Border Route Trail

Border Route Trail (BRT) is a 65-mile-long wilderness hiking route in northeastern Minnesota that follows the international border between Minnesota and Ontario, Canada. The footpath crosses extensive backcountry in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and also threads through Superior National Forest, so the experience is remote and terrain-focused rather than trailhead-to-trailhead.

The route is rugged and strenuous, built around steep ridgelines and frequent changes in terrain. It’s known for rough travel—rocky ground, rooty footing, and sections that can run overgrown or fade enough that you need strong map-and-compass skills to hold the route.

The trail connects to the Kekekabic Trail at its western end (at the Gunflint Trail / County Road 12) and reaches the Superior Hiking Trail at its eastern end near Otter Lake Road. Typical planning aims for a 4–6 day thru-hike of the full 65-mile route, with many hikers also splitting it into shorter section hikes using spur trails.

Because a large majority of the route lies in the BWCAW, overnight trips require permits for entry into the wilderness. Permits are required year-round for BWCAW entry, and permit quotas mean you should plan ahead for the dates you want to start.

For navigation, conditions can be remote and the route may require frequent confirmation because it can fade. Thru-hikers commonly rely on offline maps and dedicated route-finding resources, and the route can require re-routing around downed or cleared obstacles depending on season.

The BRT has long-distance recognition through its designation as part of the North Country National Scenic Trail (with official designation in 2019). Maintenance and clearing are coordinated by the Border Route Trail Association and other partners, so volunteer clearing seasons in spring and fall can affect what you encounter on the ground.

Surface is mapped as ground footway for the route, and the route passes through a wilderness mix where navigation and weather can change travel speed quickly. Expect long, sustained walking effort rather than a short day hike tempo, especially in the BWCAW portion.

More information: Official website, Official website, Backpacking the Border Route Trail | 65 Miles on the ...