Border Region


Western terminus of the Kekekabic Trail to the eastern terminus of the Border Route Trail.

The Border Route and Kekekabic Trail sections are now official parts the NCNST route through Minnesota. The aptly named Border Route Trail (BRT) parallels the US-Canada border and is about half within the million-acre Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). Upon reaching the end of the BRT at the famed Gunflint Trail (a road, Cook County Hwy 12), the NCT picks up the Kekekabic Trail (“the Kek”), which heads west mostly within the BWCAW to Snowbank Lake Rd., northeast of Ely.

Header photo by Melanie McManus

kety DataKey Data

Need to Know

These BWCAW trails offer a unique Wilderness hiking experience but should be attempted only by experienced backpackers or wilderness travelers. Backcountry experience, and land navigation skills are necessary. Wilderness permits are required year-round and the trails are very remote. Dispersed camping is allowed but designated campsites exist.