Array of natural wonders await day hikers in Schroeder, Minn., region

Carlton Peak, Temperance River State Park.
Photo courtesy of Minnesota DNR. 

Panoramic views of Lake Superior, a waterfall, and rivers rumbling down ancient gorges await day hikers in the Schroeder, Minn., area.

The tiny Great Lakes community sits about midway between Duluth, Minn., and the U.S.-Canadian border on Minn. Hwy 61. It’s nestled amid a state park and national forest.

Among the many great day hikes in the Schroeder area are:
g Britton Peak Trail – Though steep, the 0.5-mile round trip trail in the Superior National Forest leads to great view of Lake Superior, neighboring Carlton Peak, and the Temperance River Valley. Park in the lot off of Sawbill Trail/County Hwy. 2 north of Minn. Hwy. 61 and Tofte.
g C.J. Ramstad/North Shore State Trail, Cross River segment – The 146-mile snowmobile trail can be hiked in summer with an access point north of Schroeder. From the dirt parking lot at the corner of Skou Road and Buckman Lane in Temperance River State Park Park, head southwest over the Cross River to the Superior Hiking Trail intersection and back for a 2.7 miles one-way (5.4-miles round trip) hike through woods.
g Gitchi-Gami State Trail, Temperance River Segment – The trail runs north/east through Temperance River State Park and the Temperance River gorge. At 3.1 miles (6.2-miles round trip), it can be accessed with parking at the MnDOT wayside in Schroeder.
g Superior Hiking Trail, Carlton Peak segment – A segment of the famous trail heads to Carlton Peak, which at 1526 feet offers grand views of Lake Superior and the surrounding countryside. The peak is in Temperance River State Park, but much of the trail heads through the Superior National Forest. Park in the lot north of the Temperance River and head north, past Hidden Falls, for a 6.4-mile round trip.
g Superior Hiking Trail Cross River Spur – The 1-mile spur (2-miles round trip) runs through woods near the Cross River in Temperance River State Park. The trailhead leaves from the dirt lot at the corner of Skou Road and Buckman Lane.
g Superior Hiking Trail, Hidden Falls segment – A section of the lakeside shore runs from the parking lot to north of the Temperance River north to Hidden Falls, which makes a short drop, then on a bridge over the waterway to the falls’ other side. The walk at Temperance River State Park clocks in at .06-miles round trip.

Read more about day hiking Northeast Minnesota in my Headin’ to the Cabin: Day Hiking Trails of Northeast Minnesota guidebook.