Gunflint Trail | Grand Marais

Gunflint Trail – In Detail

The Gunflint Trail is a 57-mile scenic byway (Cook County Road 12) in northeastern Minnesota that extends from the harbor town of Grand Marais on Lake Superior deep into the wilderness near the Canadian border. Renowned for its rugged boreal beauty, historical significance, and easy access to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), it’s a favorite for hikers, paddlers, nature lovers, and solitude seekers.

Historical Background

The trail originated as an ancient Native American footpath, long used by Ojibwe peoples and early French fur traders. It was named for the deposits of gunflint chert, a type of flint rock used in gunlocks during the 18th and 19th centuries. During the late 1800s, the path was widened to support mining efforts, including the now-defunct Paulson Mine, and later became a route for logging and tourism.

The road was first gravel, and eventually paved in the 1970s. In 2009, it was designated a National Scenic Byway due to its natural, historical, and cultural value.

Landscape and Ecosystem

Traveling the Gunflint Trail is a journey through remote wilderness with expansive pine and birch forests, countless glacial lakes, rocky outcrops, and areas shaped by ancient lava flows. The region sits at the convergence of the Great Lakes and the boreal forest, providing a unique blend of ecosystems. The trail also passes through areas affected by wildfires and windstorms, which have created opportunities for new forest growth and wildflower blooms.

Scenic & Recreational Highlights

1. Pincushion Mountain Overlook (Near Grand Marais)

One of the first stops along the trail, offering panoramic views of Grand Marais, Lake Superior, and the Sawtooth Mountains. The area features hiking, cross-country skiing, and mountain biking trails.

2. George Washington Pines (Mile 6)

A serene 2.5-mile loop trail through a red and white pine plantation, popular for snowshoeing and hiking year-round.

3. Clearwater Historic Lodge (Mile 27)

Established in 1915, it is the oldest operating lodge on the Gunflint Trail and serves as an access point to Clearwater Lake and several canoe routes into the BWCAW.

4. Magnetic Rock Trail (Mile 48)

A 3-mile round-trip hike to a dramatic 60-foot tall rock of magnetic iron ore that disrupts compasses. The trail passes through areas regenerating from past wildfires and is rich in blueberries and wildflowers during summer.

5. Chik-Wauk Museum & Nature Center (End of Trail)

Located at the historic site of the old Chik-Wauk Lodge, the museum tells the story of the Gunflint Trail through exhibits on geology, wildlife, indigenous culture, and early tourism. The surrounding area has short hiking trails and birdwatching opportunities.

Canoeing and BWCAW Access

The Gunflint Trail is one of the most important gateways into the BWCAW, a million-acre protected wilderness area accessible only by non-motorized boats and portages. Outfitters along the route rent canoes and gear, offer shuttle services, and help plan multi-day trips into the wilderness. Popular entry points include:

Seagull Lake

Saganaga Lake

Cross Bay Lake

Tuscarora Lake

These lakes are interconnected by portage routes and known for their crystal-clear waters, abundant wildlife, and fishing.

Wildlife and Nature Viewing

The Gunflint region is prime territory for spotting moose, black bears, timber wolves, foxes, loons, and bald eagles. Birdwatchers can encounter over 150 species. The northern boreal forest also offers excellent berry picking (especially blueberries and raspberries in July and August) and aurora borealis viewing on clear, dark nights.

Seasonal Activities

Spring: Ice-out canoeing, wildflowers, waterfalls, and fewer crowds.

Summer: Canoeing, hiking, fishing, and berry picking; warm days and cool nights.

Fall: Brilliant fall foliage starting in mid-September, especially vivid in the maples and birch.

Winter: Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and dog sledding. Many lodges remain open with groomed trails and heated cabins.

Lodging and Outfitters

Scattered along the Gunflint Trail are several long-established wilderness lodges, canoe outfitters, and campgrounds. These include:

Gunflint Lodge – Known for fine dining, guided fishing, and wilderness cabins.

Tuscarora Lodge & Outfitters – Offers full outfitting for BWCAW adventures.

Trail’s End Campground – A rustic U.S. Forest Service campground at the northern terminus of the trail.

Many lodges offer winterized cabins with saunas and fireplaces, making the trail a cozy winter destination.

Practical Information

Length: 57 miles, one-way from Grand Marais to the end near Saganaga Lake.

Road conditions: Paved and well-maintained, but winding with limited services. Drive cautiously, especially in winter.

Fuel and Supplies: Available only in Grand Marais and at select lodges/outfitters.

Cell service: Sparse to nonexistent beyond the first 10 miles.

Summary

The Gunflint Trail offers one of Minnesota’s most immersive wilderness experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler entering the BWCAW, a hiker exploring rugged trails, a moose watcher with binoculars in hand, or simply a traveler seeking serenity among the trees and lakes, the Gunflint Trail delivers. It’s a rare blend of natural splendor, cultural history, and remote adventure-still wild, still waiting.