The Superior Fall Trail Race - 50 Mile is a point-to-point ultramarathon running from Finland, Minnesota, to Lutsen, Minnesota. The course spans 83.2 advertised kilometers across the Sawtooth Mountain Range, leaning heavily on the Superior Hiking Trail. Runners start at 05:15, nearly an hour before first light begins around 06:07, so headlamps are needed for the opening kilometers. With an overall cutoff at 22:00, many will finish after the 19:22 sunset and the fading of daylight around 19:53, which makes lighting essential at both ends of the day.

Conditions around September 12 are typically consistent along the entire route. Expect early morning temperatures near 13 °C, rising to a moderate peak around 18 °C in the afternoon, with dew points generally comfortable at 12 to 15 °C. Rain is common in this calendar window, with a 37 percent chance of meaningful rainfall on a given day and frequent overcast skies. When it does fall it is usually light, though preparing for wet and cool conditions is strongly recommended.

Across the measured 82.97 kilometers, the course gains 2,199 meters and sheds 2,243 meters, almost all of it on natural dirt path. The Superior Hiking Trail earns its reputation here, with constant steep pitches, exposed roots, and rocky steps that demand steady attention to footing.

• Event Date: 2026-09-12
• Event Type: Trail 50 Mile
• GPX Course Length: 82.97 km
• Course Type: Point to Point
• TrailScore:
• Total Ascent: 2199 m
• Total Descent: 2243 m
• Longest Uphill:
  • Starting at Kilometer 54.68, 2.04 km at an average grade of 3.6%
• Longest Downhill:
  • Starting at Kilometer 66.66, 1.56 km at an average grade of -3.6%
• Steepest Uphill:
  • Starting at Kilometer 20.31, 0.49 km at an average grade of 18.8%
• Steepest Downhill:
  • Starting at Kilometer 20.05, 0.26 km 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 opening segment guides runners from the start in Finland, Minnesota, out onto the Superior Hiking Trail. The course begins on paved and track surfaces along Cramer Road before handing over to the natural dirt path that defines the rest of the race. The early terrain rolls through short climbs and descents, letting the field settle into a rhythm.

Moving through the early morning darkness, runners pass Crosby Manitou State Park almost immediately and cross near Sonju Lake just after kilometer 8. The section closes with the approach to the East Branch Baptism River, where a bridge closure sends the course onto a short reroute along an ATV trail and Sonju Lake Road, bringing runners directly through the first aid station.

• Darkness and Early Footing: The race starts 52 minutes before first light. Making the transition to technical singletrack in the dark calls for a solid headlamp and careful attention to roots and rocks.
• Aid Station Reroute: A bridge washout at the East Branch Baptism River shifts the trail onto a minimum maintenance forest road, passing directly through the Sonju Lake Road aid station area.

• Climb #1: Km 0.82 to Km 2.18, 1.36 km, avg grade 5.2%, total gain 71 m
• Climb #2: Km 3.11 to Km 3.65, 0.54 km, avg grade 4.3%, total gain 23 m
• Climb #3: Km 4.18 to Km 4.83, 0.65 km, avg grade 4.9%, total gain 32 m
• Climb #4: Km 6.38 to Km 7.12, 0.74 km, avg grade 4.7%, total gain 35 m
• Climb #5: Km 8.61 to Km 8.92, 0.31 km, avg grade 4.3%, total gain 13 m
• Climb #6: Km 9.17 to Km 9.49, 0.32 km, avg grade 5%, total gain 16 m
• Climb #7: Km 9.71 to Km 9.98, 0.27 km, avg grade 4.2%, total gain 11 m

• Descent #1: Km 5.56 to Km 6.22, 0.66 km, avg grade -5.8%, total drop 38 m
• Descent #2: Km 7.13 to Km 7.54, 0.41 km, avg grade -3.1%, total drop 13 m
• Descent #3: Km 7.82 to Km 8.26, 0.44 km, avg grade -5.3%, total drop 24 m
• Descent #4: Km 8.38 to Km 8.6, 0.22 km, avg grade -6.6%, total drop 15 m
• Descent #5: Km 8.92 to Km 9.24, 0.32 km, avg grade -4.3%, total drop 14 m
• Descent #6: Km 9.49 to Km 9.7, 0.21 km, avg grade -7.4%, total drop 16 m
• Descent #7: Km 11.19 to Km 11.51, 0.32 km, avg grade -3.3%, total drop 11 m

• Sonju Lake Road (Km 11.27)
  • 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 (~Km 0.33): The course skirts the edges of this remote, rugged state park early in the race.
• Sonju Lake (~Km 8.6): A scenic inland body of water passed just before the first aid station.
• East Branch Baptism River (~Km 11.02): The site of a bridge closure and subsequent minor reroute into the Sonju Lake Road aid station.

