Several superb day hiking trails await visitors to Superior, Wis., area

Big Manitou Falls

Superior stands among one of the few challengers in northwest Wisconsin to St. Croix Falls as “the city of trails.” In addition to scenic municipal trails, no less than four state trails find their terminus here. Among the Wisconsin offerings:
g Big Manitou Falls overlook trails – Just a few miles south of the largest metro area of northern Minnesota and Wisconsin flows the highest waterfall in either state. Short overlook trails in Pattison State Park offer a variety of impressive views of Big Manitou Falls.
g Gandy Dancer State Trail – This interstate trail re-enters Wisconsin from Minnesota south of Superior and runs for 15 minutes until joining the Saunders State Trail. A pleasant 2.85-mile stretch runs from South Foxboro-Chaffey Road over Balsam Creek to Drolson Road.
g Millennium Trail – The 1.6-mile trail runs from Billings Drive to Elmira Avenue in the Superior Municipal Forest on the city’s southwest side. The trailhead is at the 28th Street and Wyoming Avenue intersection.
g Osaugie Trail – Beautiful views of Superior Bay, a marina and city piers abound on this urban trail, which runs for five miles from Marina Drive at the U.S. Hwy 2/53 junction south to Moccasin Mike Road. It is wheelchair accessible.
g Pokegama Trail – Also in the municipal forest, this 6.14-mile trail is popular with cyclists (a local cycling club actually maintains the trail). The trailhead is north of Central Avenues east of the Cemetery Access Road intersection.
g Saunders State Trail segment – The 8-mile trail runs southwest of town through several small communities. Try the 3.3-mile segment from County Road W north of Dewey to the bridge at Clear Creek; the route crosses the Pokegama River.
g Tri-County Corridor Trail segment – The well-maintained trail with a crushed limestone surface links Superior to Ashland. Pick up the trail on 57th Avenue at the Osaugie Trail terminus and turn around at the second stream crossing for a 2.3-mile round trip.
g Wild Rivers State Trail-Amnicon River segment – The 104-mile trail from Rice Lake finds its terminus here (or depending on your perspective, it’s beginning). Head southeast of the city to Swamp Road for a 5.4-mile out-and-back hike across the Amnicon River and two other waterways to Mikrot Road.

Read more about family friendly day hiking trails in my Headin' to the Cabin guidebooks.