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A difficult hike to the highest point in Minnesota, towering over Superior National Forest.


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Map Key

6.7

Miles

10.7

KM

Out and Back

2,298' 701 m

High

1,760' 536 m

Low

690' 210 m

Up

690' 210 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

21%

Max Grade (12°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · Views · Wildlife

A permit is required for this hike.

Overview

Hike to the top of Eagle Mountain, the highest point in Minnesota standing at 2301 feet above sea level.

Need to Know

Since this hike runs through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), you must have a permit. Permits can be acquired at the trailhead kiosk or a Superior National Forest Ranger Station. Be sure to put the proper paperwork in the drop box at the kiosk.

Eagle Mountain Trail is rugged with roots, rocks, and steep grades that will lead you to the highest point in Minnesota. There are also a couple low lying boardwalks that could be underwater so be prepared to potentially get your feet wet. The highest point of the summit is marked with a medallion and plaque.

Description

Starting at the Eagle Mountain Trail parking area, fill out and/or insert your paperwork into the drop box at the kiosk at the start of the trail. As you continue north, the trail will become more rugged, as rocks and roots will add to the difficulty of the trail. Eagle Mountain Trail will fork toward the base of the mountain, continue on Eagle Mountain Trail.

Heading up the mountain, the grades increase and the trail becomes more difficult. There are multiple overlooks atop the mountain that provide spectacular views of Superior National Forests tree canopy below.

Be sure to continue to the highest point which is marked by a plaque and medallion. When you are finished being the highest person on land in Minnesota return the way you came.

History & Background

The highest point of Eagle Mountain stands at 2301 feet above sea level.

Contacts

Shared By:

Kevin Killingbeck with improvements by Joe B

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 15 votes

#1135

Overall
  4.4 from 15 votes
5 Star
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4 Star
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Recommended Route Rankings

#6

in Minnesota

#1,135

Overall
24 Views Last Month
5,550 Since Sep 14, 2017
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Photos

Whale Lake from Eagle Mountain Trail.
Sep 15, 2017 near Grand M…, MN
A spectacular view high above the tree canopy of Superior National Forest from atop Eagle Mountain.
Sep 8, 2017 near Grand M…, MN
Whale Lake.
Jan 4, 2022 near Grand M…, MN
View from just below the actual summit.
Jan 4, 2022 near Grand M…, MN
View west from below the summit.
Jan 4, 2022 near Grand M…, MN
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

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Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jul 2, 2022
Ryan Bowman
Sunset hike with perfect weather. Highpoint #40!!
Jan 30, 2021
Olga Baxtin
Majestic! 8.5mi — 4h 17m
Oct 27, 2018
Ashley Warling-Spiegel
6.7mi
Oct 23, 2018
Kelli Thiel
6.7mi
Oct 6, 2018
Jeremy St Germain
Sep 28, 2018
Valerie Ramberg
Difficult hike to top of Eagle Mtn. The 2nd boardwalk was about 6" under water. Be prepared to get your feet wet. Trail had large rocks & tree roots. 6.7mi — 3h 40m
Jul 5, 2018
Lindsay Olson
May 23, 2018
Timothy Carter
Very nice views
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