A Complete Guide to the Gunflint Trail, Minnesota

10/28/2022

**Updated : October 2022**
Use the map to see a visual of all our recommendations - click the arrow next to our photo to have a pop up list! This post may also contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you purchase a product via these links, with no extra cost to you!

What and Where is the Gunflint?

The Gunflint Trail begins in Grand Marais, and ends about 57 miles down the road. In our opinion this area is one of Minnesota’s best places to explore, and it’s not too overcrowded yet (like the North Shore). Not to mention it borders the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). After spending one week with Voyageur Canoe Outfitters in one of their cabins, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite day trips in the area. I want to be clear by saying that we did not do overnight portages while we were there since it was a bit late in the season, but instead took various day hikes, canoe trips, and fishing trips to the places they best recommended. If you are planning on portaging, we would recommend visiting during warmer, summer months. If you're looking to have the area to yourself, we recommend visiting in October like we did - we truly loved having the entire area to ourselves and there was still so much to explore! The only downside was a majority of lodge restaurants and cafes were closed, so it’s essential to bring your own food if staying for more than just a day. As promised, listed below are some of the most recommended hiking, canoeing, and fishing spots for day trips along the Gunflint Trail!

Best Things to Do on the Gunflint

Before we begin, let’s talk permits. Some hikes and lakes require you to have a permit before you head out. This is why we highly recommend going through an outfitter like Voyageur Canoe Outfitters - they’ll be able to answer all the questions you have about permits and where to get them. We’ve only included areas on this list that did not require a permit for use, however it’s always important to double check before heading out as these things can change. The most common permit needed is the self-issued BWCAW day permit that is required for hiking - if required these should be located at the trailhead, all you need to do is fill one out and bring it with you as there is no quota or day limit on these. All required permits can be found here.

1. Hiking

Considerably one of the best areas in Minnesota for hiking, but be prepared for lots of rocks and slippery surfaces. We highly recommend wearing grippy hiking shoes when you’re getting out to explore this area, and bringing safety essentials like food, water, sunscreen, map, compass, and a first aid kit. Below we’ve listed some of our favorite hikes along the Gunflint Trail, starting with those closest to Grand Marais.

Read our entire guide to Grand Marais here!

Gunflint High Cliffs

Honeymoon Bluff

Gunflint High Cliffs

Magnetic Rock

Superior Hiking Trail : Alright, so it’s safe to say we haven’t hiked all 200+ miles of the Superior Hiking Trail, but the areas we have done are incredible. There are many different access points, but along the Gunflint Trail it can be accessed from the Pincushion Mountain trails about 2.5 miles north of Grand Marais.
George Washington Memorial Pines : Located 7 miles north of Grand Marais, this 3 mile easy loop brings you through a white and red pine forest with some beautiful wildflowers in the summer months.
Northern Light Lake Overlook : Located 10 miles north of Grand Marais, this 0.5 mile trail leads you to the top of Blueberry Hill to overlook Northern Light Lake.
Moose Viewing Trail : Located 22 miles north of Grand Marais, this easy 1 mile loop leads you to a wildlife viewing platform. We didn’t see any wildlife here ourselves, but there’s always a chance!
Honeymoon Bluff : One of our favorite hikes we did on our recent trip, all we can say is we’ve never seen Minnesota from a view like this! This hike is a 1.5 mile loop and although we thought it was pretty easy, the stairs during the first half of the hike designate it as “difficult.” The views are worth it though! Located about 27 miles north of Grand Marais.
Gunflint Lake Trails : Although we haven’t done this hike ourselves, we’ve heard the 26 miles bring you to spectacular views of Gunflint Lake and the Canadian shoreline. Located about 45 miles north of Grand Marais.
Gunflint High Cliffs : Located about 44 miles north of Grand Marais, you’ll park in the Gunflint Northwoods Outfitters lot. You can stop in the lodge for directions to the trailhead, which is about a 1.5 mile hike out and back hike to some incredible views overlooking Gunflint Lake and even Canada!
Centennial Loop : This 3.3 mile loop is considered moderate and brings you to the Paulsen Mine. Tyler liked this hike but said it was pretty steep and rocky - but the views were beautiful. Located about 48 miles north of Grand Marais.
Magnetic Rock Trail : Tyler’s favorite hike during our recent trip up the Gunflint. This 3 mile round trip easy hike brings you to a giant magnetic rock, seriously. We were actually pretty amazed at how big this rock was. We highly recommend bringing a compass too - we didn’t have one with us but were told that the needle will spin in circles once you get close! Located about 48 miles north of Grand Marais.
Chic-Walk Museum & Nature Trails : Stop here for some family friendly exhibits, activities, nature programs, and to visit their gift shop! They have 6 hiking trails onsite too! Located about 55 miles north of Grand Marais.

