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Hike from the Chippewa National Forest through the Boundary Waters.


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Map Key

308.3

Miles

496.1

KM

Point to Point

2,049' 625 m

High

1,270' 387 m

Low

14,891' 4,539 m

Up

14,820' 4,517 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

28%

Max Grade (16°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The Kekekabic Trail and Border Route Trail require BWCAW permits. Learn more at recreation.gov/wildernessAr….

Section Of

Description

This section of the NCT features off-road trail through the Chippewa National Forest, a roadwalk to Grand Rapids, follows the paved Mesabi Trail through the Iron Range, roadwalk to Snowbank Lake Rd., and then off-road trail through the Boundary Waters along the Kekekabic Trail and Border Route Trail.

The trail ranges from very easy (along the Mesabi Trail) to very rugged (along the Border Route Trail). The Kekekabic and Border Route Trails should only be attempted by experienced backpackers because of its remoteness and primitive nature.

Flora & Fauna

This is the quintessential Northwoods with a near boreal forest. You'll have a chance to see a moose in northeastern Minnesota. Learn more at dnr.state.mn.us/ecs/212/ind….

Contacts

Shared By:

Matthew Davis

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 2 votes

#13184

Overall
  4.0 from 2 votes
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Trail Rankings

#157

in Minnesota

#13,184

Overall
3 Views Last Month
1,069 Since Jun 1, 2017
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Photos

Canoes in Mountain Lake, from an overlook on the Border Route Trail.
Jun 19, 2018 near Grand M…, MN
Cliffs south of Gunflint Lake, taken from the Border Route Trail.
Jun 19, 2018 near Grand M…, MN
Superior Hiking Trailhead
May 27, 2015 near Grand M…, MN
Border Route Trail - Hiking in Northern Minnesota
Apr 8, 2019 near Grand M…, MN
Gunflint Lake.
Sep 30, 2016 near Grand M…, MN
Bridal Falls.
Sep 19, 2016 near Grand M…, MN

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