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Kadunce River
SHT Section: Kadunce River to Judge C.R. Magney State Park
On Highway 61, 119 miles from Duluth

An incredibly scenic hike offering many breathtaking views into the depths of the river’s gorge.

Trail follows Kadunce River in a beautifully wooded setting for the first 0.1 mile.

This river is also a designated trout stream.

Trailhead Directions:
Highway 61 at mile marker 118.9, after crossing bridge, turn right into Kadunce River Wayside paved parking lot (highway sign is spelled Kodonce Creek).

Contact:
Superior Hiking Trail: 218-834-2700

Total Trail Length, Surface & Width:
1.2 miles; gravel and hardpacked dirt; average 3’ wide. Moderate root, minimum rock).

Inclines & Alerts:
There is one incline of 16° for 20’ at 0.2 mile. You will need to cross Highway 61 to locate trailhead. Natural overlooks with erosion beneath. Steep cliffs in various trail sections with no guardrails.

Trailhead Facilities & Fees:
Picnic table with pavement extending to it. See Kadunce River Wayside (pg. 156). No fees for trail use.

Mileage & Description
0.0 - Trailhead begins at SHT sign indicating Kadunce bridge. It is located across Highway 61 from Kadunce River Wayside. Enter through a beautifully shaded forest as the trail meanders along the Kadunce River. Miniature waterfall basins serve as home to various species of trout. Within the first 500’, several spur trails beckon a closer walk to river’s edge.

0.1 - As trail begins to climb gently, notice the moss- and lichen-covered rhyolite cliff walls. Ascend 40 steps (wood, no handrail). At top of steps, veer left (to the right is a spur trail that is closed). Shortly, you will find a natural overlook (no guardrail) as the Kadunce rounds a bend. See if you can locate the swirl cave tucked in beneath cedar and spruce.

0.2 - At trail intersection, turn right (however, if you like adventure, take the spur to the left and have fun carefully exploring this lush forest that takes you to river’s edge. Alert: Erosion near cliff edge). In 100’, ascend area of steepest incline (16° for 20’).

Shortly, an SHT Spur Trail sign serves as a trail marker. Views of river gorge abound! To get a perspective on tree height, look down into the canyon and find a tree with its roots in the river bed.

0.3 - At Y (which may be challenging to find due to overgrowth), trail splits and reconnects in approximately 400’. Trail to the left parallels river gorge while trail to the right goes through the woods. However, path along the river gorge shows two more swirl caves nestled in the canyon wall.

After trail reconnects, it eventually leads to river’s edge.

0.6 - Bridge (wood, double handrail) over Kadunce River. Lovely views up- and downriver of gently tumbling cascades. Turn around here and retrace path to trailhead.

1.2 - Trailhead.