Welcome to Superior National Forest

NOTICE and ALERT: As of July 20, 2026, the Superior National Forest has three fires within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and 14 fires outside. Please go to Inciweb for more information.

Wing of an aircraft and wildfire smoke on the landscape. — Bear Trap Fire on the Superior National Forest.
*(Forest Service photo by T. Harding)*

Established in 1909, the three-million-acre Superior National Forest is the largest national forest east of the Mississippi River. The Forest is located at the southernmost edge of the boreal forest ecosystem in Minnesota and is home to thousands of clean lakes, rocky landscapes, iconic megafauna, colorful fall foliage and has a rich cultural history. Within the bounds of the Forest is the beloved one-million-acre Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Bordered by Canada, Lake Superior and Voyageurs National Park, there's truly a superior experience waiting for you.

Interactive Alerts & Notices Map

Superior National Forest's public information alerts and notices map is easy to navigate to view current conditions and closure or restrictions before you head out on your forest trip.

Map image showing white background and a blue lake and green layer and red textured layer showing fire locations — Snapshot of Superior NF's Current Conditions AGOL map
*(Forest Service map)*

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Recreation Opportunities

A woman with an orange backpack standing next to water on the Powwow Trail

Grab your boots, water bottle, a snack, and maybe the bug repellent. There are over 400 miles of hiking trail in the Superior National Forest, so…

Driving can be an excellent way to tour the expansive Superior National Forest. Hundreds of miles of Forest Roads, three nationally designated…

With so many lakes, it is no surprise that water activities like boating and swimming play a part in many people's trip to the Superior National…

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a canoe on the water at sunrise in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

Features

Large stacks of wooden pallets in an outdoor area.

After wildfire, many assume burned trees mean wasted wood. In the case of the Brimson Complex wildfire, which burned National Forest System and…

blue lake water with trees in the far horizon

While many people seek out the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness to explore northern Minnesota, the Superior National Forest (SNF) reminds…

Four YCC students measuring stair treads with tape measures and a level.

This summer, over 200 young adults will learn and experience National Forest System land management through a win-win partnership…

The Stairway Portage located in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) within the Superior National Forest is one that many of the…

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Superior National Forest

Welcome to Superior National Forest

Interactive Alerts & Notices Map

Recreation Opportunities

Hiking

Scenic Drives

Water Activities

Passes and Permits

Maps and Guides

Safety and Ethics

Timber Sales

Fire Prevention and Mitigation

Wilderness

Features

Charred, not wasted: Putting burned trees to work

Summer adventures await at the Superior National Forest

MobilizeGreen’s Youth Conservation Corps participants gain skills and experience for future Forest S

Superior NF BWCAW Portage Replacements earn 2023 National Wilderness Award

Recent Press Releases

Superior NF Reopens over 1,500 Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Campsites

Recreation Sites Reopening to the Public

Additional Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Entry Points to Reopen

Campfires Allowed at Developed and Rustic Recreation Campgrounds