The route we took was relatively short(~7 miles), just a very small section up near Grand Marais. Something you could hike in its entirety in a matter of hours but we took our time. Our goal was to give everyone, including those new to backpacking a taste of backpacking but still have enough time to relax at the campsite and watch the fire. This was perfect for my friends in bridging the gap between car camping and backpacking. Let those experienced test some new gear as well.
Photos
Day 1:
We started out at Kimball Creek Trailhead and hiked up and down a few little valleys crossing bridges. The creeks were beautiful. After a little bit you come to a clearing up on a hill and it looks amazing. From there we got to Cliff Creek campsite. This is a nice campsite nestled along the creek. There is a perfect hammock spot down by the creek. I almost abandoned the group to go enjoy it, but decided against it. We mostly took our time gathering firewood and catching up.
Day 2:
Forecast called for rain so as we packed up we all put on our raincoats and covered out packs. About 30 minutes in we took that all off. The whole day we were worried we were going to get hit, however no rain ever came. The trail between Cliff Creek and Woods creek is covered with a ton of roots. You have to watch your step. It is more of the same as of going into a little valley and back up. A nice work out for your calves. The trail had some mud this time of year but nothing too bad. A few sections had loose rock, you could easily twist a ankle if you are not careful.
Our lunch spot was on top of Butterfly Hill, an amazing spot for lunch. It over looks Lake Superior. As we sat there you could point out other areas of the SHT. Not far from Butterfly Hill is the Woods Creek Campsite. This was the group favorite. It has one tent area that we dubbed the "Deluxe Camping Suite" because it was right along the river and private. The latrine was up the hill and in the middle of a clearing. It was almost etheral. A little creepy for us. Firewood was also pretty picked over. This is clearly a popular site. We spent the afternoon taking naps and having a blast.
Day 3: Woke up to no rain again, we knew we were pressing out luck so we packed up and did the quick jaunt down the trail to the car. Only after we were all loaded in the car did it start to sleet/snow. We were very lucky. Ended up grabbing a really good burger at a place in Duluth called '7th Street West' on the way home. I recommend it if you are a burger fan. Everyone had fun and made it home safe, I couldn't ask for a better trip to introduce my friends into backpacking.
Here is a video, since we moved at a slower pace I got to film more of the trail which I enjoyed. Too often do I just hike through a area without taking in the scenery. Also got the drone up to enjoy the SHT. Such a pretty area. Now I prepare to avoid the SHT for the next three months as it becomes a traffic jam with hikers.
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Great camera work and way to stick it out another night, I'm sure it was worth it. I know how that car can call when you're so close 
Thanks for the report 
Happy Trails 
Originally Posted by TrailSlug
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