Magnetic Rock Trail

Magnetic Rock Trail is a short hiking route off the Gunflint Trail near Grand Marais in the Superior National Forest. It’s mapped as a long-distance member route (part of the larger Border Route Trail network), but most hikers do it as an out-and-back to Magnetic Rock itself.

The standard hike length for the Magnetic Rock Trail out-and-back is about 3 miles, taking roughly 1 to 1.5 hours. Expect rock-floored tread with exposed bedrock and sections that are marked by cairns through treeless, rocky areas.

A notable early landmark is Larch Creek, which the route crosses on the way to Magnetic Rock. The trail also passes through areas affected by the 2007 Ham Lake Fire, where standing dead trees remain and open patches provide multiple look points along the route.

The destination feature is a roughly 60-foot magnetic rock formation that has enough iron-rich bedrock in the area to affect compass readings—plan to check your bearings if you’re using a compass near the feature.

Access is from the Gunflint Trail (Cook County Highway 12): the pull-out parking is on the right-hand side near a Magnetic Rock sign. The area is within Superior National Forest, and a self-issued day pass is required at the trailhead.

This route is open year-round and is non-motorized. Because it’s in wilderness terrain with no cell coverage, bring solid footwear, water, and the ability to navigate with map and compass (GPS can be unreliable).

More information: Visitor information, Hiking the Magnetic Rock Trail on the Gunflint Trail, Magnetic Rock Trail in the BWCA