Are dogs allowed on Border Route Trail?

No, dogs are not permitted on Border Route Trail. This is typical in many national parks and wildlife refuges — check for a nearby dog-friendly alternative.

Do I need a permit to hike Border Route Trail?

Yes, Border Route Trail requires a permit. Self-issued BWCAW wilderness permit required year-round for day use; quota permit for overnight. Apply through the issuing agency at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/superior/passes/boundary-waters-canoe-area-wilderness-permits before your visit — many systems run lotteries with fixed application windows.

How difficult is Border Route Trail?

Border Route Trail is rated difficult. It is 65.0 miles long with 6,499 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

What is the best season to hike Border Route Trail?

Border Route Trail is best hiked in summer and fall. Conditions vary year to year — check the trail status and weather forecast before your visit.

DifficultPoint to Point

Superior National Forest/Minnesota

Border Route Trail

Grand Marais, Minnesota

65.0 mi

Distance

6,499 ft

Elev. Gain

24h 55m

Est. Time

Point to Point

Route Type

Difficult

Difficulty

About This Trail

Generated from trail data

Backcountry trail following the Canadian border through BWCAW. Rocky ridgelines, cliff views over wilderness lakes, and complete solitude. Connects to Superior Hiking Trail.

Trail Conditions

Open

Updated Apr 19, 2026 — may be out of date

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Hazards & Warnings

Wildlife encountersChanging weatherAltitude sickness riskAfternoon thunderstormsSteep sectionsLimited water

Elevation Profile

Min:1,488 ft

Max:8,842 ft

8,587 ft

1,245 ft

Trail Details

No dogs
Kid-friendly

Route Type: Point to Point
Surface: Mixed Surface

Permit required

Apply through the issuing agency. Many systems run seasonal lotteries or fixed application windows — confirm current dates on the agency page.

Self-issued BWCAW wilderness permit required year-round for day use; quota permit for overnight.

Get permit

Official sources & verification

Managed by United States Forest Service

Verify before you go

Reserve or permit

Apply for permit
Required permit application for this trail. Many systems run seasonal lotteries or fixed application windows — confirm current dates here.

Source of truth

Agency source page
The page our published rules and notes are derived from.

Verify by phone or mail

Operator:218-626-4300
Address:MN

Best Seasons

Summer Fall

Highlights

Wilderness lakesCanadian border viewsSolitudeRocky ridgesBWCAW access

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Hand-curated

Border Route Trail

About This Trail

Trail Conditions

Trail Conditions

Hazards & Warnings

Elevation Profile

Trail Details

Best Seasons

Highlights

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Nearby Trails

Centennial Hiking Trail

Magnetic Rock Trail

Gunflint Lodge Trails to Lonely Lake

Frost River

Eagle Mountain Trail

Caribou Rock Trail

Other trails in Superior National Forest

Oberg Mountain Loop

Superior Hiking Trail - Cascade River

Eagle Mountain Trail

Campgrounds near this trail

Gunflint Lodge & Outfitters

Boundary Waters Canoe Area, Cherokee Lake Backcountry Camping

Iron Lake

Topper Lake Campsite

BWCA South Lake Camp 8

Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest

Similar trails in Minnesota

Lake Wobegon Trail

Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail

Luce Line Trail

Central Lakes State Trail

Border Route Trail

Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway