National Trails Day BWCA Hikes

Multiple Locations on Kekekabic Trail

A bearded man with hiking poles stands next to a lake in the BWCA. Text: Friends of the Boundary Waters National Trails Day BWCA Hikes June 3, 2023

Date: Saturday June 3rd 2023
Time: 10:00 am start, hikes conclude approximately 2:30pm
Difficulty: moderate/strenuous
Location: Multiple. Two groups will start at the Snowbank Lake trailhead, one group will start at the Snowbank Lake boat launch for a short boat ride across the lake, and one group will start at the Gunflint Trail Kekekabic Trail head.


Join friends, new and old, on National Trails Day to explore sections of the Kekekabic Trail! Stretching 39 miles across the BWCAW, this trail connects the western and eastern sides of the wilderness. There will be four groups hiking different sections of the trail; 3 near Snowbank Lake and 1 off the Gunflint Trail.

The hikes will be approximately 4 hours, so please bring water and snacks. Chik-Wauk will be providing a naturalist to enhance the experience on the Gunflint hike. The hikers on the Snowbank Side will have the opportunity to gather for a cookout and to hear stories of the North Country Trail at Snowbank Lodge at 3:00.


Choose from these four hikes (limit 8 people per hike)

1. Hike south on Kekekabic Trail– Gather at Snowbank Lake Road Kekeabic Trailhead (Map)
2. Hike north on Snowbank Trail– Gather at Snowbank Lake Road Kekeabic Trailhead (Map)
3. Motor a short ways across Snowbank Lake and then Hike the Becoosin Loop of the Kekekabic Trail– Gather at the Snowbank Lake boat launch  (Map)
4. Hike the Kekekabic from the Gunflint– Gather at eastern Kekekabic Trailhead- Chik-Wauk’s naturalist will share knowledge of the Northwoods. (Map)


Thanks to our partners! Kekekabic Trail Chapter of the North Country Trail Association, Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center, Snowbank Lodge.

For additional hiking resources in and around the BWCAW, please visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/superior/recreation/hiking