The Labor of Trail in the Boundary Waters

The Border Route Trail on the eastern side of the BWCA continues to grow in popularity and use. The trail is 65-miles long and follows the international border between Minnesota and Ontario. It is the first long-distance, wilderness backpacking and hiking trail in Minnesota planned and constructed by volunteers.

In the spring of 2025, just as the ice was leaving many of the lakes across the Boundary Waters, the P&P team met up with a group of volunteers to learn more about the history, current status, and future of the Border Route Trail.

This episode is supported by Northstar Canoes, Bending Branches, Borderland Lodge, and Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness. 

The BRT crew are looking for volunteers, specifically younger folks, to help keep this trail open and available for public use. These are public lands, so it's important we all do our part to keep these trails accessible. Learn more here: https://www.borderroutetrail.org/