Carlton Peak in Midwest 2025
One of the greatest Sawtooth Mountain peaks on the North Shore of Lake Superior
Best time: May–October
Carlton Peak is a popular hiking destination located in the Sawtooth Mountains in northeastern Minnesota. It was named after Reuben B. Carlton who ascended the peak with Col. Charles Whittlesey during a geological survey expedition in 1848. South and east side of the mountain belong to a Day Use area of Temperance River State Park. Other parts of the mountain are located in the Superior National Forest.
With elevation 1,525 ft (465 m) Carlton Peak is an excellent outlook on Lake Superior and the surrounding area. A 2-mi (3.2-km) hike is quite moderate in the beginning but gets steep when you approach the summit. The trail can be reached by a dirt road on the south side of the peak. After passing the bridge over the Temperance River, stay right at the fork, and soon you'll see the sign of the Temperance River State Park.
Another access point is Britton Peak trailhead located off Highway 61 north of Tofte through Cook County Road.
