Duluth’s Gentle Hikes: Shorter, Less Demanding
by Lance
H. Hegland
An overview of the “Gentle Hikes: Minnesota’s Most
Scenic North Shore Hikes Under 3 Miles” guidebook
Some of the most incredible
Lake Superior views, dramatic waterfalls, breathtaking vistas,
rushing rivers, lush wooded paths, and scenic trails in Minnesota
lie within its North Shore, a region often defined as the area
along Highway 61 between Duluth and the Canadian border. Since
the landscape is quite diverse, hiking in the North Shore typically
involves inclines, declines, rocks, roots, and uneven terrain.
Therefore, some may hesitate to explore its wonders. The authors
of the 2002 15th Annual Northeastern Minnesota Book Awards nominee
for “Gentle Hikes: Minnesota’s Most
Scenic North Shore Hikes Under 3 Miles,” set out to open
the gates to the outdoors by identifying some of the area’s “gentlest” trails.
They point out their primary goal was to create a guide for individuals
and groups with limited time, small children, seniors, or participants
experiencing mobility challenges.
Although the guide
primarily concerns hiking trails (i.e., trails under 3 miles),
additional sections cover roughly 13 “Almost
Hikes” (i.e., very short trails ranging from 100 feet to
0.6 mile), 20 waysides and scenic locales, as well as 15 picnic
areas. Within each category, locations are neatly divided into
four sections: Duluth to Two Harbors, Two Harbors to Little Marais,
Little Marais to Grand Marais, and Grand Marais to the Canadian
border.
To assist readers
in more easily identifying trails compatible with their schedules
or personal abilities, authors created a trail rating system
taking into account potential concerns and challenges. Plus,
they noted which trails are “multi-use” (i.e.,
permitting bicycle and or in-line skating, but prohibiting other
motorized vehicles with the exception of wheelchairs and scooters)
and which are listed as meeting universal design standards.
The guide details
helpful information for each trail reviewed, such as a map; trail
highlights; trail length and surface (e.g., paved, gravel, hardpacked
dirt, rock); the number and degree range of inclines/declines
exceeding 10° (18% grade); the location
and length of the steepest incline/decline; the location and length
of the longest incline exceeding 30 feet; the location and description
of steps, rocks, and roots; the location of benches; potential
safety hazards/concerns; location of the best photo opportunities;
distance from Duluth on Highway 61; and, trailhead directions,
contact information, parking details, facilities, and fees. The
authors’ trail explanations are very detailed, generally
outlining key highlights in tenth-of-a-mile increments. They hope
the information will help readers make informed decisions based
on their abilities regarding how far to go along a certain trail
or whether to choose another trail altogether.
Near the end of the guide, they placed a section of particular
interest to readers with physical challenges other than those for
readers traveling by RV. They even included quick reference charts
describing waysides, scenic lookouts, and picnic areas having one
or more accessible features. The chart lists information such as
restroom type and accessibility features; availability of designated
parking; descriptions of views available from vehicles; existence
of visitor centers; and details regarding paths leading to these
amenities.
My favorite section,
referred to as the “Authors’ Corner,” provides
a quick and easy reference to the best Lake Superior views, waterfalls,
vistas, wooded trails, and river views plus the flattest, shortest
(i.e., a half-mile or less), and paved trails.
I especially like
the authors’ style; they offer several
features and reference methods targeting, beginners as well as
more experienced hikers. As an example, for beginners they provide
supply, preparation, and safety suggestions in addition to a glossary
of hiking terms. For all hikers, they offer a list of other recommended
readings and resources plus a directory of general contact information
for trail headquarters. For those not yet sold on the idea of hiking,
another section summarizes various consequences of inactivity followed
by several benefits of physical activity, including some of the
rarely addressed psychological, social, and spiritual benefits.
Because of the authors’ strong academic backgrounds in health
education and health psychology, I felt the information was not
only interesting, but sincere and reliable —not just another
fad in our culture’s fitness craze. Finally, for trivia fans,
the book even contains fun facts from various professional studies
that can be discussed on the trail, over lunch, or in the car!
Best of all, a portion of the proceeds from book sales are deposited
into a scholarship fund for University of Minnesota Duluth students
majoring in health education.
For more information,
grab a copy of “Gentle Hikes: Minnesota’s
Most Scenic North Shore Hikes Under 3 Miles” released during
May 2002 (ISBN: 188506148X), or its companion “Gentle Hikes:
Northern Wisconsin’s Most Scenic Lake Superior Hikes Under
3 Miles” released during April 2004 (ISBN: 1591930502), written
by Ladona Tornabene, Melanie Morgan, and Lisa Vogelsang and published
by Adventure Publications Inc. of Cambridge, Minnesota. The next
book, “Gentle Hikes: Mich-igan’s Upper Peninsula’s
Most Scenic Hikes Under 3 Miles,” is scheduled for release
in spring 2006.
AUTHOR INFORMATION
Dr. Ladona Tornabene,
Ph.D. and Certified Health Education Specialist, is a recently
tenured associate professor of health education at the University
of Minnesota Duluth. Her focus lies in confronting the number
one public health problem in America today — lack
of physical activity. This fact, combined with her sense of adventure
and unquenchable appetite for scenic beauty, birthed a passion.
That passion is to promote better health through opening outdoors
to people of all abilities. She believes the Lake Superior Region,
with its breathtaking scenery, is a prime incentive for accomplishing
that mission. An advocate for active lifestyles, she desires for
people to grasp that health is more than just being in good physical
shape, it is psychological, social, environmental and spiritual
as well. Her advice: For better health on the inside—get
outside!
Melanie Morgan’s
organizational skills and accounting background have been instrumental
to this book. She developed an interest in the wonders of nature
from her father, who shared his love of the outdoors with his
children. Melanie and her husband, Mark, enjoy hiking and snowshoeing
out back of their Duluth home. Some of her favorite activities
include camping, canoeing, cross-country skiing, sewing, and
quilting.
Lisa Vogelsang, Ph.D., is a researcher and adjunct faculty in
psychology and American Sign Language at the College of St. Scholastica.
She is also sole proprietor of Lisa Vogelsang Photography as she
specializes in scenes found along the trails throughout the Gentle
Hikes Series. A former two-time Olympian in volleyball and track
and field (discus), she now enjoys hiking, biking, sea kayaking,
cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and photography. After five
ankle surgeries, and developing severe arthritis from a previous
athletic injury, she must keep her hikes short and less rugged.
Her disability was, in part, a catalyst in the conception of this
book.
