The Border Route Trail
We're planning on hiking from Lutsen to Canada on the Superior Hiking Trail and attended the Midwest Mountaineering Expo for more info. The Border Route Trail booth was right next door so we got as much information as we could. This trail traverses through some of the most beautiful terrain the Midwest has to offer. It goes right through the Boundary Waters while giving stunning views into Canada most of the way. It winds along the Pigeon River on the Minnesota side of the border. With abundant water sources and huge cliff climbs this trail offers a true look into what the great North Woods has to offer.
Synopsis from the Border Route Trail:
The Border Route Trail is a 65-mile long hiking trail that crosses the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) in the far northeast corner of Minnesota (Arrowhead) and follows the international border between Minnesota and Ontario, Canada. It connects with the Superior Hiking Trail on its eastern terminus and with the Kekekabic Trail on its western end at the Gunflint Trail (Cook Cty. Road 12). The closest towns are Grand Marais (beginning of Gunflint Trail, County Rd 12) and Hovland (beginning of Arrowhead Trail, County Road 16). In addition to the eastern and western termini, the Border Route Trail can be accessed through several spur and connecting trails, allowing for hiking trips ranging from short day-hikes to multiday backpacking expeditions. On these pages, you will find information for planning your hiking trip on the Border Route Trail: BWCA regulations, outfitters, trail heads and announcements of upcoming trail clearing events on the Border Route Trail.
The trail was planned and built in the early 1970's by the Minnesota Rovers Outing Club with the help of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the US Forest Service. It was the first long-distance, wilderness backpacking and hiking trail in Minnesota planned and constructed by volunteers. The Border Route Trail Association was incorporated in 2004 to coordinate the maintenance and increase public awareness of the trail. The trail continues to exist by the efforts of volunteers and our valued partner relationships.
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Campsites
There are 17 campsites along the trail that boast 3-5 tent pads at each site. Note: many of these sites were built for use of canoeists so they will be close to water and well maintained.
Guide Books
You can purchase the guide book at Midwest Mountaineering, Latitudes Map & Travel, Superior Hiking Trail Association Offices, Heston's Resort, Lake Superior Trading Post or order it from the border route website and mail your order in. You may also find the book in many outfitter and lodges along the trail. It is always recommended that you bring with paper maps that show the topography of the land you will be hiking. These are available that many of the outfitters listed above.
GPS
Also available on the Border Route Trail's website are GPS coordinates using Google maps. These are fantastic in mapping out your route and distance between campsites. We suggest downloading these to your phone to use while on the trail.
Regulations and Permits
Make sure to check the website and with BWCA for any rules and permits needed while on the trail. There are areas that require a permit if staying within a range of BWCA - these will cost $16 per adult but will cover you for an entire year. For more information check here.
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This trail is perfect for anyone who wants to explore the North Woods with a full taste of wilderness. the trail is notoriously empty of other hikers and will give you the full idea of what early explores went through when traversing our great country for the first time. Divulge your inner adventurer and go back in time to a more wild America.
See you on the trail!
Go Breathe the Wild Air
- Creeks to Peaks
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