Hiking

Exploring the Primitive Management Areas of the BWCAW

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For those who truly want to get off the beaten path, the BWCAW’s twelve Primitive Management Areas (PMAs) offer the most remote and untouched wilderness experience. Exploring these areas involves risk and demands strong outdoor skills with proper planning. Help may be hours or even days away, and local resources are limited.

Hiking one of the BWCA’s most remote trails: The Sioux-Hustler

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Tucked deep within Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, just miles from the Canadian border, the Sioux-Hustler Hiking Trail offers a truly remote experience. This 32-mile loop winds through rugged boreal forest, quiet lakes, and historic logging paths, giving hikers a rare opportunity to experience true solitude. Learn more about the experience and tips for planning your adventure.

8 must-see waterfalls in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

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Waterfalls and cascades appear throughout many parts of the BWCAW. These natural features, often found between lakes and rivers, add excitement and beauty for paddlers and anglers exploring by canoe. Many portage trails follow these dynamic stretches of moving water. In fact, these waterfalls are a big reason portages exist in the first place.

New BWCA entry points ease thru-hiker crossing of Gunflint Trail

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The USFS, in partnership with the North Country Trail Association, has updated two entry points for thru-hikers along the Gunflint corridor of the BWCAW. Previously, it was illegal to cross the Gunflint Trail between the Kekekabic and Border Route Trails. The new process makes it legal, eliminates overlapping permits, and prevents unnecessary fees.

New cross-country ski trailhead in northern Minnesota is open

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The USFS – Superior National Forest, in partnership with the Friends of the Flathorn-Gegoka, recently completed a new trailhead and parking lot. The area is a cross-country skier’s haven, featuring over 29 km of classic trails through the woods. Heavy flooding last summer pushed the project forward when bridges along part of the trail were damaged.

paddling in Cloquet State Forest

Northeast Minnesota’s best-kept secret – 5 fabulous State Forests

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Tucked along winding, remote roads throughout Minnesota’s Arrowhead region are five fabulous state forests. Together, these five forests tout nearly 1.6 million acres of recreational land where you can camp, paddle, hike, hunt, fish, picnic, and cross-country ski. And unlike the other wonderful places I mentioned previously, these hidden gems are lesser known and see fewer visitors.

Carlton Peak Trail Hike

One hike, two scenic vistas—Ted Tofte Overlook and Carlton Peak

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“Do we have to go hiking?” our nephew fussed as we made our way up Highway 61 along Minnesota’s North Shore…“Hiking is just walking and walking is boring.” “Well, how about this?” I wagered. “Let’s do this hike to Carlton Peak and if you don’t like hiking, we won’t do any more hikes for the rest of the trip.” “Fine,” he grumbled. “But I already know I’m not going to like it.”

Concept for new Ely Trailhead building and construction in progress

New hub in Ely for hiking and multi-use trail enthusiasts

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The Ely Economic Development Authority is constructing a new trailhead complex just west of Ely, Minnesota. The facility will serve as a trailhead hub for the Taconite Snowmobile Trail, Prospectors Loop ATV Trail, Mesabi Trail, and eventually, the North Country Scenic Trail.

Northeast Minnesota summer bucket list

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I wonder if this has ever been true for you. Somewhere around mid-August, you realize that summer is almost over and you have yet to do most of your favorite summer activities. Here are six must-dos in northeast Minnesota this summer. #1 Camp in breathtaking places. #2 Hike a remote trail. #3 Swim in a lake…