About us
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
3
- $25.00
Border Route Trail West End Clearing Trip
Cross River Campsite, Gunflint Narrows Road, Grand Marais, MN, USFall is approaching quickly and so are the trail maintenance trips on the Border Route Trail (a unit of the NPS’s North Country National Scenic Trail). This trip will focus on the non-wilderness west end which is a 17 mile section near Gunflint Lake. The non-wilderness section of trail maintenance is done with the following tools: hand saws, lobbers, chainsaws (for those with NPS or USFS sawyer certification) and brush cutters. These tools are used to clear the established trail of deadfall and brush. There may also be some blazing, signage installation and/or kiosk repair. The Border Route Trail is a rugged wilderness trail on the Canadian border – come prepared for cool or wet early October weather and uneven walking surfaces which can be slick in areas if recent rain. Plan on hiking with a daypack and working with /or carrying tools an average of 5 miles a day on the BRT overlooking the Gunflint Lake area.
Vehicle camping (tent) possibly along the Cross River or a USFS campground if open. This will be determined closer to the date. The location will be our base for the weekend. Further details will be given to those that sign up.
Breakfast on Saturday and Sunday plus dinner on Friday and Saturday is included (two breakfasts, two dinners). Lunch and snacks are on your own. Be prepared for cool evenings and moderate day work conditions near the Canadian border.Estimated Cost: $30
Deposit: $30If interested, please contact one of the Coordinator(s):
Gary Garlson - grc70mn@gmail.com - (651) 470-2531
Pam Tavernier - jrtpdk11@gmail.com - (217) 248-0072The following is a great opportunity/benefit offered by the National Park Service/North Country Trail Association for volunteers that do trail maintenance. Highly recommended.
> The Volunteer-In-Parks Program is a resource which the The North Country 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.
2 attendees
Past events
500
