Exploring the Boundary Waters: Top Trails for Immersive Foot-Covered Adventures in Minnesota
In the heart of Minnesota's Northwoods, beyond the popular paddling routes, lies a network of hiking trails that offer a deeper connection to nature. These trails, nestled within the Boundary Waters wilderness, provide experiences ranging from demanding multiday backcountry trips to accessible day hikes, all immersed in the solitude and natural beauty characteristic of the region.
One such trail is the Kekekabic Trail, also known as The Kek. This challenging 38.6-mile point-to-point trail winds through the heart of the Boundary Waters. It offers scenic lakes, boulder fields, and waterfalls, and overlaps with the North Country Trail, the longest national trail in the country. Due to its length and the distance between trailheads, a car shuttle is required, making it a true adventure for those seeking a challenging hike.
For those looking for a more manageable yet no less scenic hike, the Angleworm Lake Trail is a 12-mile loop around Angleworm Lake, mostly within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. This primitive trail requires map and compass skills, passing through beautiful lakes like Angleworm, Home, and Whiskey Jack Lakes. The trail offers quiet solitude and Northwoods scenery, making it an excellent choice for hikers seeking a deeper connection to nature.
Another trail worth exploring is the Eagle Mountain Trail, a day hike near Grand Marais offering a moderately challenging 6.6-mile route. The trail crosses rugged forest, over wetlands via boardwalks, and past scenic Whale Lake. The summit of Eagle Mountain, at 2,301 feet, is the highest in the state, providing panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness. After the hike, visitors can explore the art and culture of Grand Marais, located on the North Shore of Lake Superior.
The Caribou Rock Trail, located farther north near the Canadian border, offers a 7.7-mile route. This trail offers viewpoints such as Caribou Rock, Duncan Lake, and Rose Falls, making it a rewarding hike for those seeking stunning vistas.
For those driving to the trails, the Angleworm Lake Trailhead can be found along the Gunflint Trail National Scenic Byway, passing through the Northwoods town of Ely on your way. The Sioux-Hustler Trail, a 31.2-mile loop trail located just outside Voyageurs National Park, is another option. This challenging multiday backpacking trip requires navigation skills and offers opportunities to see the Northern Lights and witness the beauty of Devil's Cascade.
Whether you're seeking a challenging multiday backpacking trip or a leisurely day hike, the hiking trails of Minnesota's Boundary Waters offer a unique and unforgettable experience in the heart of the Northwoods.
- The Kekekabic Trail, a challenging 38.6-mile point-to-point trail, offers a deeper connection to nature in the Boundary Waters wilderness, with scenic lakes, boulder fields, and waterfalls, and it is a true sports adventure for hikers seeking a challenging hike.
- For a more manageable yet scenic hike, the Angleworm Lake Trail, a 12-mile loop, requires map and compass skills and immerses hikers in the beauty of lakes like Angleworm, Home, and Whiskey Jack, offering a quiet solitude in the Northwoods.
- The Eagle Mountain Trail, near Grand Marais, provides a moderately challenging day hike, with panoramic views from the highest point in the state, and afterwards, visitors can explore the art and culture of Grand Marais on the shore of Lake Superior.
