Claim OwnershipBlazing Trail: 40 Years on the Superior Hiking Trail
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© WTIP, 2026
Description
Blazing Trail is a special-edition podcast created by WTIP and the Superior Hiking Trail Association. The first full episode will launch on January 8, 2026. For four decades, the Superior Hiking Trail has been more than a 300-mile footpath — it’s been a living link between people, place, and purpose.
The eight-episode series will explore the trail through stories about the early days, the work of trail builders and volunteers, and the voices of hikers and adventurers whose lives have been transformed by the trail.
To honor 40 years on the trail, the Superior Hiking Trail Association celebrates the spirit of exploration, stewardship, and belonging that has guided generations along the SHT. Together, we’re blazing new paths toward a more connected future.
The eight-episode series will explore the trail through stories about the early days, the work of trail builders and volunteers, and the voices of hikers and adventurers whose lives have been transformed by the trail.
To honor 40 years on the trail, the Superior Hiking Trail Association celebrates the spirit of exploration, stewardship, and belonging that has guided generations along the SHT. Together, we’re blazing new paths toward a more connected future.
4 Episodes
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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.
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