Now those at the Superior Hiking Trail Association are reaching out for the communities help to keep the trails clear.

“We’re behind on what we call weed whipping and brushing. And this is when we clear the corridor. You can see that the grass is really starting to fill in the trail here because it’s loving all this water and it’s growing really fast. So, we need to move faster to keep up for it, to keep the trail nice and clear,” said Annie Nelson, Superior Hiking Trail’s Development and Communications Director.

Nelson noted that there will be multiple opportunities for volunteering over the coming months, and getting out to help is not only great for the trails but can create memorable experiences for the volunteers involved.

 “Volunteering with us is also a great way to meet people who share the same interests as you, who love the outdoors, maybe make a new hiking or a trail running buddy,” said Nelson.

One of the many risks comes with hikers navigating around the trails to avoid the overgrowth, damaging the forest itself – and potentially getting the hikers lost. Overgrowth can also lead to injury from things that cannot be seen.

With the excess water in the ground, make sure to pack waterproof shoes and clothing as tall foliage is still wet. Trees can also become unstable with the increase in water.

“You can’t see the trail under your feet. It can also get, if you imagine like the grass is up even higher, it can get really tall. It’s hard to see things that you might trip over when you’re using the trail under your feet,” said Nelson.

If you cannot get out to the volunteer events, you can donate on Superior Hiking Trails’ website to aid in the future upkeep of the trails.

“We wanna keep everyone on the trail corridor. So, it’s really helpful to come out and do this type of volunteer job with us at this part of the summer,” said Nelson.

For more information on upcoming volunteer opportunities, go to Superior Hiking Trail | MN’s Premier Hiking and Running Trail