Leaving Sonju Lake Road, the course settles firmly into the character of the Superior Hiking Trail. The terrain here is a series of rolling efforts, mixing modest sustained climbs with short, sharper drops.

Navigating it takes constant adjustments in stride as the path snakes through the boreal forest with the typical SHT unevenness. Runners handle three distinct climbs over this 7-kilometer stretch, none overwhelmingly long but enough to slowly accumulate structural demand. The section ends at the Crosby-Manitou aid station at kilometer 18.02.

• Pacing Discipline: The frequent rolling hills and technical singletrack can disrupt a steady rhythm. Managing effort on the short climbs is critical to preserving strength for the steeper river crossings ahead.

• Climb #8: Km 14.68 to Km 15.26, 0.58 km, avg grade 3.4%, total gain 20 m
• Climb #9: Km 16.38 to Km 16.65, 0.27 km, avg grade 8.2%, total gain 22 m
• Climb #10: Km 17.89 to Km 18.14, 0.25 km, avg grade 4.7%, total gain 12 m

• Descent #8: Km 11.8 to Km 13.28, 1.48 km, avg grade -2.1%, total drop 31 m
• Descent #9: Km 15.15 to Km 15.72, 0.57 km, avg grade -4.5%, total drop 26 m
• Descent #10: Km 16.11 to Km 16.38, 0.27 km, avg grade -4.8%, total drop 13 m
• Descent #11: Km 16.65 to Km 17.05, 0.4 km, avg grade -8%, total drop 32 m

• Crosby-Manitou (Km 18.02)
  • 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 nearly 16-kilometer stretch brings some of the most concentrated elevation change of the day. Shortly after the Crosby-Manitou aid station, the trail plummets into the Manitou River gorge, the steepest descent of the entire course at an average grade of -23.9 percent. The climb out of the river valley is just as demanding, pitching upward at an 18.8 percent average grade for nearly half a kilometer to form the steepest uphill of the race.

The rest of the section undulates across the Caribou River area, with eight distinct climbs and ten sharp descents before the profile smooths out slightly on the approach to the Sugarloaf aid station.

• Manitou River Crossing: The descent into and climb out of the Manitou River at kilometer 20 hold the steepest grades of the entire event. Moving deliberately here helps manage them.
• Cumulative Grade Changes: With eight significant climbs and ten descents packed into this section, the constant shifting between climbing and descending dictates a highly variable effort.

• Climb #11: Km 18.44 to Km 18.66, 0.22 km, avg grade 9.2%, total gain 20 m
• Climb #12: Km 19.68 to Km 20.05, 0.37 km, avg grade 8.5%, total gain 31 m
• Climb #13: Km 20.31 to Km 20.8, 0.49 km, avg grade 18.8%, total gain 92 m
• Climb #14: Km 21.41 to Km 22.55, 1.14 km, avg grade 3.3%, total gain 38 m
• Climb #15: Km 23 to Km 23.33, 0.33 km, avg grade 12.6%, total gain 42 m
• Climb #16: Km 24.41 to Km 24.94, 0.53 km, avg grade 8.4%, total gain 44 m
• Climb #17: Km 28.98 to Km 29.64, 0.66 km, avg grade 6.8%, total gain 45 m
• Climb #18: Km 31.78 to Km 32.5, 0.72 km, avg grade 4.2%, total gain 30 m

• Descent #12: Km 18.14 to Km 18.44, 0.3 km, avg grade -6%, total drop 18 m
• Descent #13: Km 19.06 to Km 19.68, 0.62 km, avg grade -7.1%, total drop 44 m
• Descent #14: Km 20.05 to Km 20.31, 0.26 km, avg grade -23.9%, total drop 62 m
• Descent #15: Km 20.81 to Km 21.25, 0.44 km, avg grade -5.5%, total drop 24 m
• Descent #16: Km 22.37 to Km 23, 0.63 km, avg grade -5.2%, total drop 33 m
• Descent #17: Km 23.71 to Km 24.44, 0.73 km, avg grade -11.5%, total drop 84 m
• Descent #18: Km 24.94 to Km 26.09, 1.15 km, avg grade -9%, total drop 104 m
• Descent #19: Km 26.97 to Km 27.69, 0.72 km, avg grade -4.4%, total drop 32 m
• Descent #20: Km 28.45 to Km 28.97, 0.52 km, avg grade -6.4%, total drop 33 m
• Descent #21: Km 30.08 to Km 30.98, 0.9 km, avg grade -3.2%, total drop 29 m

• Sugarloaf (Km 33.47)
  • 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 (~Km 20.31): A deep, dramatic gorge crossing featuring the most extreme grades of the race on either side.
• Caribou River (~Km 28.95): Another scenic river valley crossed as the route progresses toward Sugarloaf.

