Hiking.

With the vast expanses of land that exist in this area, hiking is a popular activity for residents and visitors alike. Within a short drive of the Kabetogama Township, there are miles upon miles of trails across lands owned by the Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota Woodenfrog State Forest Campground Kabetogama lakeside trails, Kabetogama State Forest USDA Forest Service, Minnesota DNR, and other local organizations.

The hiking trails provide great opportunities to simply stretch your legs, go birdwatching, pick blue berries, enjoy the views from the scenic overlooks, or have a picnic or shore-lunch fish fry with your friends and family. 

The trails in the area range from handicap-cap accessible to more difficult levels and overall length, so you can pick the best type of trail and hike for you and your group.

Hiking Trails.

  • This narrow, winding, rocky trail exposes users to the wonders of the boreal forest. This path is great for birding, it is also frequented by deer and other wildlife. From closed in forest to post card worthy views of Kabetogama Lake, this lollipop loop trail has it all.

    Type: Hiking

    Duration: 1-3 Hours

    Reservations: No

    Pets: No

    Location: Near Ash River Visitor Center

    Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

    Time Of Day: Day, Dawn, Dusk

  • Wander through deciduous and conifer forest as the trail twists around the edge of a cattail filled wetland and past rocks deposited by ancient glaciers. Look for signs of wildlife as you hike to two different overlooks with marsh and lake views.

    Type: Hiking

    Duration: 45-80 Minutes

    Reservations: No

    Pets: No

    Location: Near Rainy Lake Visitor Center

    Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

    Time Of Day: Day, Dawn, Dusk

  • A short uphill hike through an aspen and pine forest leads to a rocky outcrop high above a beaver pond. Although beavers are no longer active at this pond, this trail provides great birding opportunities, and the possibility of spotting large wildlife.

    Type: Hiking

    Duration: 10-30 Minutes

    Reservations: No

    Pets: No

    Location: Near Ash River Visitor Center

    Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

    Time Of Day: Day, Dawn, Dusk

  • This easy hike along an old forest road leads you through both coniferous and deciduous forest. The trail ends at a viewpoint on Sullivan Bay with a picnic table and fire ring. It treats those who are interested in geology with lots of exposed rock, created by volcanic activity over 2 billion years ago.

    Type: Hiking

    Duration: 30-90 Minutes

    Reservations: No

    Pets: No

    Location: Near Ash River Visitor Center

    Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

    Time Of Day: Day, Dawn, Dusk

  • This multi-day trail connects the Kabetogama and Ash River communities. Travel through backcountry forests and wetlands on this extensive system of interconnected trails. With four trailheads, you can explore smaller sections, or for the adventurous, a thru-hike is possible. Visit one of our three visitor centers to learn our rangers' favorite sections to hike. Difficulty: Strenuous Hiking Distance: 27.9 miles(44.9-km) one-way.

    Type: Backcountry Hiking

    Duration: 1-5 Days

    Reservations: No

    Pets: No

    Location: Near Ash River Visitor Center, Ash River Community, Ash River Trail, Near Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center

    Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

  • This trail accessible year-round. Once sufficient snowfall accumulates, the trail will continue be groomed for classic, cross country skiing that leads to the Tilson Bay Trails that are managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

    Type: Cross-Country Skiing

    Duration: 15-40 Minutes

    Reservations: Yes

    Pets: No

    Location: Near the Rainy Lake Visitor Center

    Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

  • The Rainy Lake Recreation Trail offers visitors a peaceful experience as it meanders along the park road, into the woods, and around rock outcrops. This paved trail is a great option for leashed pets, bicyclists, walkers, runners, and snowshoers to take in the views of forest, lake, and marsh scenery. It is a non-strenuous, accessible trail that requires about 1.5 hours round trip to complete.

    Type: Hiking

    Duration: 1-2 Hours

    Reservations: No

    Pets: Yes

    Location: Rainy Lake Recreation Trail

    Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

  • This short trail takes you through a section of forest revealing the changes in the forest at different elevations. Growing trees have blocked the overlook that used to be at the parking area. There are picnic tables and grills by the parking area.

    Type: Hiking

    Duration: 10-30 Minutes

    Reservations: No

    Pets: No

    Location: Near Ash River Visitor Center

    Season: Spring, Summer, Fall

    Time Of Day: Day, Dawn, Dusk

  • This short handicap accessible trail takes you through a pine forest to a viewpoint where you can sit on a bench and see Kabetogama Lake framed by the trees.

    Type: Hiking

    Duration: 10-30 Minutes

    Reservations: No

    Pets: No

    Location: Near Ash River Visitor Center

    Season: Spring, Summer, Fall

    Time Of Day: Day, Dawn, Dusk

  • This wide trail showcases the transition between deciduous and boreal forests as you pass through lowlands and rocky outcrops. With views of wetlands created by the engineering genius of the North American Beaver, and dense forest, the trail is popular with birders. Sightings from warblers to woodpeckers and even raptors are common.

    Type: Hiking

    Duration: 40-120 Minutes

    Reservations: No

    Pets: No

    Location: Near Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center

    Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

    Time Of Day: Day, Dawn, Dusk