Take A Tour Around Three Remote Lakes Along This Secret Trail Through Northern Minnesota
By Betsy Rathburn|Published March 17, 2021
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Betsy Rathburn
Author
Betsy is a Minneapolis-based writer who's lived in Minnesota for 20 years. If you know of any amazing Minnesota restaurants, nature areas, or other attractions, feel free to let her know about them at brathburn@onlyinyourstate.com or on Twitter @betsyrathburn.
The Land of 10,000 Lakes is crisscrossed with dozens upon dozens of trails. It’s easy to find paths that lead through forests, along riverbanks and lakeshores, and even to gorgeous waterfalls. We’ve covered some of Minnesota’s most popular hikes in the past, but there are many more to discover. Today, we want to introduce the little-known Secret/Blackstone Hiking Trail. Read on below to learn about what you’ll find as you hike this beautiful trail through northern Minnesota.
About 20 miles northeast of Ely, Minnesota, within the wooded lands of the Superior National Forest, the Secret/Blackstone Hiking Trail takes visitors on a trip to up to three different lakes.
The trailhead is accessed by following Highway 169 to Moose Lake Road, then following Moose Lake Road for two miles to the parking area. While the hike is far away for most Minnesotans, it's well worth the journey into the wilderness to get there.
The trail consists of three separate areas. The Blackstone Lake loop is 2.1 miles, and the Secret Loop is 3.1 miles. Ennis Lake is a 3-mile, there-and-back trail. All together, this hike could be a great way to spend an entire day outside.
As you hike, you'll travel under the branches of beautiful trees. They'll shade your way on sunny days, as well as provide glimpses of the birds and other critters that live within their boughs. On the ground, many hikers see wildflowers along the trail.
Look closely, and you may be able to see aquatic critters doing their work within the lakes. Turtles bask on sunny rocks, while beavers build lodges on the water.
You can even pack a lunch and eat along the water. Because this trail is fairly remote, you'll be unlikely to run into too many other people. It will be a day of beauty, peace, and quiet.
Next time you're looking for a new adventure in northern Minnesota, consider a hike along the Secret/Blackstone Hiking Trail. These lakeside loops are full of nature's beauty.
For more information about the Secret/Blackstone Hiking Trail, including maps, miles, and detailed trailhead information, visit its page on the USDA Forest Service website.
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