Kekekabic Trail Permit: Route and Dates
Kekekabic Trail permits are booked by advance reservation in Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The route covers 39 miles.
This guide covers the Kekekabic Trail BWCAW permit.
$16/adult + $8/child per person per trip (May 1 to September 30 quota season) plus a $6 non-refundable reservation fee; free self-registration October 1 to April 30
Permit Cost
3-5 days
Duration
39 miles
Distance
strenuous
Difficulty
About Kekekabic Trail
A 39-mile point-to-point trail through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, from Snowbank Lake near Ely to the Gunflint Trail, past the lake the trail is named for.
The Kekekabic Trail
- Distance
- 39 miles
- Route type
- point-to-point
- Trip length
- 3-5 days
- Difficulty
- strenuous
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Superior National Forest, Minnesota. Nearest town: Ely, MN (west) / Grand Marais, MN (east)
Points along the route
- Kekekabic Trail East Trailhead (Fernberg Road / Snowbank Lake)Mile 0, 1,481 ft
- Drumstick LakeMile 8.5, 1,568 ft
- Medas LakeMile 11, 1,552 ft
- Strup LakeMile 18, 1,580 ft
- Whist LakeMile 18.7, 1,553 ft
- Harness LakeMile 22.6, 1,663 ft
- Bushwah LakeMile 23.5, 1,666 ft
- Kekekabic Lake1,468 ft
- Chip LakeMile 31.5, 1,681 ft
- Seahorse LakeMile 32.3, 1,687 ft
- Warclub LakeMile 33.6, 1,692 ft
- Fay LakeMile 34.6, 1,702 ft
- Bingshick LakeMile 35.4, 1,737 ft
- Mine LakeMile 36.9, 1,775 ft
- Kekekabic Trail West Trailhead (Gunflint Trail / Round Lake)Mile 39, 1,744 ft
Kekekabic Trail permit detailsandAll Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness permits
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This guide is based on personal experience obtaining wilderness permits and is regularly updated to reflect current policies and strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a Kekekabic Trail permit?
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Kekekabic Trail permits require advance reservations. Book online as soon as reservations open for your desired dates.
When can I use a Kekekabic Trail permit?
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The season typically runs May 1 (quota permit season opens) to September 30 (quota permit season ends; self-issued permits October 1 to April 30). Check with BWCAW for exact dates.
How long is the Kekekabic Trail route?
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The route is 39 miles, as a point-to-point. Plan on 3-5 days.
How difficult is the Kekekabic Trail route?
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This is a strenuous route, demanding and requires excellent fitness.
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