Do you want to hike a trail that has spectacular views of the area at any time of the year? Look no further! The Oberg Loop is a spur trail of the Superior Hiking Trail between Tofte and Lutsen. It offers hikers incredible views of Lake Superior, Oberg Lake, and the Sawtooth Mountains.
The loop is approximately 2.3 miles in length. Many visitors have said that they prefer to hike the trail counter-clockwise. By doing so, hikers will first see an overlook of LeVeaux Mountain to the west. Continuing further, the trail offers excellent overlooks of Lake Superior. On clear days, hikers will be able to view miles of the North Shore. As the trail wraps around, hikers will see indescribable views of the Sawtooth Mountains, and finally, Oberg Lake.
The Oberg loop is wonderful at any time of the year but is favored in the fall when the blazing orange and red maple leaves to the north and the yellow aspen and birch leaves to the south make the hills even more beautiful. It is also an excellent time to spot migrating birds that funnel down the North Shore to reach their winter destination.
If you’re hiking in the spring, be sure to listen for black-throated blue warblers. Maple trees are unique here as they harbor a variety of plants that are not common in the rest of the forest.
Getting There
From Tofte, go northeast on MN Highway 61 for 4.7 miles until you see the Onion River Road sign. Proceed up the road approximately 2.1 miles until you reach the parking lot on the left.
Note: Though there is no reason to leave them behind, be cautious when bringing children as there are very few guardrails along the trail overlooks.