After the steep demands of the previous section, the trail settles into a slightly more subdued profile. The course traces rolling natural dirt paths with fewer extreme drops, though the footing stays technical.

Four distinct climbs break up the effort, most notably a pitch at kilometer 39 that averages nearly 11 percent. Moving efficiently over this rolling terrain while managing effort after the morning's intense river gorge crossings is the goal before the section concludes at the Cramer RD aid station.

• Mid-Race Lull: The slightly less extreme terrain can invite pushing the pace too early. Holding a controlled effort here pays dividends in the demanding final third of the race.

• Climb #19: Km 36.57 to Km 36.88, 0.31 km, avg grade 5.8%, total gain 18 m
• Climb #20: Km 39.36 to Km 39.77, 0.41 km, avg grade 10.8%, total gain 44 m
• Climb #21: Km 40.43 to Km 40.82, 0.39 km, avg grade 4.9%, total gain 19 m
• Climb #22: Km 40.96 to Km 41.45, 0.49 km, avg grade 3.5%, total gain 17 m

• Descent #22: Km 34.81 to Km 35.25, 0.44 km, avg grade -4.3%, total drop 19 m
• Descent #23: Km 37.61 to Km 38.28, 0.67 km, avg grade -4.5%, total drop 30 m
• Descent #24: Km 39.77 to Km 40.37, 0.6 km, avg grade -7.5%, total drop 45 m

• Cramer RD (Km 42.49)
  • 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.

This 11-kilometer segment pushes runners past the halfway mark and toward the Temperance River area. The SHT keeps up its rolling, rugged trend with eight notable descents and four varied climbs.

The elevation changes are less about towering hills and more about continuous undulation, forcing constant adaptation to grade. Passing the Cross River at kilometer 49.91 offers a brief visual anchor before a few steeper declines lead into the Temperance aid station at kilometer 53.59.

• Continuous Undulation: The eight successive descents combined with rough singletrack keep the legs working constantly to absorb impact. Smooth, light footing helps manage the constant grade changes.

• Climb #23: Km 42.92 to Km 43.47, 0.55 km, avg grade 2.6%, total gain 14 m
• Climb #24: Km 43.94 to Km 44.41, 0.47 km, avg grade 8.4%, total gain 40 m
• Climb #25: Km 50.19 to Km 50.55, 0.36 km, avg grade 10.1%, total gain 36 m
• Climb #26: Km 51.42 to Km 51.77, 0.35 km, avg grade 3%, total gain 10 m

• Descent #25: Km 43.48 to Km 43.94, 0.46 km, avg grade -3.9%, total drop 18 m
• Descent #26: Km 44.41 to Km 45.1, 0.69 km, avg grade -5.9%, total drop 41 m
• Descent #27: Km 47.15 to Km 48.13, 0.98 km, avg grade -3.6%, total drop 35 m
• Descent #28: Km 48.24 to Km 49.19, 0.95 km, avg grade -2.2%, total drop 21 m
• Descent #29: Km 49.31 to Km 49.51, 0.2 km, avg grade -8.8%, total drop 18 m
• Descent #30: Km 49.99 to Km 50.19, 0.2 km, avg grade -6.3%, total drop 13 m
• Descent #31: Km 50.89 to Km 51.08, 0.19 km, avg grade -9.5%, total drop 18 m
• Descent #32: Km 52.03 to Km 52.27, 0.24 km, avg grade -5.4%, total drop 13 m

• Temperance (Km 53.59)
  • 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 (~Km 49.91): A notable river crossing breaking up the rolling forested miles.

This segment is one of the most defining stretches of the race. Shortly after crossing the Temperance River, runners face the longest single uphill on the course, gaining 73 meters steadily over 2.04 kilometers. That drawn-out effort flows almost immediately into the steeper ascent of Carlton Peak, where the grade pitches up to nearly 14 percent on average.

Once over Carlton Peak, the trail drops before sending runners upward again over Britton Peak. Though the total distance is under 9 kilometers, the accumulation of sustained and steep climbing demands real pacing discipline before the arrival at the Sawbill aid station.

• The Long Climb: Pacing the 2-kilometer sustained climb starting at kilometer 54 is crucial, as it leads directly into the steep upper pitches of Carlton Peak.
• Peak Summits: The sequential climbing over Carlton and Britton Peaks late in the race calls for solid climbing mechanics and patience.

• Climb #27: Km 54.68 to Km 56.72, 2.04 km, avg grade 3.6%, total gain 73 m
• Climb #28: Km 57.93 to Km 58.86, 0.93 km, avg grade 10.9%, total gain 101 m
• Climb #29: Km 59.11 to Km 59.54, 0.43 km, avg grade 13.6%, total gain 58 m

• Descent #33: Km 53.68 to Km 54.68, 1 km, avg grade -2.8%, total drop 28 m
• Descent #34: Km 58.79 to Km 59.11, 0.32 km, avg grade -3.2%, total drop 10 m
• Descent #35: Km 59.51 to Km 60.4, 0.89 km, avg grade -7.7%, total drop 69 m
• Descent #36: Km 60.48 to Km 61.14, 0.66 km, avg grade -6.9%, total drop 46 m

• Sawbill (Km 62.28)
  • 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 (~Km 54.69): A dramatic, rocky river gorge crossed right before initiating the race's longest continuous climb.
• Carlton Peak (~Km 59.56): A prominent geological high point on the course offering sweeping views of the surrounding forest and Lake Superior.
• Britton Peak (~Km 61.9): The final significant bump in this heavily climbing section, just before reaching the Sawbill aid station.

The path from Sawbill toward Oberg leans heavily on descending miles, a chance to turn over the legs. The stretch includes the longest continuous downhill of the race, dropping 57 meters over 1.56 kilometers.

Near the end of the section, around kilometer 70, the route reaches the Onion River. The bridge here has been removed, so runners face a rock-hop or wet river crossing depending on water levels. Past that technical feature, a steady rolling path leads into the Oberg aid station.

• The Long Descent: Navigating the 1.5-kilometer sustained drop at kilometer 66 requires controlled descending.
• Onion River Crossing: A bridge removal roughly a kilometer before Oberg dictates a rock-hop or fully wet river crossing. Take extra care with foot placement on slippery rocks.

• Climb #30: Km 64.55 to Km 65.21, 0.66 km, avg grade 8.3%, total gain 55 m
• Climb #31: Km 68.64 to Km 69.11, 0.47 km, avg grade 9.2%, total gain 43 m
• Climb #32: Km 70.88 to Km 71.69, 0.81 km, avg grade 6.1%, total gain 50 m

• Descent #37: Km 63.81 to Km 64.53, 0.72 km, avg grade -5.5%, total drop 39 m
• Descent #38: Km 66.66 to Km 68.22, 1.56 km, avg grade -3.6%, total drop 57 m
• Descent #39: Km 69.31 to Km 69.98, 0.67 km, avg grade -9.3%, total drop 62 m

• Oberg (Km 71.13)
  • 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 stretch to the finish brings immediate elevation demand straight out of the Oberg aid station. Runners quickly climb Oberg Mountain and work through the high terrain past Mystery Mountain before dropping toward the Poplar River.

The most significant navigational change comes in the closing kilometer. After crossing the Poplar River area, the course pulls away from the open Ski Hill Road and onto Lutsen Mountain property. Runners follow paved sidewalks briefly before cutting up an embankment behind the ski gondola, then descend across the ski hill and behind the Eagle Ridge properties straight into the finish at Caribou Highlands. For many this final section unfolds after sunset, demanding careful attention to both the trail and the final markings.

• Oberg Mountain Ascent: Leaving the final aid station brings an immediate steep climb up Oberg Mountain, averaging over 9 percent grade.
• Final Mile Routing: The closing kilometer diverges from standard roadways to weave across ski hill embankments, grass, and pavement behind the gondola. Watch course markings closely here, particularly in the dark.

• Climb #33: Km 73.42 to Km 75, 1.58 km, avg grade 9.3%, total gain 146 m
• Climb #34: Km 75.55 to Km 76.11, 0.56 km, avg grade 7.4%, total gain 42 m
• Climb #35: Km 79.85 to Km 80.09, 0.24 km, avg grade 4.9%, total gain 12 m
• Climb #36: Km 82.02 to Km 82.4, 0.38 km, avg grade 10%, total gain 38 m

• Descent #40: Km 73.24 to Km 73.44, 0.2 km, avg grade -7.1%, total drop 14 m
• Descent #41: Km 76.11 to Km 76.88, 0.77 km, avg grade -13.7%, total drop 105 m
• Descent #42: Km 79.46 to Km 79.85, 0.39 km, avg grade -6.9%, total drop 27 m
• Descent #43: Km 80.09 to Km 81.21, 1.12 km, avg grade -6.3%, total drop 71 m

• None.

• Oberg Mountain (~Km 71.75): A prominent summit tackled early in the final push toward Lutsen.
• Mystery Mountain (~Km 80.46): A remote campsite location passed as the course nears its conclusion.
• Poplar River (~Km 81.2): The final significant water crossing before the course routes onto the ski resort.
• Gondola (~Km 81.89): A major landmark on Lutsen Mountain indicating the final descent into the finish at Caribou Highlands.