The Superior Fall Trail Race - 50 Mile is a point-to-point trail ultramarathon running from Finland to Lutsen, Minnesota. Over an advertised 51.7 miles it follows the Superior Hiking Trail through the rugged Sawtooth Mountains, holding to the high ridgelines inland from Lake Superior. Expect deep boreal forest, rocky summits, and several major river gorges, with the route staying remote and heavily wooded all the way to the finish at Caribou Highlands Lodge.

The race begins at 5:15 AM on September 12, 2026. With first light around 6:07 AM and sunrise at 6:38 AM, runners spend over an hour on natural trail in the dark. The overall cutoff is 10:00 PM, so many will finish in the dark as well, since sunset falls at 7:22 PM. Weather holds close to uniform from end to end: mornings typically in the low 50s°F, afternoon highs in the mid-60s°F, humidity near 90% at the start and easing through the day, with a moderate chance of light rain or overcast skies. Plan on layering and managing moisture.

Across the 51.55 measured miles the course climbs 7,215 feet and drops 7,357 feet. The pattern is a relentless run of short, sharp climbs and descents on deeply uneven dirt laced with rocks and roots. It bites hardest crossing river gorges like the Manitou and on prominent features such as Carlton Peak and Oberg Mountain. With footing and grade changing constantly, this is a course for patience and adaptable footwork rather than a rigid pacing plan.

• Event Date: 2026-09-12
• Event Type: Trail 50 Mile
• GPX Course Length: 51.55 mi
• Course Type: Point to Point
• TrailScore:
• Total Ascent: 7215 ft
• Total Descent: 7357 ft
• Longest Uphill:
  • Starting at Mile 33.98, 1.27 mi at an average grade of 3.6%
• Longest Downhill:
  • Starting at Mile 41.42, 0.97 mi at an average grade of -3.6%
• Steepest Uphill:
  • Starting at Mile 12.62, 0.3 mi at an average grade of 18.8%
• Steepest Downhill:
  • Starting at Mile 12.46, 0.16 mi at an average grade of -23.9%
• Significant Climbs:
  • There are a total of 36 significant climbs on the course.
• Significant Descents:
  • There are a total of 43 significant descents on the course.
• Grade Distribution:
  • extreme_decline: 1.51%
  • steep_decline: 6.63%
  • challenging_decline: 8.43%
  • moderate_decline: 12.27%
  • minor_decline: 13.09%
  • flat: 15.81%
  • minor_incline: 13.03%
  • moderate_incline: 12.85%
  • challenging_incline: 8.96%
  • steep_incline: 6.14%
  • extreme_incline: 1.3%

The race starts on a mix of paved and dirt surfaces along Cramer Road, a brief chance to settle in before the route turns entirely to natural track and the C.J. Ramstad/North Shore State Trail. Runners pass Crosby Manitou State Park at mile 0.21. Around mile 2.6 the trail begins a sustained climb that introduces the rolling, uneven character of the course. Footing is natural dirt path throughout, and it can be rooty and unpredictable in the dark.

The section touches Sonju Lake at mile 5.35 and reaches the East Branch Baptism River at mile 6.84. A flooded bridge at the river sends runners on a short reroute over an ATV trail and Sonju Lake Road to the first aid station. The detour adds negligible distance and runs slightly faster than the adjacent singletrack.

• Dark Start Navigation: Over an hour of running before first light arrives around 6:07 AM calls for careful headlamp management on natural dirt and track.
• Early Sustained Climb: A 105-foot climb begins at mile 2.6, the first real test of pacing and restraint before the trail turns more technical.

• Climb #1: Mile 0.51 to Mile 1.35, 0.85 mi, avg grade 5.2%, total gain 233 ft
• Climb #2: Mile 1.93 to Mile 2.27, 0.34 mi, avg grade 4.3%, total gain 77 ft
• Climb #3: Mile 2.6 to Mile 3, 0.4 mi, avg grade 4.9%, total gain 105 ft
• Climb #4: Mile 3.96 to Mile 4.42, 0.46 mi, avg grade 4.7%, total gain 115 ft
• Climb #5: Mile 5.35 to Mile 5.54, 0.19 mi, avg grade 4.3%, total gain 43 ft
• Climb #6: Mile 5.7 to Mile 5.9, 0.2 mi, avg grade 5%, total gain 52 ft
• Climb #7: Mile 6.03 to Mile 6.2, 0.17 mi, avg grade 4.2%, total gain 37 ft

