Minnesota’s Boundary Waters is legendary for its pristine water trails. Image canoes gliding throughout glassy lakes and campsites alongside the shoreline. However past the paddling routes lies a community of unimaginable mountain climbing trails that supply a complete new technique to expertise this iconic wilderness.
Whether or not you’re searching for a fast day hike or a multiday backcountry journey, these Boundary Waters trails ship solitude, surroundings, and a deeper connection to the Northwoods — all and not using a single portage.
Eagle Mountain Path
Get a style of what the Boundary Waters is all about on a comparatively brief but reasonably difficult day hike close to Grand Marais. The 6.6-mile Eagle Mountain Path crosses by way of rugged forest, over wetlands through boardwalks, and previous scenic Whale Lake en path to Eagle Mountain.
At 2,301 ft, this peak is the best within the state. To succeed in the summit, hikers will tackle the majority of the 656 ft of elevation acquire on the final a part of this out-and-back path.
After your hike, head into city to seize a chunk and discover the artwork and tradition of the North Shore of Lake Superior.
Caribou Rock Path
Farther north close to the Canadian border, the Caribou Rock Path lets day hikers enterprise deeper into the Boundary Waters. At 7.7 miles, this route can simply work as a half-day hike, however with so many unimaginable viewpoints alongside the best way, locals suggest carving out extra time to totally expertise the path.
The path’s namesake, Caribou Rock, pops up inside 0.75 miles of the trailhead. From there, the route forges forward by way of the forest with a mixture of ascent and descent — a 1,505-foot elevation acquire in whole. Cease at Duncan Lake for a snack with a aspect of excellent views earlier than persevering with onto Rose Falls on the turnaround.
The Caribou Rock Trailhead is situated alongside the Gunflint Path Nationwide Scenic Byway. Drive 55 miles down the paved street for much more entry to Minnesota’s pure magnificence.
Angleworm Lake Path
The 13.1-mile Angleworm Lake Path toes the road between an formidable day hike and a one-night backpacking journey. From the trailhead, the lollipop-style path travels practically 3 miles earlier than reaching the lake, the place hikers can loop across the lengthy, skinny physique of water in both course.
Alongside the best way, slender boardwalks assist hikers cross swampy areas. Whereas this route is mostly simpler to comply with than some trails within the space, circumstances might require navigation expertise.
On the best way to and from the trailhead, you’ll drive by way of Ely. With entry to greater than 20 portages, this Northwoods city is a real gateway to the Boundary Waters. Don’t miss the possibility to pitstop right here and expertise the Northwoods tradition, together with folks artwork and instructional wildlife encounters.
Sioux-Hustler Path
Simply outdoors Voyageurs Nationwide Park, the Sioux-Hustler Path immerses hikers within the wilderness of Minnesota. Plan a multiday backpacking journey to deal with this tough 31.2-mile loop path. As a result of the path winds by way of wetlands, navigation expertise are a should, however expert hikers keen to tackle the problem are rewarded with unimaginable pure magnificence alongside the best way.
Some highlights alongside the best way: Satan’s Cascade, which drops 75 ft into Decrease Pauness Lake, and the possibility to see the Northern Lights.
Discover Minnesota’s Darkish Skies
Kekekabic Path
Hike by way of the guts of the Boundary Waters on the 38.6-mile Kekekabic Path, regionally often known as The Kek. As a result of the trailheads on both terminus of the point-to-point route are roughly 4.5 hours aside by automotive, this multiday journey requires some logistical work. However the pure magnificence is properly well worth the effort, with scenic lakes, boulder fields, and waterfalls all on the checklist of Kek must-sees.
The Kek overlaps with the North Nation Path (NCT) — the longest nationwide path within the nation, which traverses 4,800 miles throughout eight states and consists of practically 850 miles of path in Minnesota.
Discover the North Nation Path
This put up was sponsored by Discover Minnesota.
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