Blazing Trail: 40 Years on the Superior Hiking Trail

Episode three of Blazing Trail, is all about volunteers! We meet Steph Hoff, a competitive trail runner and volunteer crew leader for the SHTA. After that, we discuss "finding your inner wild," with Monica Shoberg, founder of Unruly Women, an all-femme organization that partners with the SHTA on group trail projects. And, to close out the episode, we speak with SHTA Volunteer & Education Coordinator Barbara Budd, who shares news about upcoming volunteer opportunities, and reflects on the role of volunteers, as we near the 40th Anniversary of the Superior Hiking Trail. (Photo courtesy of Monica Shoberg)More information at:  superiorhiking.orgor unrulywomen.org

This episode is all about finding love in its many forms on the Superior Hiking Trail. We meet Beth Kaszynski and George Dahm, a couple fell in love while volunteering for a trail rehabilitation project near Lutsen. We also hear from Katie and Josh Belanger, who planned a thru-hike on the SHT for their first wedding anniversary. The trip itinerary didn’t go as planned, but the hike still serves as a formative part of their relationship with each other, and with the SHT. Finally, sisters Lynn, Krista and Cheryl planned a hike together during the COVID 19 pandemic. After an injury on the trail set them back, the three sisters tried for a second time, reaffirming sisterly love, pride in each other, and a love for the trail, after the loss of their father.

The February episode is all about finding love in its many forms on the Superior Hiking Trail. In this Episode 2 teaser we meet Beth and George, a couple fell in love after volunteering for a trail rehabilitation project near Lutsen. We also hear from Katie and Josh Belanger, who planned a thru-hike on the SHT for their first wedding anniversary. The trip itinerary didn't go as planned, but the hike still serves as a formative part of their relationship with each other, and with the SHT. Finally, sisters Lynn, Krista and Cheryl set out on a hike during the COVID 19 pandemic. After an injury on the trail set them back, the three sisters tried again, reaffirming sisterly love and a love for the trail, after the loss of their father. 

Welcome to Blazing Trail: 40 Years on the Superior Hiking Trail! In Episode One of this limited-series podcast we meet some of the early trail blazers including Jim Shinners, Denny Caneff, Dennis Rhysdahl, Jo Swanson and others, including a few stories from Tom Peterson (pictured), an SHT pioneer who helped plan and build many beloved sections of the Trail. Podcast producer Staci Drouillard explores what outdoor recreation on the North Shore looked like before the SHT existed, and how the trail has become part of the North Shore experience for residents and visitors over the past 40 years.

The Superior Hiking Trail Association and WTIP Community Radio are teaming up for a new podcast called Blazing Trail: 40 Years on the Superior Hiking Trail. In this preview, SHTA Director Lisa Luokkala talks with podcast producer Staci Drouillard about what listeners can expect when the podcast launches in January of 2026.