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
4
- $30.00
BRT Non-Wilderness Spring Maintenance Trip - McFarland Lake
McFarland Lake, East Cook, MN, USFriday, May 15 - Sunday, May 17, 2026
- Estimated Cost: $30.00
- Deposit: $30.00
- Max Trip Size: 18 people
Description:
A spring maintenance trip is planned on the east end of the Border Route Trail Friday, May 15 thru Sunday, May 17. This is hiking and trail maintenance on the Border Route Trail, a segment of the North Country National Scenic 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. Non-members of Rovers can attend this overnight trip with a signed waiver.
The following is a great opportunity/benefit offered by the National Park Service/North Country Trail Association for volunteers that do trail maintenance which is highly encouraged.
National Park Service’s Volunteer- In-Parks Program
https://northcountrytrail.org/volunteer/volunteer-resource-center/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.Coordinator(s):
Gary C - grc70mn@gmail.com - (651) 470-2531
Pam T - jrtpdk11@gmail.com - (217) 248-00723 attendees 
Border Route Trail Wilderness Maintenance-McFarland Lake-BWCA, MN
McFarland Lake Campground Group Site, 8 Little John Crossing, Hovland, MN, US## Border Route Trail Clearing — Lake McFarland, MN
Category: Hiking, Camping, Paddling, Trail Maintenance
Thursday, May 21 - Monday, May 25, 2026- Estimated Cost: $30
- Max Trip Size: 9 people
Description:
We will meet at the Lake McFarland car camping area (at the end of the Arrowhead Trail) on Thursday night, May 21. On Friday morning, we will canoe across Lake McFarland toward Pine Lake.
We will set up a base camp either at the campsite on the spit of land between McFarland and Pine Lake or further in on the north side of Pine Lake. From this base, we will hike in daily to clear our assigned four-mile segment of the Border Route Trail, located between the McFarland-East Pike Lake portage and the Pine-East Pike Lake portage.
We will return on Monday, May 25. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided, but participants are responsible for bringing their own snacks.
The cost for the weekend is a $30.00 donation fee to Border Route Trail (transportation not included).
Please go sign up and go online and donate $30.
Thank you!!!
borderroutetrail.org to donate
Coordinator(s):
John T - johnwtaylor3@gmail.com - (612) 578-60243 attendees
Past events
493
Group links
Members
805
