Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
413.00 ft (125.88 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
1.20 mi (1.93 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Shovel Point is a must-do hike for anyone stopping at Tettegouche State Park. A 0.6-mile hike will take you to the the end of Shovel Point, a headland jutting out into Lake Superior.

Begin the hike at the visitor center, located just off of Highway 61. The trailhead is located just behind the visitor center. The trail heads east and provides several overlooks of Lake Superior along the way. The ascent has been made easier through the construction of wooden steps in some of the steeper sections, making this hike doable for most. There is access to a rocky beach along the way to Shovel Point.

Upon reaching the beginning of Shovel Point, there are countless opportunities to overlook Lake Superior and the cliffs to the west, including the iconic Palisade Head. Shovel Point is also a popular spot for climbing, and there are several routes with permanent anchors. The trail ends at the very tip of Shovel Point, providing more views of the lake. To return, retrace your steps to take in more views on the way back, or follow the loop back through the woods, which will meet up with the original trail.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Views of Lake Superior shoreline. Beach access.

Cons

Stairs.

Trailhead Elevation

696.00 ft (212.14 m)

Highest point

757.00 ft (230.73 m)

Features

Near lake or river
Wildlife
Flushing toilets
Family friendly
Geologically significant
Big vistas
Potable water
Wildflowers

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

Nearby Adventures

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