Hiking

On the Trail - Hiking Information

There is no better way to see the Chippewa National Forest than on a trail. Hike and view spring wildflowers, bike along a tranquil wetland, hunt grouse on a hunter/walking trail, or ski through winter woods. The Chippewa National Forest offers over 298 miles of non-motorized trails. Above you will find links listing recommended hiking trails for backpacking and day trips on the Chippewa National Forest. These trails are for nonmotorized use unless otherwise noted. All National Forest System lands are open to camping. A number of primitive campsites are located along the trail routes. We ask that you pack out all that you bring in and help maintain the Forest for those who follow.

There is no better way to see the Chippewa National Forest than on a trail. The Chippewa National Forest offers 160 miles of hiking trails and 373 miles of non-motorized trails.

North Country National Scenic Trail

Whether your adventure is an evening stroll or an intensive backpacking excursion, the North Country National Scenic Trail (NCT) offers diverse landscapes and abundant opportunities for exploration. It stretches 4,800 miles across eight states, making it the longest National Scenic Trail in America. 

On the Chippewa National Forest, the NCT crosses 71-miles of forested lake country including the new “Anway Trail Bridge”. The Anway Trail Bridge made for hiking traffic, is south of Anway Lake crossing the flowage from Anway Lake to Shingobee River on the Chippewa National Forest. The NCT also passes near the Mabel Lake Campground which has developed campsites, water, latrines, a boat ramp and swimming beach. 

More on the North Country Trail: https://northcountrytrail.org/

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Recreation Opportunities

Day Hikes (21)

General Hiking (13)

Showing: 1 - 10 of 34 results

Camp Rabideau Trail

Hike and a little History... There is no better way to see the Chippewa National Forest then on a trail. This one mile trail leads you through the Rabideau CCC Camp.Prairie Public Television produced…

Carter Lake Hunter Walking Trail

This three mile trail located two miles east of Tenstrike on 2419, offers excellent grouse and deer hunting opportunities, it is also popular with berrypickers. 

County Road 50 Hunter Walking Trail

There are six miles of hunter walking trails available for hiking and hunting with a variety of habitats from aspen and hardwoods to red and white pine. Hunters please use caution as the paved Paul…

Cut Foot Sioux Trail

An extension of the Simpson Creek Trail, this is an 18-mile loop along old Forest Roads with gravel and sand. Access from the Cut Foot Sioux Visitor Center or the Highway 46 Wayside rest 5 miles…

Edge of the Wilderness Discover Center

Site Open

The Edge of the Wilderness Discovery Center located in Marcell, MN and within the Chippewa National Forest is a visitor & environmental education center that is home to a variety of interpretive…

Goose Lake Hunter Walking Trail

Twelve miles long, this trail is located on the east end of the Woodtick Trail near Longville. Large wetlands and lakes provide diversity and the North Country Trail crosses through the trail system.

Heartland Trail

The Heartland State Trail was one of the first rail-to-trail projects in the country. It is a 47 mile paved multiple use trail between Park Rapids and Cass Lake. The trail is located entirely on a…

Jingo Lake Hunter Walking Trail

A five mile trail located nine miles northwest of Marcell off Forest Road 2423, Jingo also offers an impoundment with abundant waterfowl and wetlands.

Johnson Lake Hunter Walking Trail

This 14 mile non-motorized trail 14 miles southwest of Deer River on Cass County 65 offers hunters clover-covered loops and many route options.

Lake Erin

Site Open

Lake Erin includes a picnic area and an interpretive trail around the lake. Various points of interest are marked along the one-kilometer (.6 miles) trail. Plan 40 minutes to enjoy this easy…