Hiking the Trails

     One of my favorite things to do in the fall is hike.  It’s perfect for those warm, sunny days when the wind is blowing and I don’t feel like fighting the waves.  The Gunflint Trail has some great hiking trails to choose from varying in length and difficulty.  I love to spend a couple of hours out in the woods but when I only have a short amount of time I have three favorites to choose from.  The Northern Light Lake Trail, Honeymoon Bluff, and Caribou Rock Trail are all short distance hikes with awesome fall vistas only a few steps away.  The following information is taken in part from the Gunflint Trail Association Hiking brochure.

The Northern Light Lake Trail is located 13.1 miles from Grand Marais, 2.25 miles past Trout Lake Road.  It is about a half of a mile up to blueberry hill with a great view of Northern Light Lake and the expansive wilderness below.  A 1 mile round trip hike.

Honeymoon Bluff is located 3.5 miles down the Clearwater Road(County Road 66 is 28 miles from Grand Marais).  It is a 3/4 of a mile hike up a few sets of stairs to an overlook of Hungry Jack Lake and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness beyond. This is a great place to hike for a view of the sunset and is only 1.5 miles round trip.

Caribou Rock Trail is accessed via the Hungry Jack Road(County Road 65) approximately 28 miles from Grand Marais.  This trail is an access trail to the beautiful Stairway Portage and the Border Route Hiking Trail but within the first 3/4 mile there are beautiful overlooks.  A short uphill hike will get you to views of West Bearskin, Moss and Duncan Lake.  A 1.5 mile round trip hike to and from the scenic vistas.

     These three trails are perfect for people hiking with kids or for those who are short on time.  They offer spectacular views and the opportunity to get out and stretch your legs without spending all day in the woods.  The next time you are up on the Gunflint Trail be sure to check out one of these trails  or the many others accessed in our area.