Angleworm Hiking Trail
The Angleworm Lake Trail is a 12 mile hike that loops around Angleworm Lake. Most of this primitive trail is within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Map and compass skills are recommended for users of this trail.
Angleworm Lake, Home Lake, and Whiskey Jack Lake provide water sources after two miles. Prior to reaching those lakes, Spring Creek is generally not a reliable water source due to beaver activity.
Specific Trail Information
Trail Number
Trail Type
General Information
Safety
You have the responsibility to be adequately prepared for a trip in the wilderness with
- good footwear,
- ample water,
- emergency supplies, and
- sufficient time to make the trip.
You should be self sufficient: there is no cell phone coverage, and due to the nature of the trail, there is no easy way to get assistance in, nor any easy way to get people out in emergencies.
Travel
- A compass and accurate map are essential.
- Bring reliable maps. Maps can be purchased at some Forest Service offices, area businesses and outfitters, or directly from the map companies.
- If you get lost, don’t panic. Sit down, relax and think. Chances are that you will figure out your location in a few minutes.
- If you plan to use a Global Positioning System (GPS) for navigating, be sure you also bring a map and compass as a back up in case your GPS unit fails.
- Dress in layers and be prepared for every kind of weather situation.
This trail is open year-round.
You will need a permit to enter the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
- BWCAW entry point #21.
Boil or filter your water
When visiting, please remember
- Trails are for non-motorized use only.
- Only use facilities that are provided for fires, tents, and waste.
- Do not make additional fire rings, tent pads, or cat holes.
- You will need to pack out your garbage.
- Nine people per site limit, group sites are available at some sites.
Pets/Dogs
- Dogs are allowed on hiking trails, as long as they are kept on a leash. Unleashed dogs can pose a danger to your pet, the natural resources of the area, and other forest visitors.
- Do not allow them to interact with wildlife.
Make sure to thoroughly read the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness page and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Trip Planning Guide for tips on wilderness trip preparation.
Prior to reserving your permit, please also review the following:
Address: 1393 Highway 169 Ely, MN 55731
Phone: (218) 365-7600
Hours: April 28 – September 30, Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, closed weekends. No BWCAW permit issuance and no retail sales products. (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: SM.FS.Superior_NF@usda.gov
Getting There
Parking
Parking lot at the trailhead.
Directions
From Ely,
- head North on St. Louis County Road 116 (the Echo Trail) for 17 miles.
- Follow signs to trailhead and parking lot.
Additional Information
Operated By
USDA Forest Service
Nearby Recreation Sites
Recreation Groups
