Snowbank Trail

Snowbank Trail is a long loop hiking route in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) that runs the perimeter of Snowbank Lake and crosses the Kekekabic Trail on the south side of Snowbank Lake.

The mapped hike comes out to about 24.61 km (28.1 miles) and is commonly described as a rugged, challenging overnight-style loop with multiple ups and downs, plus spurs/game trails that can lure you off-route.

Expect navigation work: parts aren’t always clearly marked, and cairns/flagging are part of how the route is followed. Past blowdowns have affected trail clarity, so staying oriented matters.

The loop system is managed as a “Snowbank Trail system” that incorporates several loops while circling Snowbank Lake, Parent Lake, and Disappointment Lake, and it shares trail with the Kekekabic Trail.

BWCAW backcountry camping is available along the route on designated sites near Snowbank Lake, and those sites include fire grates and latrines. Access to the lake is via a boat ramp and dock, with overland approach described as coming in from the Snowbank Lake Road area.

You’ll need BWCAW entry permits for hiking in the wilderness. Facilities are for non-motorized use only, you’re limited to established fire/tent/waste practices (no new fire rings or extra cat holes), and you should plan on packing out your garbage.

The corridor is open year-round, and the trail can be navigated with a map/compass and/or GPS backup given no cell coverage; bringing a reliable navigation setup is a core part of the trip planning.

More information: Wikipedia, Visitor information, Ely, Minnesota Hiking Trails: Wilderness Hiking in Ely MN