• Descent #1: Mile 3.45 to Mile 3.86, 0.41 mi, avg grade -5.8%, total drop 125 ft
• Descent #2: Mile 4.43 to Mile 4.69, 0.25 mi, avg grade -3.1%, total drop 41 ft
• Descent #3: Mile 4.86 to Mile 5.13, 0.27 mi, avg grade -5.3%, total drop 77 ft
• Descent #4: Mile 5.21 to Mile 5.34, 0.14 mi, avg grade -6.6%, total drop 48 ft
• Descent #5: Mile 5.54 to Mile 5.74, 0.2 mi, avg grade -4.3%, total drop 45 ft
• Descent #6: Mile 5.9 to Mile 6.03, 0.13 mi, avg grade -7.4%, total drop 51 ft
• Descent #7: Mile 6.95 to Mile 7.15, 0.2 mi, avg grade -3.3%, total drop 35 ft

• Sonju Lake Road (Mile 7)
  • Offerings: Salty and sweet pre-packaged snacks, Coke, Ginger Ale, chicken noodle and vegan soup, and unique hot food items.
  • Drop Bags: Yes
  • Crew Access: No
  • Cutoff: 09:10
  • Toilet: Yes

• Crosby Manitou State Park (~Mile 0.21): The course briefly passes near the boundaries of this rugged state park early in the race.
• Sonju Lake (~Mile 5.35): A scenic inland lake marking the approach to the first aid station.
• East Branch Baptism River (~Mile 6.84): A river crossing area where runners will follow a slight reroute over a different bridge.

Now firmly on the Superior Hiking Trail, runners face continuous grade changes. This is rolling dirt singletrack that trends downhill overall while hiding a number of sharp, taxing climbs. The path stays entirely natural and demands constant attention to placement.

Around mile 10.18 the course tips upward for a notable 73-foot climb averaging over 8%. The trail crosses Benson Lake Road near mile 10.56, then connects to the Middle Trail on the push toward the Crosby-Manitou aid station.

• Hidden Pitches: A steep drop of 105 feet at mile 10.35 quickly reverses into rolling climbs, demanding disciplined effort.

• Climb #8: Mile 9.12 to Mile 9.48, 0.36 mi, avg grade 3.4%, total gain 65 ft
• Climb #9: Mile 10.18 to Mile 10.35, 0.17 mi, avg grade 8.2%, total gain 73 ft
• Climb #10: Mile 11.12 to Mile 11.27, 0.16 mi, avg grade 4.7%, total gain 38 ft

• Descent #8: Mile 7.33 to Mile 8.25, 0.92 mi, avg grade -2.1%, total drop 101 ft
• Descent #9: Mile 9.41 to Mile 9.77, 0.35 mi, avg grade -4.5%, total drop 85 ft
• Descent #10: Mile 10.01 to Mile 10.18, 0.17 mi, avg grade -4.8%, total drop 43 ft
• Descent #11: Mile 10.35 to Mile 10.59, 0.25 mi, avg grade -8%, total drop 105 ft

• Crosby-Manitou (Mile 11.2)
  • Offerings: Salty and sweet pre-packaged snacks, Coke, Ginger Ale, chicken noodle and vegan soup, and unique hot food items.
  • Drop Bags: Yes
  • Crew Access: Yes
  • Cutoff: 09:10
  • Toilet: Yes

• None.

This segment holds some of the most dramatic and intense terrain on the route. Runners head down the Middle Trail and Manitou River Trail into a series of significant vertical challenges that define the middle miles.

At mile 12.46 the course plummets down the steepest downhill of the race, dropping 204 feet over just 0.16 miles at an average grade of nearly -24%. At the bottom is the Manitou River crossing, followed immediately by the steepest climb of the course, gaining 302 feet in 0.3 miles at nearly 19%. This tight V-shaped gorge concentrates a huge amount of work into a tiny distance. Beyond it the Superior Hiking Trail stays highly rolling, crossing the Caribou River at mile 17.99 before the Sugarloaf aid station.

• The Manitou River Gorge: The steepest descent followed immediately by the steepest climb on the course demands exceptional focus and controlled effort.
• Sustained Downhills: A severe drop of 341 feet near mile 15.5 calls for cautious footing on natural trail to manage the impact.

