4 Underrated National Forest Hikes in Minnesota That Rival Isle Royale National Park’s Trails

Isle Royale National Park, which is technically located in Michigan but geographically closer to Minnesota, is one of the most remote and least visited national parks in the Lower 48. The park comprises the largest island in Lake Superior and several neighboring islets, and it is only accessible by water or air. Because of its remote location and high latitude, the park is only open seasonally, as reaching it in the winter would be not only difficult but also dangerous.

Fortunately, however, you can experience much of the same terrain—with views of rugged Lake Superior shoreline, boreal forest, and pristine inland lakes—and may even encounter moose or wolves in Minnesota's Superior National Forest. Better still, you can hit these four national forest trails in Minnesota any time of the year—and you won't need a boat or a plane to reach the trailheads.

1. Superior Hiking Trail - South Caribou Lake to Cascade River State Park

The 8.9-mile segment of the Superior Hiking Trail from the South Caribou Lake trailhead to Cascade River State Park offers some of the best vistas of Lake Superior on the entire trail. This point-to-point hike is moderately challenging but offers views across pristine northern forests to the Big Lake that rival those you'd see on Isle Royale. Better still, the end of your hike will take you along the waterfalls of the Cascade River gorge and finish at the rugged Lake Superior shoreline.

2. Caribou Rock Trail

You'll find the trailhead for the Caribou Rock Trail off the Gunflint Trail, about 25 miles north of Grand Marais. This challenging hike is around 8 miles out and back, and it treats you to beautiful views of the Superior National Forest, several lakes within the Boundary Waters, and it marks its turning point at Rose Falls, which tumbles between two pristine lakes.

3. Honeymoon Bluff Trail

The incredibly scenic Honeymoon Bluff Trail is also accessed from the Gunflint Trail. Although it's a relatively short hike—a half-mile loop—it's moderately challenging due to rough terrain and an uphill scramble. But it pays off big in views across Hungry Jack and Wampus Lakes. If you've only got time for a short hike, this is the one for you.

4. Border Route Trail

If you're looking for an adventure that rivals the 40-mile Greenstone Ridge Trail on Isle Royale—the national park's longest—the remote Border Route Trail is an apt substitute. This rugged 64-mile, point-to-point trail traverses a section of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness along the Canadian border (hence the name). It's the northernmost segment of the North Country National Scenic Trail, and like the Greenstone Ridge Trail, it will take a few days for most people to complete. Also, like the Greenstone Ridge Trail, you'll need a permit for your overnight trek into the Boundary Waters.

If you're longing for a taste of Isle Royale but can't make the journey, these Superior National Forest trails—or any of many other fantastic hikes in Minnesota—should tide you over until you can make the journey.