Gunflint Trail Scenic Byway

A National Scenic Byway, the Gunflint Trail begins in picturesque Grand Marais, MN, and travels 57 miles to Saganaga Lake on the MN/Ontario border. The route is surrounded by the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The roadway began as a footpath for Native Americans and the first settlers to the area. It now provides access to the BWCAW and the 20+ resorts and canoe outfitters.

Highlights and Key Points Along the Route

(Mileage is from Grand Marais, MN)

Pincushion Recreation Area and Overlook - County Road 53 - 2.5 milesLittle Devil Track River - 4 miles

Hedstrom's Lumber Mill - 5.9 miles

George Washington Forest Ski and Hiking Area - 6.9 miles

"The Gunflint Pines" - old growth Eastern White Pine - 9.5 miles

Moose Viewing parking and trail - 22.7 miles

Swamper Lake - 23.7 miles

Mayhew Lake parking and historic sign - 35.6 miles

Ham Lake Fire Area - 37.9 miles to end of Trail

Gunflint Lake and Magnetic Lake Overlook, historic sign, Ham Lake Fire area - 44.2 miles

Cross River - ancient glacial watershed, Sudbury Meteorite fallout impact sites, PAD&W historic railroad route - 46.7 miles

Kekakabic and Centennial Trails (historic trail) trailhead - 47.7 miles

Magnetic Rock Trail Ttrailhead - 47.8 miles

Blankenburg Landing, boat and canoe access to Seagull Lake - 51.2 miles

County Road 81 - Moose Pond Road - access to Chik-Wauk Museum & Nature Center - 54.7 miles

End of the Trail Campground, Seagull and Saganaga Lake access - 56 miles

The Gunflint Trail is surrounded to the east and west by the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

Length of Scenic Drive

57 miles

Driving Directions

From Duluth, MN, travel 110 miles north and east on Highway 61 (North Shore Scenic Drive) to Grand Marais, MN. The Gunflint Trail begins in Grand Marais, MN, and is also known as Cook County Road 12.