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Gunflint Trail | Grand Marais


Information

Landmark: Gunflint Trail
City: Grand Marais
Country: USA Minnesota
Continent: North America

Gunflint Trail, Grand Marais, USA Minnesota, North America

Overview

Gunflint Trail sprawls 57 miles as scenic byway Cook County Road 12 deep into northeastern Minnesota's wilderness near Canadian border from Grand Marais.

Renowned for rugged boreal beauty and steeped in historical significance it's a super favorite among hikers and paddlers seeking solitude quietly.

Ancient Ojibwe peoples and early French fur traders long traversed this Native American footpath which eventually became a notable trail.

Gunflint chert a type of rock somewhat akin to flint was used extensively in old gunlocks during much of 18th and 19th centuries.

Late 1800s saw path widening efforts supporting mining endeavors including now-defunct Paulson Mine and it later morphed into route for logging tourism.

Road surface was initially gravel but subsequently paved thoroughly in 1970s with considerable fanfare and public anticipation surrounding infrastructure upgrades.

In 2009 it was deemed worthy of National Scenic Byway status largely because of considerable natural historical and immense cultural worth.

Traveling Gunflint Trail is a surreal journey via rugged wilderness overflowing with vast pine forests and areas ravaged by primordial lava flows.

Region sits at convergence of Great Lakes and boreal forest providing somewhat unique blend of diverse ecosystems mainly here and there freely.

Wildfires and windstorms ravage sections of trail fostering new forest growth and surprisingly vibrant wildflower blooms amidst charred landscapes.

Scenic and recreational highlights abound here showcasing remarkably varied landscapes.

Pincushion Mountain Overlook near Grand Marais offers panoramic views of Grand Marais and Lake Superior from one of its initial trail stops.

Area boasts plethora of trails for hiking and cross-country skiing and mountain biking beneath eerily silent trees surrounding hilly terrain.

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George Washington Pines lies roughly 6 miles in a tranquil 2.5-mile looping path through red and white pine trees planted thickly everywhere.

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Operating since 1915 Clearwater Historic Lodge situated at Mile 27 serves as access point to Clearwater Lake and multiple canoe routes deep into BWCAW.

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A dramatic 60-foot tall rock comprising magnetic iron ore disrupts compasses on a moderately difficult 3-mile round-trip hike at Mile 48.

Trail winds through regenerating burnt tracts richly endowed with blueberries and vibrant wildflowers blooming fervently during sweltering summer days.

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Museum exhibits sprawl across old Chik-Wauk Lodge site narrating Gunflint Trail's story through geology and wildlife alongside indigenous culture eerily.

Surrounding countryside boasts numerous short hiking trails amidst lush greenery and offers ample birdwatching opportunities under partly cloudy skies.

Gunflint Trail serves as major gateway into million-acre BWCAW protected wilderness area mostly accessible via non-motorized boats or lengthy portages.

Outfitters along route rent canoes and gear offer shuttle services and help plan multi-day treks deep into fairly rugged wilderness areas.

Tuscarora Lake and Saganaga Lake are entry points alongside Seagull Lake and Cross Bay Lake with crystal clear waters teeming with wildlife.Portage routes connecting these lakes facilitate abundant fishing in picturesque surroundings very quietly.

Gunflint region offers prime territory for spotting moose and black bears fairly frequently alongside timber wolves and foxes down by loons.

Birdwatchers might encounter well over a hundred and fifty species here naturally.

Northern boreal forest offers fantastic foraging opportunities for blueberries and raspberries in late summer and spectacular aurora borealis displays on dark nights.

Spring brings wildflowers blooming profusely around waterfalls and fewer crowds enjoy ice-out canoeing in serene surroundings atmospherically.

Warm days stretch languidly into balmy nights perfectly suited for rambling hikes and leisurely canoeing trips amidst lush surroundings full of ripe berries.

Brilliant foliage erupts in vibrant hues starting mid-September especially vividly among maples and birch under mostly cloudless autumnal skies.

Dog sledding and snowmobiling are exhilarating pursuits undertaken during winter alongside snowshoeing treks across frozen tundras under starry night skies.

Several mountain lodges stay open sporting meticulously groomed cross-country trails and offering surprisingly cozy heated cabins beneath snow-covered roofs.

Several long-established wilderness lodges and canoe outfitters are scattered haphazardly along Gunflint Trail with many nearby campgrounds also available.

Gunflint Lodge boasts upscale grub and fishing excursions expertly guided amidst secluded cabins deep in the rugged wilderness surroundings.

Tuscarora Lodge & Outfitters provides fairly comprehensive outfitting services quietly for adventurous trips into Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

Rustic U.

S.

Forest Service campground sits quietly at northern terminus of trail underneath a canopy of trees eerily still.

Several rustic lodges offer snug winterized cabins equipped with steamy saunas and crackling fireplaces making trails rather cozy winter destinations.

Practical info spans 57 miles one-way from Grand Marais toward Saganaga Lake's vicinity stretching fairly unevenly nearly 57 miles out.

Paved roads are fairly well maintained but winds terribly through hills with rather limited services available locally.

Drive super cautiously especially during harsh winter months on slippery roads with reduced visibility and extremely poor weather conditions.

Fuel and supplies are procurable solely in Grand Marais and at scattered lodges and outfitters sporadically situated throughout.

Cell service becomes sparse or nonexistent beyond 10 miles often abruptly and without warning in many areas.

Gunflint Trail offers deeply immersive wilderness experience nestled within Minnesota's vast and rugged natural landscapes somehow.

Gunflint Trail delivers serenity among trees and lakes for seasoned paddlers entering BWCAW and hikers exploring rugged trails with binoculars in hand.

Still largely untrammeled and wild this unusual amalgamation of rugged natural beauty cultural heritage and escapist adventure beckons.



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