• Climb #11: Mile 11.46 to Mile 11.59, 0.14 mi, avg grade 9.2%, total gain 67 ft
• Climb #12: Mile 12.23 to Mile 12.46, 0.23 mi, avg grade 8.5%, total gain 103 ft
• Climb #13: Mile 12.62 to Mile 12.92, 0.3 mi, avg grade 18.8%, total gain 302 ft
• Climb #14: Mile 13.3 to Mile 14.01, 0.71 mi, avg grade 3.3%, total gain 124 ft
• Climb #15: Mile 14.29 to Mile 14.5, 0.21 mi, avg grade 12.6%, total gain 136 ft
• Climb #16: Mile 15.17 to Mile 15.5, 0.33 mi, avg grade 8.4%, total gain 145 ft
• Climb #17: Mile 18.01 to Mile 18.42, 0.41 mi, avg grade 6.8%, total gain 147 ft
• Climb #18: Mile 19.75 to Mile 20.19, 0.45 mi, avg grade 4.2%, total gain 99 ft

• Descent #12: Mile 11.27 to Mile 11.46, 0.19 mi, avg grade -6%, total drop 59 ft
• Descent #13: Mile 11.84 to Mile 12.23, 0.39 mi, avg grade -7.1%, total drop 145 ft
• Descent #14: Mile 12.46 to Mile 12.62, 0.16 mi, avg grade -23.9%, total drop 204 ft
• Descent #15: Mile 12.93 to Mile 13.2, 0.27 mi, avg grade -5.5%, total drop 80 ft
• Descent #16: Mile 13.9 to Mile 14.29, 0.39 mi, avg grade -5.2%, total drop 107 ft
• Descent #17: Mile 14.73 to Mile 15.19, 0.45 mi, avg grade -11.5%, total drop 275 ft
• Descent #18: Mile 15.5 to Mile 16.21, 0.71 mi, avg grade -9%, total drop 341 ft
• Descent #19: Mile 16.76 to Mile 17.21, 0.45 mi, avg grade -4.4%, total drop 104 ft
• Descent #20: Mile 17.68 to Mile 18, 0.32 mi, avg grade -6.4%, total drop 109 ft
• Descent #21: Mile 18.69 to Mile 19.25, 0.56 mi, avg grade -3.2%, total drop 94 ft

• Sugarloaf (Mile 20.8)
  • Offerings: Salty and sweet pre-packaged snacks, Coke, Ginger Ale, chicken noodle and vegan soup, and unique hot food items.
  • Drop Bags: Yes
  • Crew Access: Yes
  • Cutoff: 12:10
  • Toilet: Yes

• Manitou River (~Mile 12.62): A major river crossing nestled between the steepest descent and steepest climb of the race.
• Caribou River (~Mile 17.99): Another scenic river crossing as the course navigates rolling boreal forest terrain.

The route settles into a sequence of rolling and sustained climbs along the Superior Hiking Trail. The natural dirt path stays uneven and root-laden. It lacks the extreme vertical of the river gorge behind it, but the persistent climbing adds measurable workload.

A sharp descent of nearly 150 feet comes at mile 24.71, quickly giving way to more rolling terrain. The segment ends with a flatter approach to the Cramer RD aid station, a chance to catch a breath before the second half of the race.

• Sustained Mid-Course Climbing: Frequent, drawn-out ascents, particularly around mile 24.4, require steady effort.

• Climb #19: Mile 22.72 to Mile 22.92, 0.19 mi, avg grade 5.8%, total gain 59 ft
• Climb #20: Mile 24.46 to Mile 24.71, 0.25 mi, avg grade 10.8%, total gain 145 ft
• Climb #21: Mile 25.12 to Mile 25.36, 0.24 mi, avg grade 4.9%, total gain 63 ft
• Climb #22: Mile 25.45 to Mile 25.76, 0.3 mi, avg grade 3.5%, total gain 55 ft

• Descent #22: Mile 21.63 to Mile 21.9, 0.27 mi, avg grade -4.3%, total drop 62 ft
• Descent #23: Mile 23.37 to Mile 23.79, 0.42 mi, avg grade -4.5%, total drop 98 ft
• Descent #24: Mile 24.71 to Mile 25.08, 0.37 mi, avg grade -7.5%, total drop 147 ft

• Cramer RD (Mile 26.4)
  • Offerings: Salty and sweet pre-packaged snacks, Coke, Ginger Ale, chicken noodle and vegan soup, and unique hot food items.
  • Drop Bags: Yes
  • Crew Access: Yes
  • Cutoff: 13:45
  • Toilet: Yes

• None.

