Sep 16, 2023 - Day 18 on the SHT (Canal Park Duluth and the lots of park trails all the way to Spirit Mountain)

Amazing day.  They say don't miss the urban Duluth section of the SHT and they are right.  Absolutely wonderful trail through central and western Duluth.  It was a little early to get a beer but the trail drops down to the shoreline at Leif Erickson Park and the Rose Garden where it follows the Lake Walk.

Canal Park and past the famous Aerial Lift Bridge

At Bay Front Park there was an on foot and skating race with music and an Oktoberfest Beer Garden.  No luck getting them to give me a breakfast beer.   

As you leave the waterfront you cross the railway tracks and interstate on this major footbridge before climbing steeply up the rocky escarpments onto the ridge above Duluth.  You end up hiking right through a hobo encampment but they were friendly enough.   

Next you pass through an number of parks via different trails and rural roads including:

Enger Park, Lincoln Park, Lyman Park, Brewer Park and the Peace Ridge and Oneota Park.

A steep climb leads to the The Peace Bell in the Japanese Garden. 

 

Overview of the port in Duluth and loaded ore barges.

Hiking the trails down to the Superior Zoo

Spirit Mountain Ski Area Ski Hut and top of the chair lift.  Followed along the ridgeline trail to the Spirit Mountain Campground north of the SHT where a refreshing shower was had tonight!  The SHT did an amazing job threading the trail through the town of Duluth on park trails and backways.  Just fantastic!