Hike Information Tracking and Goals

Now that I've made my decision to hike the SHT, I've started to realize that a ton of planning goes into experiencing a safe, fun, and rewarding hiking experience. My main goals I've identified below:

• Do my hike at the right time, rather than doing it sooner.
• Plan plenty of time to get my body in the shape needed to complete the hike.
• Test my pack and gear on weekend and several day hikes.
• Measure my miles/day in the kind of terrain that the SHT covers. Add in extra time to enjoy the surroundings.
• Have a schedule and give my plans to other people. Try to have friends and family meet me along the trail to do sections with me.

So far that's all I've got. It is vague, but is a start. Part of me wants to just run out and start this hike tomorrow. Today I found myself thinking about it when I woke up, and while I was at work. I am going to go against my instincts and really try to take the long view on planning this. As I plan further, I will be updating the following spreadsheet with the information, sources and final plans of my hike:

Jim's Master Superior Hiking Trail Planning Spreadsheet

When I have completed my hike, I will submit this information to the SHT Mailing list since much of my information comes from the wonderful people on there. I'd recommend anyone planning a trip to join the list so you can access the discussions, files, links, etc. I've already learned a ton in just a few days.

More to follow!

Hello and welcome!

My name is Jim Cummins from Minneapolis, MN and I am fairly new to hiking. I've lived overseas and done a fair amount of travelling but most of my actual hiking experience is with pretty easy 3-6 mile day hikes. Until now, I haven't actually experienced a multi-day hike or a thru hike. That is about to change, however, as I've decided to hike the Superior Hiking Trail from end-to-end with my fiance Mira.


I decided to set this goal as I try to motivate myself to develop healthy and enjoyable exercise habits. I think having a fun, challenging goal is something that allows me to find a reason to stay healthy.

At the moment, I've just set the goal. Now I will start the preliminary planning phase and likely will not complete the actual hike for at least a year. So far I've started this blog and will be posting our planning, training schedule, and trip log.

Even though I'm just at the beginning. It feels really good to have even set a goal. The Superior Trail is beautiful and I'm very excited.