Fill Your Bucket on This Minnesota Hiking Trail Lined With Wild Blueberries

One of the best things about living in the Land of 10,000 Lakes is our state's natural beauty, and there's nothing better than finding a wild fruit hiking trail in Minnesota that locals keep as a delicious secret. All the nature we're blessed with isn't just for show—there are some downright delicious aspects to it, as well. That’s right; if you know when to go, you can find wild blueberries along the Magnetic Rock Trail in the northeastern part of the state.

Where To Find This Unique Hiking Trail in Minnesota

The Magnetic Rock Trail is a truly gorgeous hike tucked away in the Superior National Forest and Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). You’ll find the trailhead about 48 miles up the Gunflint Trail from Grand Marais, which makes it one of the best hiking trails in Minnesota for travelers who want to escape the more crowded lake paths. This 4.3-mile, out-and-back hike has so much to offer, from pristine wilderness to fascinating rock outcroppings.

What Makes This Wild Fruit Hiking Trail So Special

This is a unique hiking trail in Minnesota because it blends geological mysteries with a sweet seasonal reward. After a little elevation gain, you're treated to sweeping views out over the Misquah Hills and our beautiful Northwoods, making it one of the scenic nature trails in Minnesota that I always recommend to friends.

A little over 2 miles into the hike, you’ll encounter the 30-foot-tall monolith known as Magnetic Rock, which has such high iron content that it will actually mess with your compass. It’s the perfect spot for a snack and water break before you start looking for those famous berries.

What Kinds of Wild Fruit You Might Discover

Speaking of snacks, in late July and August, there’s even more to be grateful for along the trail: wild blueberries. These sun-loving plants have thrived here since the 2007 Ham Lake fire scorched the area, turning this stretch into one of the premier fruit picking hikes Minnesota has to offer. You might also find some wild raspberries or thimbleberries if you keep your eyes peeled in the shaded sections. Just make sure you follow foraging safety guidelines and only pick what you can identify with 100 percent certainty. These little bursts of flavor are true hidden gems in Minnesota that make the long drive up the Gunflint worth every mile.

What To Know Before You Visit This Minnesota Trail

Timing: I suggest arriving early in the morning during berry season to beat the midday heat and the insects.

Gear: Wear proper sun protection because parts of the trail are quite exposed, and definitely bring plenty of bug spray.

Navigation: Cell service is spotty at best on the Gunflint Trail, so I recommend downloading maps for offline use before you leave Grand Marais.

Etiquette: Pick your fill, but be sure to leave some for other hikers—and for the black bears and moose that enjoy them just as much as we do!

Best Time of Year To Hike This Wild Fruit Trail

If you want to experience this as a Minnesota hiking trail with berries, you have to time your visit for the height of summer. Even if you miss the berry-picking window, it is still a beautiful spot to visit and explore, because the autumn colors in the BWCAW are absolutely unbeatable. You can also hit many of the Minnesota state parks worth visiting in autumn on your way back down the North Shore.

You can always check AllTrails or the Superior National Forest website for the latest trail conditions before you head out. Exploring the outdoors here always feels like a gift, especially when you get to bring home a little taste of the wilderness with you.