2. Canoeing

You can’t take a trip to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness without at least spending a few hours out on a canoe. We based at Voyageur Canoe Outfitters and were provided with one during our stay. Although it was pretty chilly at the end of October, and we were a little worried about tipping the canoe, we still made some day trips to some of these nearby lakes.

Gull Lake : Starting at Voyageur Canoe Outfitters, paddles down the Seagull River into Gull Lake.
Gulf & Romance Lakes : Starting at Voyageur Canoe Outfitters, paddle across the river, then hike their trail to Gulf Lake. From here you can paddle across and then portage 10 yards to Romance Lake.
Seagull Lake : Make sure to stop at the 75 foot tall palisade and hike to the top!
Silver Falls : Starting at Voyageur Canoe Outfitters, take their tow boat service to Hook Island. From there you can paddle to the ranger station and visit Quetico Park for the day!
Larch Creek : Drive down to Larch Creek and paddle the creek to Larch Lake.

3. Fishing

Kimball Lake : A 2 mile easy hike at a designated trout lake. Located about 10.9 miles north of Grand Marais on the Gunflint Trail this hike goes around the entire lake with dozens of fishing spots along the shoreline.
Saganaga Lake : This is one of the only lakes in the area that allows motors (up to 25 horsepower) and is known for having Walleye, Lake Trout, Northerns and Smallmouth Bass. It is a pretty large lake, so we recommend asking your outfitter or guide where the best spot to go would be. Located at the end of the Gunfling about 57 miles north of Grand Marais.
Gulf & Romance Lakes : Located about 56 miles north of Grand Marais, this adventure begins at Voyageur Canoe Outfitters! Paddle across the river then follow their trail to Gulf Lake and fish for northern! From here you can also portage 10 yards to Romance Lake for Northerns and Smallmouth Bass.
Seagull Lake : Also located about 56 miles north of Grand Marais, this larger lake has Walleye, Northerns, Lake Trout, and Smallmouth Bass.
Ice Fishing : This area is known for its numerous trout lakes and spots, and Walleye fishing is open until mid April on Saganaga Lake. Voyageur Canoe Outfitters can arrange a guide for you as well!

4. Snowmobiling

Did you know there are about 700 miles of snowmobiling through the Superior National Forest? Us either. Snowmobiles are permitted to travel on any snowmobile trail or service roads that haven’t been snowplowed or closed. They can also go off trails and roads as long as the area isn’t restricted or closed

5. Snowshoeing & Cross Country Skiing

Did you know there are over 200 kilometers of groomed trails?? Again, us either. They also get over 100 inches of annual snowfall, making it the perfect spot for some winter activities!

6. Dogsledding & Sleigh Rides

We have to be honest here, we always thought dog sledding was a thing only in Alaska, but turns out you can enjoy this activity right here in Minnesota! Voyageur Canoe Outfitters can arrange a day trip, half day trip, or even a chance for you to learn how to mush your own team of dogs! Looking for something a little calmer? Have them arrange an old fashioned sleigh ride and hot chocolate by a warm fire!

7. Northern Lights

The BWCAW and Gunflint Trail areas are the best in Minnesota for Northern Lights watching. Head out on a clear night and check the Aurora Alerts App for the KP index! Our favorite spot to head out to watch is the Trails End Campground at the very end of the Gunflint Trail!

Watch our best tips for Northern Lights viewing here!

8. Wildlife Watching

While driving, hiking, and exploring the Gunflint Trail keep your eyes out for wildlife! We saw 4 moose and a wolf - but you also have the chance to see deer, black bears, lynx, fox, loons, owls, eagles, beavers, and river otters! This brings me to say, never approach wildlife - you want to keep a distance between you and the animal in case it decides to charge or attack. Since living in Alaska, we always also bring bear spray with us for worst case scenarios.

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