Still on the Superior Hiking Trail, runners meet rolling natural singletrack peppered with several sharp pitches. The elevation trends gradually upward through the first half of this stretch, then opens into a long, rolling descent to the Temperance aid station.

The trail crosses the Cross River at mile 31.01, a scenic point that brings another steep climb of over 100 feet. The final mile drops steadily toward Temperance, allowing a slightly quicker tempo where the footing permits.

• Descent Pacing: The extended drop into Temperance covers a large section of trail; controlled running here sets up a strong transition into the massive climbs in the next block.

• Climb #23: Mile 26.67 to Mile 27.01, 0.34 mi, avg grade 2.6%, total gain 46 ft
• Climb #24: Mile 27.3 to Mile 27.6, 0.29 mi, avg grade 8.4%, total gain 130 ft
• Climb #25: Mile 31.19 to Mile 31.41, 0.22 mi, avg grade 10.1%, total gain 119 ft
• Climb #26: Mile 31.95 to Mile 32.17, 0.22 mi, avg grade 3%, total gain 34 ft

• Descent #25: Mile 27.02 to Mile 27.3, 0.29 mi, avg grade -3.9%, total drop 58 ft
• Descent #26: Mile 27.6 to Mile 28.02, 0.43 mi, avg grade -5.9%, total drop 134 ft
• Descent #27: Mile 29.3 to Mile 29.91, 0.61 mi, avg grade -3.6%, total drop 115 ft
• Descent #28: Mile 29.97 to Mile 30.57, 0.59 mi, avg grade -2.2%, total drop 70 ft
• Descent #29: Mile 30.64 to Mile 30.76, 0.12 mi, avg grade -8.8%, total drop 58 ft
• Descent #30: Mile 31.06 to Mile 31.19, 0.12 mi, avg grade -6.3%, total drop 41 ft
• Descent #31: Mile 31.62 to Mile 31.74, 0.12 mi, avg grade -9.5%, total drop 60 ft
• Descent #32: Mile 32.33 to Mile 32.48, 0.15 mi, avg grade -5.4%, total drop 43 ft

• Temperance (Mile 33.3)
  • Offerings: Salty and sweet pre-packaged snacks, Coke, Ginger Ale, chicken noodle and vegan soup, and unique hot food items.
  • Drop Bags: Yes
  • Crew Access: No
  • Cutoff: 16:00
  • Toilet: Yes

• Cross River (~Mile 31.01): A notable river crossing nestled between steep pitches in the boreal forest.

This segment is defined by massive upward elevation shifts that test pacing endurance. Right after the Temperance River at mile 33.99, the trail pitches up into the longest uphill of the race, climbing 239 feet over 1.27 miles. That ascent is only the beginning.

The course then hits a run of dramatic vertical gains, chiefly the climbs up Carlton Peak at mile 37.01 and Britton Peak at mile 38.46. These take substantial effort, with steep, sustained grades on raw dirt paths. The work here accounts for a large share of the course's total effort.

• The Longest Climb: The unbroken 1.27-mile ascent out of Temperance River requires a settled, patient rhythm.
• Summit Approaches: Climbing Carlton and Britton Peaks brings steep grades reaching up to nearly 14% on average.

• Climb #27: Mile 33.98 to Mile 35.24, 1.27 mi, avg grade 3.6%, total gain 239 ft
• Climb #28: Mile 36 to Mile 36.57, 0.58 mi, avg grade 10.9%, total gain 331 ft
• Climb #29: Mile 36.73 to Mile 37, 0.27 mi, avg grade 13.6%, total gain 191 ft

• Descent #33: Mile 33.36 to Mile 33.98, 0.62 mi, avg grade -2.8%, total drop 91 ft
• Descent #34: Mile 36.53 to Mile 36.73, 0.2 mi, avg grade -3.2%, total drop 33 ft
• Descent #35: Mile 36.98 to Mile 37.53, 0.55 mi, avg grade -7.7%, total drop 225 ft
• Descent #36: Mile 37.58 to Mile 37.99, 0.41 mi, avg grade -6.9%, total drop 150 ft

• Sawbill (Mile 38.7)
  • Offerings: Salty and sweet pre-packaged snacks, Coke, Ginger Ale, chicken noodle and vegan soup, and unique hot food items.
  • Drop Bags: Yes
  • Crew Access: Yes
  • Cutoff: 17:40
  • Toilet: Yes

• Temperance River (~Mile 33.99): A river crossing marking the base of the longest climb on the course.
• Carlton Peak (~Mile 37.01): A prominent, demanding peak presenting steep climbing and dramatic Lake Superior views.
• Britton Peak (~Mile 38.46): Another notable summit that closely follows Carlton Peak, ensuring the climbing load stays high.

