Eagle Mountain

Length: 7.0 miles round trip
Difficulty: moderate-difficult due to trail condition, length and steepness

 

Eagle Mountain is the highest point in Minnesota. The first few miles head through dense forest with openings to bogs and sloughs and the trail is crisscrossed with roots and rocks. At Whale Lake the trail takes a turn and the country becomes a bit more open for a half mile. The final mile is a climb to the summit and open views. Portions of the trail are within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, it is considered a wilderness trail and while well-used it is rocky and uneven, not regularly maintained, and does not have stairs on the climb. Plan ahead: make sure everyone in your group is able to make the climb, is wearing appropriate footwear, has enough water, snacks, bug dope, and some emergency supplies. There is no cell service and it is very difficult to extract hikers in an emergency situation. You will also need a BWCAW permit which is available at the trailhead kiosk.