There are more than 17 million acres of forested lands to explore in Minnesota! Luckily, there are many trails and paths that make it easier to discover the state’s most beautiful forested places. Today, we want to introduce one of our favorite forest trails. Meander along a 6.3-mile section of the Superior Hiking Trail – known as the Bean and Bear Lakes Trail – to discover unforgettable sights in one of Minnesota’s most scenic areas. Read on below to learn more about what you’ll find as you explore!

The Bean and Bear Lakes Trail is a beautiful 6.3-mile hike in northern Minnesota. It is near the small community of Silver Bay along the North Shore of Lake Superior.
Mai Yang/AllTrails
An out-and-back trail, this is a great way to explore the nature of the North Shore for prepared hikers. Be sure to bring strong shoes, bug spray, and plenty of water as you hike. Some parts of the trail are easy to pass along a wooden boardwalk...
Dave Power/AllTrails
...but other areas are more difficult. Be prepared and go slowly! It is not uncommon for this hike to take a whole day.
Dave Power/AllTrails
There's a lot to see along the way. Much of the trail passes through a thickly forested area. The trees come together to form a gorgeous canopy that provides plenty of shade along the way. It's especially beautiful in the fall!
Randall Lish/AllTrails

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You won't just see beauty above you. It is all around! In the warmer months, it's possible to spot beautiful Minnesota wildflowers along the trail.
Amanda Schmitt/AllTrails
Mushrooms are another common sighting. There are many different varieties that grow here. You are likely to spot at least one or two!
Carly Likar/AllTrals
As you continue hiking, the ground before you will gradually become steeper. You'll find yourself walking up a high hill. It looks out over the surrounding landscape, allowing you to see for miles around over the tops of the trees you just walked through.
Andrew Galvan/AllTrails
In some places, there are breaks in the trees. It is here that you will see the trail's namesakes.
Chuck Olsen/AllTrails
The beautiful Bear and Bean Lakes are both visible along the trail. These beautiful lakes, surrounded entirely by trees, are a spectacular sight from above. This is one hike you won't soon forget!
Vivek Shrivastava/AllTrails

Have you hiked the Bean and Bear Lakes Trail? Do you have any other favorite forest trails in Minnesota? Let us know in the comments or by filling out our nomination form. And if you’d like to check out some more of our favorites, take a look at our past articles about an old-growth trail at Itasca Wilderness Sanctuary SNA and the Lost Forty SNA.

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Bear Trail & Bean Trail, Charlton Township, MI 49735, USA