Up for some great kayaking this summer? Then check out Lake Superior, particularly in Minnesota, where you'll find some of the best kayaking around.  Minnesota has established the Lake Superior Water Trail between the St. Louis and Pigeon rivers. This trail network has a limited number of free camping sites, and several state parks along the trail have camping availability for a nominal charge.

The states of Michigan and Wisconsin and the Canadian province of Ontario contain world class kayaking opportunities as well. Other Lake Superior kayaking adventures with tours that range from a day trek to two weeks can be found along the Apostle Islands, Pukaskwa National Park, Grand Island, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, and Isle Royale National Park.

Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake on earth, contains 10% of all the fresh water on earth, and is known for its potentially deadly storms.  If you're of a certain age, you may remember that song about the Edmund Fitzgerald, which was a victim of one such storm. So, do keep in mind the weather when you book a tour, as the tours along the shore are subject to weather conditions. But, if you're lucky to get out on the lake, you'll be kayaking alongside towering cliffs, over shipwrecks, with many secluded bays that contain gravel beaches for exploration.

If you're interested in kayaking the Lake Superior Water Trail you'll probably want to hook up with an experienced outfitter.  You can find a list of these outfitters by visiting the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources at http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/watertrails/outfitters.html#lswt