiking in some rain in the afternoon.