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NCT: MN Segment 3 - Northeast Minnesota

 3.0 (1)
  1. Areas
  2. MN
  3. Northwest Minnesota
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Map Key

Length


308.3 Miles 496.1 Kilometers


14,891' 4,539 m

Ascent

-14,820' -4,517 m

Descent

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

28%

Max Grade (16°)

2,049' 625 m

High

1,270' 387 m

Low

Shared By Matthew Davis

Conditions

Unknown
History
Getting forecast...

“Hike from the Chippewa National Forest through the Boundary Waters.”

— Matthew Davis
Driving DirectionsGPX File

Dogs Leashed

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

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

Local Club: North Country Trail Association - Itasca Moraine Chapter

Feb 26, 2019: A New Route is Within Reach

Jan 16, 2019: The Federal Government Shutdown and the North Country National Scenic Trail

Nov 30, 2018: New Maps: Minnesota

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Stewarded By

Stewarded by North Country Trail Association - Itasca Moraine Chapter
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Trail Ratings

  3.0 from 1 vote

#2

in Northwest Minnesota

#17967

Overall
  3.0 from 1 vote
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Rankings

#2

in Northwest Minnesota

#147

in Minnesota

#17,967

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348 Since Jun 1, 2017
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Photos

Canoes in Mountain Lake, from an overlook on the Border Route Trail.
Canoes in Mountain Lake, from an overlook on th…
 3
Cliffs south of Gunflint Lake, taken from the Border Route Trail.
Cliffs south of Gunflint Lake, taken from the B…
 3
Superior Hiking Trailhead
Superior Hiking Trailhead
 3
Gunflint Lake.
Gunflint Lake.
 4
Bridal Falls.
Bridal Falls.
 3

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