This Just Might Be The Most Beautiful Hike In All Of Minnesota
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Betsy Rathburn
Author
With so much natural beauty in Minnesota, the most beautiful spot is up for debate. We all have our favorite lake, camping spot, or place to watch the sunset. Many of us also have a favorite hike – and Eagle Mountain might just be the most beautiful of them all. It may not be tall compared to a soaring Rocky Mountain peak, but this is high enough that if you climb it, you’ll see for miles. This beautiful hike is 7 miles round-trip and will take you 2,301 feet above Minnesota.
The trailhead is located 20 miles north of Grand Marais, near the intersection of Forest Road 153 and Forest Road 158.
Because it's in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, you'll need a permit to climb Eagle Mountain. You can get one at the permit station in the trailhead parking lot.
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You can also start on the Brule Lake Trail to the west. This will make your trek up the hill much longer, but you'll get to see a lot of gorgeous scenery, like Brule Lake, as you make your way towards the mountain.
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Regardless of where you start, the trek up Eagle Mountain is relatively easy. The trail rises gently over the first three miles. You'll see tons of stunning wildlife as you make your way through the untouched beauty of the BWCA.
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But don't get too comfortable. There'll be some spots where you need to watch your step.
The last section of the hike is the most challenging. The trail rises 400 feet over 1/2 a mile. The steep trail is littered with rocks and tree roots, so you'll want to take your time...
...but it'll all be worth it when you see that peek of the summit through the trees.
The summit is marked by a brass marker on a huge boulder. The marker details how Eagle Mountain was measured. Geologists estimate the rock is over a billion years old. Besides the marker, there's plenty to explore on the flat top of Eagle Mountain. But you'll probably be too focused on the spectacular view. From the top of Minnesota, you'll see the Boundary Waters Wilderness stretched out before you.
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When you make it to the top, you'll have a breathtaking view for miles.
How’s that for beautiful? Have you ever climbed Eagle Mountain? Do you have another favorite hike in Minnesota?
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