What we’re about
Our Mission
The Border Route Trail Association (BRTA) plays a vital role in managing the upkeep of the Border Route Trail (BRT) and other public trails in Minnesota's northern region.
Our History
The Minnesota Rovers Outing Club, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and the US Forest Service planned and built the trail in the early 1970s. This trail was the first long-distance wilderness backpacking and hiking trail in Minnesota, and it was constructed entirely by volunteers. The Border Route Trail Association was formed in 2004 to maintain the trail and raise public awareness. The trail continues to exist today thanks to the diligent work of volunteers and our valued partners.
In 2019, the North Country Trail Route Adjustment Act was approved by Congress, officially designating the Border Route Trail as part of the larger North Country National Scenic Trail. Also known as the "Arrowhead Reroute," this legislation covers a 310-mile path along the north shore of Lake Superior's southwestern tip, starting from the Chippewa National Forest southwest of Grand Rapids, MN, heading northeast towards Ely, MN, and following the Kekakabic Trail and Border Route Trail.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Spring Trail Maintenance-South Lake Trail, BWCA, MNTrail Center Lodge, Grand Marais, MN
## Trail Maintenance — South Lake Trail-BWCA, MN
Category: Hiking, Trail Maintenance
FRI - MON
May 9 - May 12, 2025- Deposit: $25
- Max Trip Size: 7 people
Description:
This is a wilderness trail maintenance trip on the South Lakes Trail using hand tools to clear dead fall and brush. We will have a meet and great dinner at Trail Center Lodge on Poplar Lake 7611 Gunflint Trail at 5:30 Friday May 9th. After dinner we have a short drive and stay at Rockwood Lodge bunkhouse where we will stay for the weekend. The South Lake Trail is a 4 mile Border Route spur trail that starts at Rockwood Lodge.
$25 donation fee to the BRTA
Volunteers must provide their own food. There’s a shared gas grill and griddle available, so you can make your own food or eat at a near by restaurant.
No training or certification required but the North Country Trail Volunteer-In Parks (VIP) is recommended https://northcountrytrail.org/volunteer/volunteer-resource-center/nps-vip-form/
Coordinator(s):Chris F - CSFOTHERGILL@GMAIL.COM - (952) 807-6688
- MN Rovers Gear SwapComo Park West Picnic Grounds - near SE corner of parking lot & public restrooms, Saint Paul, MN
In person at Como Park in St. Paul – West Picnic Grounds, near the SE corner of the parking lot (near the restroom building).
Twice a year the Minnesota Rovers host a gear swap at one of the regular Tuesday night meetings. Anyone who has any type of gear that they are no longer using can bring it to the swap and either sell it outright or make a trade with someone else. The gear is in good shape, and usually, the owners have simply chosen to upgrade or no longer have a need for that particular piece of equipment. It is a great way to get your hands on some gear if you just want to try it out without having to make a huge investment in brand new equipment.
Note: If you are a seller, you may want to start setting up before 7:00 p.m. Some buyers come before 7:00 to start shopping early.
P.S. Tell your outdoor friends about this great opportunity to BUY gear they need or SELL gear they no longer use!
Detailed Location Information
https://mnrovers.org/weekly-meeting/
Socializing afterwards at Gabe's Bar & Kitchen, 991 Lexington Pkwy No, St. Paul.In addition to our Tuesday night programs, there are also plenty of member-coordinated activities. Browse through the trips & activities pages if you'd like to play outside with us!
https://mnrovers.org/trips/***
Summer meetings are held at St. Paul's West Picnic Grounds in Como Park picnic area west of Midway Parkway and Estabrook Dr, just west of the Zoo. (https://mnrovers.org/weekly-meeting/presentations/)
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In addition to our Tuesday night meeting/presentations, there are also many member-coordinated activities. Browse through the trips on our website
https://mnrovers.org/trips/
or check out our membership page to find out the benefits of joining our club!
https://mnrovers.org/sign-up/ - BRT Non-Wilderness Spring Maintenance Trip - McFarland LakeMcFarland Lake, East Cook, MN$25.00
A spring maintenance trip is planned on the east end of the Border Route Trail Friday, May 16 thru Sunday, May 18. This is hiking and trail maintenance on the Border Route Trail, a segment of the North Country National Trail, on the eastern edge of the BWCA Wilderness area. We will car camp (tents) at McFarland Lake Forestry campsite, MN, at the end of the Arrowhead trail road. This will be our base camp. There are no services on the Arrowhead Trail.
The trip starts Friday morning at the trail head parking lot at 8:00 am and ends Sunday afternoon by 3:00 pm. There are two and three day work options. Be prepared for May conditions near the Canadian Border and capable of hiking/working 5 miles per day on rugged wilderness trail with your daypack with your food, water & appropriate extra clothing and working with tools.
We will use hand tools such as lobbers & saws, chain saws (must be NPS or USFS Sawyer certified), brush cutters and hand work of throwing off brush and logs. Equipment and safety gear is provided by BRTA.
BRTA will provide dinner Friday and Saturday evening, breakfast Saturday & Sunday morning and potable water. Bring food for your own lunches, snacks and special beverages.
More thorough details will be provided when you sign up.If you are interested in this adventure please contact Gary and Pam at info@borderroutetrail.org
There is a $25 deposit.
The following is a great opportunity/benefit offered by the National Park Service/North Country Trail Association for those that volunteer as trail maintenance volunteers. Highly recommended.> > > > The Volunteer-In-Parks Program is a resource which the The North Country Trail Association and National Park Service co-manage and can be found here.nps-vip-form The VIP program provides important protection for volunteers. All VIPs are entitled to the same injury considerations that NPS employees receive (provided they are operating within their approved scope of duties and NPS policies). Additionally, VIPs are recognized for their contributions and earn annual recognition items based on hours of service and are eligible to attend certain skills and leadership training.
