High Crossroads Camp

Hello there, fellow Minnesotans and lovers of the great outdoors! If the thought of trading cityscapes for forest canopies and vehicle hum for natural tranquility appeals to you, then High Crossroads Camp is a destination you absolutely need to know about. Tucked away along the world-renowned Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) in Grand Lake Township, this backcountry campsite offers a genuine wilderness experience, perfect for those who seek solitude and adventure on foot. It's a place where the grandeur of Minnesota's Northwoods truly embraces you, promising an unforgettable escape into nature.

For us locals, the Superior Hiking Trail is a cherished resource, offering countless opportunities to immerse ourselves in some of the most beautiful landscapes our state has to offer. High Crossroads Camp epitomizes the SHT experience, providing a rustic yet essential stop for backpackers. This article will serve as your comprehensive guide to this unique campsite, delving into its precise location and how to access it, the fundamental services it provides, its distinctive features and highlights, and vital contact information. Our aim is to ensure you're fully prepared to enjoy the serene beauty and rugged charm of this exceptional Minnesota campsite.

High Crossroads Camp is not a traditional drive-up campground with extensive facilities. Instead, it is a designated, primitive backcountry campsite located directly on the Superior Hiking Trail in Grand Lake Township, MN 55779, USA. These sites are strategically placed along the 310-mile SHT to provide essential overnight accommodations for hikers and backpackers. High Crossroads Camp, like other SHT campsites, is designed for low-impact camping, emphasizing self-sufficiency and respect for the natural environment. Each SHT campsite, including High Crossroads, typically features several tent pads, a fire ring, and a backcountry latrine. The overall philosophy of SHT camping is to offer a no-fee, no-reservation system, operating on a first-come, first-served basis, allowing for flexibility for thru-hikers and section hikers alike. It provides a true "pack it in, pack it out" wilderness experience, allowing campers to truly disconnect and appreciate the untouched beauty of the Minnesota wilderness.

High Crossroads Camp is situated within the expansive network of the Superior Hiking Trail, specifically in Grand Lake Township, MN 55779, USA. As a backcountry campsite, it is not accessible by vehicle. Access to High Crossroads Camp is exclusively on foot, by hiking in from one of the designated trailheads that connect to the Superior Hiking Trail.

The SHT extends for approximately 310 miles, following the rocky ridges overlooking Lake Superior for much of its length. High Crossroads Camp is located within a section of the trail that provides varied terrain, offering both challenging climbs and rewarding vistas. Hikers planning to reach this campsite should consult official Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA) maps and guidebooks for precise mileage from various trailheads. The distance to High Crossroads Camp will depend on your chosen starting point, making it suitable for both shorter overnight trips and as a stop on a multi-day backpacking adventure. The trail itself is impeccably maintained and well-marked with blazes and SHT logo signs, making navigation generally straightforward, even in remote sections. Parking is available at various trailheads along the SHT, from which you will begin your hike to the campsite. This hike-in accessibility ensures a tranquil environment, far removed from the sounds of civilization, offering a truly immersive wilderness experience.

As a primitive backcountry campsite on the Superior Hiking Trail, High Crossroads Camp offers fundamental services designed to support backpackers while maintaining the natural integrity of the area. Campers should arrive fully self-sufficient and prepared for a rustic experience.

• Designated Tent Pads: The campsite provides several cleared, relatively flat areas suitable for pitching tents. These pads are designed to concentrate impact and minimize disturbance to the surrounding vegetation, helping to preserve the pristine environment.

• Fire Ring: A permanent fire ring or a designated area for campfires is provided at High Crossroads Camp. This allows hikers to build safe and contained fires for warmth and cooking, provided no fire bans are in effect. It is crucial for campers to bring their own firewood or to gather only downed, dead wood that is easily broken by hand. All fires must be completely extinguished before leaving the campsite.

• Backcountry Latrine: Like most SHT campsites, High Crossroads Camp includes a basic open-air backcountry latrine (often a pit toilet without a full structure). This facility helps to manage human waste properly, keeping it away from water sources and the main camping area. Campers should always bring their own toilet paper and hand sanitizer and follow Leave No Trace principles.

• Natural Water Source: SHT campsites, including High Crossroads Camp, are typically located near a natural water source, such as a stream or spring. However, it is imperative that all water collected from these sources be treated (filtered, purified, or boiled) before consumption to prevent waterborne illnesses. Water levels can vary depending on the season and recent rainfall, so hikers should plan accordingly and carry enough water or reliable purification methods.

• No Potable Water Spigots or Trash Cans: Campers should not expect treated water spigots, trash cans, or other conveniences found at developed campgrounds. All waste, including food scraps and packaging, must be packed out. The SHT operates on a strict "Pack It In, Pack It Out" policy to keep the trail and campsites pristine.

• Authentic Backcountry Experience: High Crossroads Camp offers a true immersion into the wilderness. Its hike-in only access ensures a serene and quiet environment, far from the sounds of roads or large crowds, making it ideal for those seeking solitude and a deep connection with nature.

• Strategic Location on the SHT: Being a designated SHT campsite, High Crossroads is perfectly positioned for backpackers traversing various sections of the trail. It serves as a convenient and well-established overnight stop, allowing hikers to break up longer treks or embark on multi-day adventures.

• Diverse Forest Environment: The surrounding Grand Lake Township area and the Superior Hiking Trail traverse a mix of boreal forest and hardwood stands, offering beautiful scenery throughout the seasons. Hikers will experience towering pines, birches, aspens, and maples, providing a rich ecological backdrop.

• Opportunities for Wildlife Viewing: The remote setting increases the chances of encountering local wildlife. Campers might spot deer, various bird species including owls and eagles, and potentially even smaller mammals, adding an exciting element to the outdoor experience.

• Star-Gazing Potential: Away from urban light pollution, High Crossroads Camp offers incredible opportunities for stargazing. On clear nights, the vast Minnesota sky comes alive with constellations, a truly humbling and memorable sight.

• Well-Maintained Trail System: The Superior Hiking Trail itself is a highlight. Known for its excellent signage and dedicated maintenance by the SHTA, hikers can navigate with confidence, enjoying the challenging and rewarding terrain that characterizes the North Shore. The trail offers a mix of challenging ascents, peaceful forest walks, and stunning overlooks depending on the specific section.

As a primitive backcountry campsite on the Superior Hiking Trail, High Crossroads Camp does not have its own direct phone number or on-site staff. All information and management for SHT campsites fall under the purview of the Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA).

Address: High Crossroads Camp is located along the Superior Hiking Trail, in Grand Lake Township, MN 55779, USA. (Note: This is a general area address. The specific location is identified by trail mile markers on SHT maps.)

For the most accurate and current information regarding High Crossroads Camp, trail conditions, alerts, maps, and general SHT guidelines, the best resource is the Superior Hiking Trail Association.

Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA) Contact:

Website: superiorhiking.org (This is the definitive online resource for planning any trip on the SHT, including detailed campsite descriptions, trail alerts, FAQs, and contact information for the association.)

Phone: While a specific phone number for individual campsites is not available, general contact information for the SHTA can usually be found on their website under "Contact Us" or similar sections. They can provide broader guidance on trail conditions, safety, and planning.

Always check the SHTA website for any trail closures, reroutes, fire restrictions, or other important advisories before embarking on your trip to High Crossroads Camp.

For Minnesotans, High Crossroads Camp offers an invaluable opportunity to experience the raw beauty and challenging rewards of our state's wilderness, especially along the iconic Superior Hiking Trail. This isn't a place for those seeking glamping or amenities; it's for those who truly appreciate the rugged, self-sufficient side of outdoor adventure that defines so much of Minnesota's identity.

Its hike-in accessibility ensures a level of peace and seclusion that is increasingly hard to find in more developed areas. For local backpackers, whether seasoned thru-hikers or those seeking a challenging overnight trip, High Crossroads provides a perfectly positioned and well-maintained stop. The basic amenities – a tent pad, fire ring, and latrine – offer just enough comfort to make a night under the stars feasible, while encouraging a deep respect for Leave No Trace principles that are fundamental to preserving our natural spaces.

Furthermore, the experience of hiking the SHT to reach this camp connects you directly with the geological and ecological wonders of the North Shore. The chance to observe local wildlife, enjoy pristine night skies, and simply immerse oneself in the sounds and sights of the forest offers a profound sense of rejuvenation. High Crossroads Camp is more than just a place to sleep; it’s an integral part of an authentic Minnesota backpacking journey, perfectly suited for locals eager to explore the wild heart of their own backyard.