Border Route Trail BWCAW Permit
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness · Minnesota
A 53-mile trail along the Canadian border in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, from the Gunflint Trail east to McFarland Lake, connecting the Kekekabic Trail to the Superior Hiking Trail.
Get an alert when Border Route Trail opens on your dates.
70% of the openings our scanner caught on Border Route Trail were gone within 5 minutes.
Border Route Trail reservation dates
- Season
- May 1 (quota permit season opens) to September 30 (quota permit season ends; self-issued permits October 1 to April 30)
- route distance, point to point
- 53mi
- max group size
- 9people
Border Route Trail elevation profile
Border Route Trail West Trailhead (Round Lake / Gunflint Trail) to McFarland Lake / Border Route Trail East TrailheadBorder Route Trail West Trailhead (Round Lake / Gunflint Trail)
Western terminus on the Gunflint Trail, connecting to the Kekekabic Trail.
- Mile
- 0
- Elevation
- ≈1,744 ft
Border Route Trail landmarks
How to get a Border Route Trail permit
As of September 2026, Border Route Trail in Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Minnesota requires a permit issued via reservation. Border Route Trail rates 6/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. Cancelled Border Route Trail permits are re-released on the booking system, and PermitSnag alerts you the moment one opens. The permit season for Border Route Trail runs May 1 (quota permit season opens) through September 30 (quota permit season ends; self-issued permits October 1 to April 30). The Border Route Trail route covers 53 miles, rated strenuous.
- Type
- Thru-Hike
- Location
- Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Superior National Forest, along the Minnesota-Ontario border, MN
Step 1: Create a Recreation.gov account
Sign up at Recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Have your payment info ready.
Step 2: Know the release schedule
Permits release on a rolling basis. Check the release time for your dates.
Step 3: Be ready when permits drop
Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.
Step 4: Monitor for cancellations
If your dates are sold out, people cancel all the time. Set up PermitSnag alerts to catch openings instantly.
More on Border Route Trail: Live availability activityWhen Border Route Trail permits open upBorder Route Trail BWCAW permit itinerary
How much a Border Route Trail permit costs
Border Route Trail permit fee: $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.
The Border Route Trail hike
- Distance
- 53 miles
- Route Type
- Point to Point
- Duration
- 5-7 days
- Difficulty
- Strenuous
How hard the Border Route Trail hike is
- Physical DemandFitness and endurance required5/5
- Technical SkillClimbing, scrambling, or specialized skills2/5
- NavigationRoute finding and trail clarity2/5
- CommitmentDifficulty of bailing out mid-route4/5
Best for: Experienced hikers with excellent fitness and relevant technical skills.
Recommended experience: Should have completed 10+ mile day hikes with significant elevation gain.
When to hike Border Route Trail
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (5,000 ft)
Backcountry Tips
- Day 3: 72% chance of precipitation. Pack rain gear.
Today
65°
54°
26%
Mon
66°
44°
Tue
65°
58°
72%
Wed
68°
57°
38%
Thu
59°
40°
Fri
54°
35°
Sat
57°
41°
Border Route Trail rules, gear and safety
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Border Route Trail.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Border Route Trail · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
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Border Route Trail FAQ
Do I need a permit to hike the Border Route Trail?
Yes. The Border Route Trail Association is direct about it: permits are required year round for everyone entering the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, which the entire trail runs through. From May 1 to September 30 that means a paid, quota-limited reservation; the rest of the year it is a free self-registration at a trailhead kiosk.
Which BWCAW entry point should I use for the Border Route Trail?
Entry point #81 (west), #82 (center) or #83 (east), depending where you start.
How long is the Border Route Trail thru-hike?
The Forest Service's Border Route Trail page gives 53 miles; most hikers plan 5 to 7 days for the full route.
What connects at each end of the Border Route Trail?
The west end meets the Kekekabic Trail, and the east end connects toward the Superior Hiking Trail. All three, together, are counted as part of the North Country National Scenic Trail corridor.
Border Route Trail trail conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions
No active conditions reported
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Trip Reports
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Write the First ReportAlternatives to a Border Route Trail permit
Where to stay near Border Route Trail
- Trails End CampgroundSuperior National Forest
- Iron Lake campgroundSuperior National Forest
- Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National ForestSuperior National Forest
- All Minnesota campgrounds
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