Trail Conditions
The Border Route Trail offers a unique wilderness hiking experience. Navigation can be challenging and should only be attempted by experienced backpackers and wilderness travelers.
Please reference our Hike Planning, backpacking and day hiking webpages for other important information.
Seasonal Considerations
** HIGH WATER CONDITIONS ON MANY PARTS OF THE TRAIL as of 04 JUNE 2024 - BE ADVISED **
Blackflies and mosquitoes can be bothersome in June and early July. Ticks tend to peak in May and June but may be found anytime the temperatures are above freezing.
Weather in northern Minnesota is unpredictable and can vary from one place on trail to another. Snow can linger into May. Cold rains can occur in July and in the middle of winter. Frost can arrive as early as Labor Day and the last signs of summer can be as late as early November. Here are some general trends, though:
Spring: Snow often lingers into mid- to late May. Post-melt mud can be disheartening to hike through.
Summer: Smaller water sources sometimes dry up in late summer. In very dry years, a fire ban may be in effect. Expect portions of the trail to be overgrown.
Fall: Campsite use falls off dramatically after Labor Day. Fall colors usually peak in late September/early October. Bears become more active in September and October as they prepare for winter.
Winter: Conditions can be extreme and dangerous. Trailheads may not be plowed. Backpacking is recommended for experienced winter backpackers only.
Conditions by Section
This information is updated by the Border Route Trail Association as soon as possible with current trail reports.
Even after the trail is cleared, portions can become heavily overgrown again, especially in the summer months. Be prepared for a windshield wiper effect through ferns and thimbleberries.
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The western 15.8 miles of this section are outside of the BWCAW; the eastern 0.2 miles are within the BWCAW.
In May 2024 the trail was reported in excellent condition with fresh beaver Along Loon Lake.
In October 2023, a crew cleared from Loon Lake to Bridal Falls, the Cross River Trail, and the Brice-Breon Trail.
May 2023 clearing trips were canceled due to lingering winter conditions. Significant signage work remains to be completed in the congested Gunflint Cliffs area.
In May 2022, deadfalls were cleared in the non-wilderness portion. New signage was also installed from Gunflint Trail to the South Rim, including adding blue blazes on select rock surfaces.
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All 14 miles of this section are within the BWCAW.
A small volunteer crew cleared brush and over 10 deadfalls between Sock Lake and Topper Lake campsites in September 2023. The spur trail to Sock Lake campsite was also mostly cleared.
Trail crews cleared between Crab Lake Cutoff Trail and Sock Lake Campsite Spur as well as between South Lake Trail and Stairway Portage in May 2023.
Conditions to be aware of:
Crab Lake area: Heavy brush for a couple short stretches in this area.
Topper Lake Cutoff (Mucker Lake Trail) to Sock Lake Campsite Spur (0.65 miles): Heavy brush for a couple short stretches; 2 large leaning trees and 1 large stepover.
Mucker Lake flow: Flooding may occur due to spring melt or after heavy rains. A large tree 100 yards upstream can be used if rock hopping is not possible; cross at your own risk.
About 0.75 miles west of Stairway Portage: Flooding may occur at a shallow saucer pond due to spring melt. Tree debris on the south side of the trail can be used for crossing.
Long Portage about 0.5 miles west of Daniels Lake Spur: The trail is flooded at a beaver pond for about 150 yards. Deepest depth was about two feet in August 2022; water levels will be higher after spring melt or heavy rains. The footpath underneath is solid and mostly flat.
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The western 22.1 miles are within the BWCAW; the eastern 0.8 mile is outside the BWCAW.
In early fall 2023, a crew from the Conservation Corps Minnesota and Iowa cleared starting at the Pine Ridge Campsite heading westward, ending about halfway between the Pine/West Pike Lake Portage and Gogebic Lake. A scouting report in September 2023 counted 64 deadfalls between the Daniels Lake Trail Spur and the eastern terminus, with the worst above Clearwater Lake.
Trail crews cleared between McFarland/East Pike Lakes Portage and McFarland Lake Campground in May 2023.
The October 2021 tornado damage to the Clearwater Lake area was cleared and the trail was open to hiking as of June 2022.
Conditions to be aware of:
Tornado damage area (1.3 miles): There are multiple trees needing to be cleared west of and to the Mountain/Clearwater Lakes Portage.
South of Gogebic Lake: The trail crosses over a beaver dam. In wet periods, the pond leaks around the east end.
Gogebic Campsite to V31 (2 miles): Medium to heavy brush.
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All 12.3 miles in this section are outside of the BWCAW.
MAY 2024
We cleared from the Eastern trailhead to Otter Lake Junction and exited out there. Saturday cleared from Otter Lake access trail and installed signage for BRT/NCT. Cleared approximately to 1/2 mile past Stump River.
McFarland trailhead and proceeded east to Superior National Forest access road.
Basic deadfall sweep, brush cutting with loppers, blue blazes and carsonite sign post installation.
Trail crews cleared most of this section in May 2023; about 2 miles from Stump River to Otter Lake Trail Access were not cleared. Several new carsonite sign posts and North Country Trail/Border Route Trail signs were installed at the bridge by McFarland Lake Campground heading westbound. Kiosks at McFarland Lake Campground and the eastern terminus were also updated with entirely new information and map copies.
Bridges at Portage Brook and Stump River are each limited to two people at a time. Both bridges were repaired in August 2022 after sustaining significant damage from spring 2022 flooding (see May 2022 report).
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MAY 2024
The portion of the South Lake Trail from Rockwood Lodge to the BWCA border is in fair condition. There remains one fallen tree just after the Geological Survey marker where the trail reconnects to the original trail.
The portion of the BRT East of the intersection with the South Lake Trail and west of the intersection with the East Partridge Lake campsite trail has not been cleared in a number of years and that is very evident in the level of brush encroaching on the trail.
The portion of the BRT west of Stairway Portage to the intersection with the East Partridge Lake campsite trail and the campsite trail are clear