This section trends downward, offering brief recovery after the heavy peaks, though it stays punctuated by sharp, rolling topography. The longest downhill of the race begins at mile 41.42, shedding 186 feet over almost a full mile on natural dirt track.

Near mile 43.5 runners reach the Onion River. The permanent bridge here has been removed, so depending on recent rains the crossing means either rock-hopping or wading with wet feet. From the river the trail angles back uphill to the Oberg aid station, setting up the final push.

• Onion River Crossing: With the bridge removed at mile 43.5, expect wet feet or careful rock hopping late in the race.
• The Longest Descent: A sustained nearly one-mile drop begins at mile 41.42, demanding careful footing on the natural dirt track.

• Climb #30: Mile 40.11 to Mile 40.52, 0.41 mi, avg grade 8.3%, total gain 180 ft
• Climb #31: Mile 42.65 to Mile 42.94, 0.29 mi, avg grade 9.2%, total gain 141 ft
• Climb #32: Mile 44.04 to Mile 44.55, 0.5 mi, avg grade 6.1%, total gain 163 ft

• Descent #37: Mile 39.65 to Mile 40.1, 0.45 mi, avg grade -5.5%, total drop 129 ft
• Descent #38: Mile 41.42 to Mile 42.39, 0.97 mi, avg grade -3.6%, total drop 186 ft
• Descent #39: Mile 43.07 to Mile 43.48, 0.42 mi, avg grade -9.3%, total drop 204 ft

• Oberg (Mile 44.2)
  • Offerings: Salty and sweet pre-packaged snacks, Coke, Ginger Ale, chicken noodle and vegan soup, and unique hot food items.
  • Drop Bags: Yes
  • Crew Access: Yes
  • Cutoff: 19:10
  • Toilet: Yes

• None.

The final miles do not ease up, opening with a steep approach over Oberg Mountain at mile 44.58. The trail delivers a run of sharp, biting climbs and equally abrupt descents, including the demanding climb over Mystery Mountain at mile 49.99. From there runners drop sharply toward the Poplar River crossing at mile 50.46.

The final mile brings a complex, uniquely routed finish that keeps runners clear of open traffic. Reaching Ski Hill Road, they follow the gravel for a short stretch, move onto the left sidewalk along the pavement, then cut up a grassy embankment behind the red gondola at mile 50.88. The course then plunges downhill behind the Eagle Ridge condos and crosses over a ski run before arriving at the finish line at Caribou Highlands Lodge.

• Final Major Ascents: Oberg Mountain and Mystery Mountain deliver steep climbing and descending.
• Technical Finish Routing: The last mile leaves the road for sidewalks, an embankment behind the gondola, and a steep drop across a ski hill.

• Climb #33: Mile 45.62 to Mile 46.6, 0.98 mi, avg grade 9.3%, total gain 480 ft
• Climb #34: Mile 46.94 to Mile 47.29, 0.35 mi, avg grade 7.4%, total gain 136 ft
• Climb #35: Mile 49.62 to Mile 49.77, 0.15 mi, avg grade 4.9%, total gain 39 ft
• Climb #36: Mile 50.96 to Mile 51.2, 0.24 mi, avg grade 10%, total gain 125 ft

• Descent #40: Mile 45.51 to Mile 45.63, 0.12 mi, avg grade -7.1%, total drop 47 ft
• Descent #41: Mile 47.29 to Mile 47.77, 0.48 mi, avg grade -13.7%, total drop 345 ft
• Descent #42: Mile 49.37 to Mile 49.62, 0.24 mi, avg grade -6.9%, total drop 88 ft
• Descent #43: Mile 49.77 to Mile 50.46, 0.7 mi, avg grade -6.3%, total drop 234 ft

• None.

• Oberg Mountain (~Mile 44.58): A prominent peak presenting one of the final significant vertical challenges.
• Mystery Mountain (~Mile 49.99): The last steep climb of the natural trail before the drop to the Poplar River.
• Poplar River (~Mile 50.46): A deep river crossing marking the transition from trail to the ski resort area.
• Gondola (~Mile 50.88): A key navigation landmark in the final mile where the course cuts off the sidewalk and up an embankment.