Fall colors on the North shore - Gooseberry SP slackpacking trip

WHY ATTEND?
It's late-September, one of the best times to view the fall colors on the North shore.

Are you interested in hiking through the stunning natural beauty of the north shore and Superior Hiking Trail, past high granite cliffs and scenic gorges with towering waterfalls, through dense northern boreal forests? Perhaps you have a goal to section hike the entire SHT and are looking to knock off another section? Or maybe you are looking to meet and learn from fellow friendly knowledgeable backpackers? Then this trip is for you!

PARK OVERVIEW (From DNR site)
Gooseberry Falls is the gateway to the North Shore. It is known for its spectacular waterfalls, river gorge, Lake Superior shoreline, Civilian Conservation Corps log and stone structures, and north woods wildlife. Listen to the thunderous roar of the Upper, Middle and Lower Falls of the Gooseberry River as it plummets through a rocky gorge. Watch for waves, ships, or the moon rise on Lake Superior from an ancient lava flow known as the Picnic Flow.

Hike or ski to see the Fifth Falls through a forest of evergreens, aspen, and birch, and enjoy camping in modern campsites, picnicking, and relaxing along the Lake Superior shoreline or the Gooseberry River.
To get the most out of your visit, stop by the Joseph N. Alexander Visitor Center where you can find park information, interpretive displays, a park video, Nature Store, and more. Don't miss the Gateway Plaza for outdoor interpretive signs on area resources and history.

CAMPING

• We will car camp all weekend at the Group Camp - Group Camp - Basic-A - Nestor Grade at Gooseberry state park
• Showers, flush and vault toilets are available in the campground
• Vehicles entering MN state parks need a MN State Parks Permit ($7 daily, $35 annual)

HIKE DIFFICULTY RATING: All levels welcome

THE HIKES

• Day hiking near Gooseberry State Park Saturday and Sunday
• We will split up into slower and faster hiking groups, take your pick
• We will be hiking rain or shine. Come prepared for rain.

SCHEDULE
Friday night:

• Meet at Gooseberry State Park at the Group Camp - Group Area - Basic-A - Nestor Grade. If you will be coming late, please text/email one of the organizers.

Saturday and Sunday:

• breakfast 8-9a
• hiking 9a+

CARPOOLING
I'll start a carpooling conversation in the meetup event chat a few weeks before the trip date.

WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING

• Hiking daypack
• Comfortable and broken in trail runners or hiking boots
• Waterproof tent or shelter
• A warm sleeping bag (rated 20 degrees or colder)
• A sleeping pad
• Food, water, eating utensils, cooking stoves
• Water bottle(s)
• A rain suit is highly recommended along the north shore this time of year.
• Watch the weather forecast and be prepared for cold temperatures.

We can share cook stoves if you don't have one.

COST:
Please pay me $15 when you arrive for your share of the camp site fee.

ATTENDEE RULES:

• No +1s, no pets, no minors (<18), and no illegal substances
• All attendees must be a registered member of this meetup group with a recognizable profile picture
• We hike at minimum in pairs with a designated sweeper pulling up the rear so we don't lose anyone
• If I can't get a response from you to repeated messages to your meetup account, I may cancel your RSVP

### By signing up for this event, you assume all responsibility for your safety and well-being and release Hardy hikers and Minneapolis/St Paul Backpacking Meetup groups, organizers, events organizers, and members from any (and all) personal injury and property damage liability. ####