Who We Are
About
Our Mission
To construct and maintain non-motorized trails for public use. To that end, we train volunteers in layout esthetics and practicality, construction techniques, maintenance, safety, tool use, ecology and general woods skills.
Our History
The trail was planned and built in the early 1970s by the Minnesota Rovers Outing Club with the help of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the US Forest Service. It was the first long-distance, wilderness backpacking and hiking trail in Minnesota planned and constructed by volunteers. The Border Route Trail Association was incorporated in 2004 to coordinate the maintenance and increase public awareness of the trail. The trail continues to exist by the efforts of volunteers and our valued partner relationships.
With the 2019 Congressional approval of the North Country Trail Route Adjustment Act, the Border Route Trail is also officially designated as part of the larger North Country National Scenic Trail. This piece of legislation, also referred to as the “Arrowhead Reroute” begins in the Chippewa National Forest southwest of Grand Rapids, MN, and heads northeast toward Ely, MN. It then follows the Kekakabic Trail and Border Route Trail before becoming contiguous with the Superior Hiking Trail for 310 miles along the north shore of Lake Superior’s southwestern tip.
Our Partner Organizations
North Country Trail Association
The mission of the North Country Trail Association (NCTA) is to develop, maintain, protect and promote the North Country National Scenic Trail as the premier hiking path across the northern tier of the United States through a trail-wide coalition of volunteers and partners. The NCTA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that partners with the National Park Service to unite individuals, affiliated trail groups, local Chapters, corporate sponsors and others linked in support of building and maintaining the North Country Trail and telling its story.
Established in 1909, the Superior is known for its boreal forest ecosystem, numerous clean lakes, and a colorful cultural history. The one million-acre Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness lies within the boundaries of the Forest. Management by the USDA-Forest Service, under principles of ecosystem management and multiple use, the Forest provides for a diverse community of plants and animals as well as products for human needs. The concept of "all lands" management maintains strong partnerships and collaboration across the landscape.
Minnesota Rovers Outdoors Club
The Minnesota Rovers Outdoors Club, a not-for-profit organization founded in 1954, is one of the oldest, most active outing clubs in the Upper Midwest. We have hundreds of members—mostly busy, working people who enjoy fitting outdoor activities into their schedules. Our trips run the gamut from bicycle day rides in the metro area to multi-week adventures on foreign soil.
Thunder Bay Hiking Association
The Thunder Bay Hiking Association is a non-profit organization that promotes recreational hiking and related seasonal activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and cycling in the Thunder Bay area.
Our Financial Supporters
When you are ready to get away, Heston’s Lodge is waiting for you. Secluded log cabins dot the shoreline of Gunflint Lake on Minnesota’s historical Gunflint Trail. Nestled amid tall pines and old cedars, you will find plenty of peace and quiet.
Gunflint Pines Resort & Campground
Come watch the Northwoods come to life during the spring thaw. Fish for your dinner during the long days of summer. Hike and hunt as you enjoy the fall colors. Ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile on our extensive system of trails in the winter.
Gunflint Lodge & Outfitters is a classic Northwoods lakeside resort nestled into the Boreal forest on the south shore of Gunflint Lake, between the Canadian border and Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Rockwood is a unique and historic resort on the Gunflint Trail on the Eastern half of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Located on the 31st mile of the 57 mile long Gunflint Trail, we actually have a section of the original gravel trail that goes through our resort!