The Beaten Path by Tom Watson
24 HIKES
GREAT MINNESOTA
A welcoming reprieve from literally “pounding the pavement” along hundreds of miles of multi-use trails throughout Minnesota are myriad opportunities to step onto a few well-worn, natural beaten paths around the state. From wide, mowed promenades to narrow, hard-packed, rock and root-strewn trails threaded through forests, bluff lines and prairies, here’s a look at a few well-trodden paths around the state.
NORTH BORDER ROUTE TRAIL
13-mile loop Hike from the Caribou Rock Trailhead. The 13-mile Rose Cliffs Loop starts at the Caribou Rock trailhead and consists of the Caribou Rock, Border Route, South Lake, and Moss Lake Trails. Highlights include the dramatic Rose Lake Cliffs, historic Stairway Portage, and several other outstanding overlooks on the Border Chain of Lakes.
KEKEKABIC TRAIL
Lake Campsite and back. Enjoy historic mine sites, views of scenic lakes, and get a glimpse of the Boundary Waters on this well maintained and welltraveled section of the famed “Kek”.
NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL
6.4 miles 6.4 miles one-way from the South Entrance/ US Hwy. 71 trailhead to the Gartner Farm/540th Ave. trailhead. Enjoy a hike across the quiet side of Itasca and pass through the state park’s old-growth pine forests and past several scenic backcountry lakes.
6.2 miles Hike 6.2 miles out from the Gunflint Trail Kekekabic trailhead to the Bingshick
Your Adventure Starts Nearby.
SUPERIOR HIKING TRAIL
2.5 miles The Oberg Mountain Loop is a popular, moderate hike with nine spectacular overlooks with views of Lake Superior, Oberg Lake and Moose Mountain. Park at the Oberg Mountain Trailhead 2.2 miles north from Highway 61 on Forest Service Road 336 (Onion River Road).
SILVER CREEK TRAIL
3.5 miles This loop trail features stunning examples of the beauty in the rocky terrain as well as the roaring cascades of the St. Louis River in Jay Cooke State Park. Begin at the swinging bridge behind the visitor center for this trail that links up with many other adventurous routes within the park and beyond, towards Lake Superior.
North Country Trail in Minnesota Guidebook 2018 Edition
Order copies today from itascabooks.com, northcountrytrail.org/shop, or at your favorite local or online bookseller
northcountrytrail NCTinMN 10 Fall 2018
Along the Minnehaha Falls Trail. Tom Watson photo Minnesota Trails
