The Best Backpacking in Minnesota

Wild River State Park, located about 55 miles northeast of Minneapolis, is a fantastic getaway and caters to a wide-variety of visitors. If you have an afternoon and are looking for an easy hike through a variety of natural environments, take The River Trail north, then follow the Old Lodging Tra...

Getting there:From Duluth, follow Highway 61 until you reach mile marker 65 -- shortly after this you will turn left on Lake County Road 6. Continue for just over 2 miles and the trailhead parking lot will be on your right. There is a sign with mileage to nearby backpacking campsites if you want ...

George H. Crosby Manitou State Park is a lesser known park along Minnesota's North Shore. There are only backcountry sites, and it's not conveniently along the scenic road, so you really have to plan on going here. This makes it quiet, peaceful, and absolutely perfect for someone looking for a li...

Beth Lake is part of the "Lady Chain" of lakes in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. It's secluded, serene and worth the trip, especially if you're up for an afternoon of cliff jumping.You can reach Beth Lake in half of a day, assuming you set out in the morning and are efficient with your time. But...

First, things first - plan your trip well! There are many details that need to go into planning even a short trip into the Boundary Waters. Various websites and companies exist to help you plan and check off all of the boxes prior to your departure date. The bwca.com website is one I found to be ...

A trip to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area requires some planning ahead. First, you'll need acquire a permit/reservation via recreation.gov . Specify how many people are in your group, the number of watercraft you plan to use and how many days you'll be in the BWCA. You'll also need to select a gro...

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is located in the northern portion of the Superior National Forest in northeastern Minnesota. What once used to be covered by glaciers is now home to approximately 1.1 million acres of land with 1,200 miles of canoe routes. Permits are required for access...

Superior Trail: Silver Bay to Illgen City is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a lake located near Silver Bay, Minnesota.

Superior Hiking Trail: Crystal Creek to Blesner Creek is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a lake located near Finland, Minnesota.

The Grand Portage Hiking Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Grand Portage, Minnesota.

Superior Hiking Trail: Jackson Lake and Andy Creek is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a lake located near East Cook, Minnesota.

Superior Hiking Trail: Bean and Bear Lakes is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Silver Bay, Minnesota.

Sonju Lake via Superior Hiking Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Finland, Minnesota.

Angleworm Lake Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Ely, Minnesota.

Border Route Trail is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a lake located near East Cook, Minnesota.

Northern River, Trout Brook and Prairie Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Afton, Minnesota.