Snowshoeing in Northern Minnesota's Boundary Waters

Snowshoe Trails When using cross country trails, please do not snowshoe on cross country groomed areas. Stay well to the side of any groomed areas. Watch out for snowmobiles on multiple use trails, such as the North Shore State Trail. For a true wilderness experience, take a day trip or a winter camping trip into the BWCA. Chances are you will not see anyone.
Gunflint Trail
Magnetic Rock Trail Distance: 1.5 Miles Difficulty Level: Intermediate Requires: Information: Gunflint Lodge This trail runs 1.5 miles (one way) to a massive rock 10 feet wide, 20 feet long, and 30 feet high. The rock was deposited by glaciers and has a strong magnetic field — hold a compass up to the rock to see for yourself.	Creek Trail Distance: 1/4 Mile Difficulty Level: Intermediate Requires: Information: Boundary Country Trekking Winds along the north side of Poplar Creek then returns along an esker ridge about the Creek.
Northern Light Trail Distance: 1/2 Mile Difficulty Level: Intermediate Requires: Information: Boundary Country Trekking This half-mile trek leads into prime moose habitat and provides excellent vistas from the top of Blueberry Hill.	BWCAW Swamp Lake Trail Distance: 2 Miles Difficulty Level: Intermediate Requires: BWCA Day Permit Information: Boundary Country Trekking This loop trail begins at the Tim Knopp trailhead near the Cabin. The trail travels through the BWCAW via the Swamp Lake portages.
Tim Knopp Trail Distance: 2 Miles Difficulty Level: Intermediate Requires: Information: Boundary Country Trekking Follows the Knopp Trail to the Banadad then loops back along the Banadad to the Swamp/Poplar portage.
PINCUSHION MOUNTAIN TRAILS Distance: 25 km Groomed/Tracked Difficulty Level: All Skill Levels Requires: MN Ski Pass Recommended Information: Pincushion Mountain Bed & Breakfast 1-218-387-1276 The Pincushion Mountain Trail is the first cross country ski trail system you'll pass on the Gunflint Trail, just 2 miles from Grand Marais, Minnesota. The extensive trails, of regionally acclaimed system, offers skiers of all abilities opportunities to enjoy gentle scenic terrain, rolling hills or even steep hills. Take a break at an outstanding vista of Lake Superior from the summit of Pincushion Mountain. Snowshoeing is allowed on designated trails only and is not allowed on groomed cross country trails. Trail Conditions	GEORGE WASHINGTON MEMORIAL FOREST Distance: 3 km Groomed occasionally Difficulty Level: Beginner Requires: MN Ski Pass Recommended Information: Gunflint District Ranger Station 1-218-387-1750 Snowshoeing allowed along side XC ski trails Trail Conditions
CENTRAL GUNFLINT TRAILS Distance: 70 km Groomed/Tracked Difficulty Level: All Skill Levels Requires: Trail Fee/Parking Fee Information: Bearskin Lodge 1-800-338-4170; Golden Eagle Lodge 1-800-346-2203, a good location to find moose. Snowshoeing allowed alongside XC ski trails; Snowshoe Trails Trail Conditions	BANADAD TRAIL Distance: 5 Miles Difficulty Level: Intermediate Requires: MN Ski Pass Recommended plus Parking Fee Information: Boundary Country Trekking 1-800-322-8327 Five miles of designated Snowshoe Trails Trail Conditions
UPPER GUNFLINT TRAILS Distance: 100 km Groomed/Tracked Difficulty Level: All Skill Levels Requires: Trail Fee/Parking Fee Information: Gunflint Lodge 1-800-328-3325; Gunflint Pines 1-800-533-5814; Hestons Lodge 1-800-338-7230; Moosehorn Bed & Breakfast 1-218-388-2233 Snowshoeing allowed on sides of XC ski trails Trail Conditions
Finland / Isabella
Crosby Manitou State Park Distance: 23 Miles Difficulty Level: Beginner/Advanced Requires: MN Ski Pass Recommended Information: 218-226-6365 Snowshoeing/Winter Trail Hiking allowed Offers nice view of Lake Superior from the hills and also of the cascades of Manitou River. 21 year-round campsites. Trail Conditions	Snowshoe Country Trail System Distance: 10 Miles Difficulty Level: Beginner/Advanced Requires: No trail pass required Information: 218-365-2126 Snowshoeing/Winter Trail Hiking allowed Trail Conditions
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North Shore
TEMPERANCE RIVER STATE PARK Distance: 12 km Groomed/Tracked Difficulty Level: Beginner/Advanced Requires: MN Ski Pass Recommended Information: Temperance River State Park 1-218-663-7474 Snowshoeing/Winter Trail Hiking allowed alongside XC ski trails Trail Conditions	LUTSEN TRAILS/POPLAR AND ONION RIVERS Distance: 45 km Groomed/Tracked Difficulty Level: Beginner/Intermediate; Diagonal and Ski Skating Requires: MN Ski Pass Recommended Information: Lutsen/Tofte Tourism Association 1-888-61NORTH Snowshoeing/Winter Trail Hiking allowed on Moose Trail. Do not snowshoe on groomed areas for skiing.
MASSIE/HALL TRAILS Distance: 13 km Difficulty Level: Intermediate; 2.5 km Ski Skating Requires: MN Ski Pass Recommended Information: Solbakken Resort 1-218-663-7566 Snowshoeing/Winter Trail Hiking allowed on one designated trail	CASCADE RIVER STATE PARK/DEERYARD LAKE TRAILS Distance: 64 km Difficulty Level: All Skill Levels Requires: MN Ski Pass Recommended Information: Cascade River State Park 1-218-387-3053 or Cascade Lodge 1-218-387-1112 Snowshoeing allowed alongside XC ski trails Trail Conditions
BALLY CREEK TRAILS Distance: 30 km Groomed/Tracked Difficulty Level: All Skill Levels; some Ski Skating Requires: MN Ski Pass Recommended Information: Bear Track Outfitting 1-218-387-1162 Snowshoeing allowed alongside XC ski trails; Skijoring/Dog Walking allowed on unplowed section of Co. Rd. 158 plus one designated Skijor trail
Snowshoe Buyers Guide	Snowshoeing in the BWCA
Winter Lodging	Discuss Snowshoeing in the BWCA
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Snowshoe Trails