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- BRT Wilderness Spring Maintenance Trip 1 - Clearwater LakeClearwater Lake Public Water Access, Grand Marais, MN$25.00
Meeting at Entry Point 62 Clearwater Lake Friday May 10, 2024 at 2:00 PM
Ending Entry Point 62 Clearwater Lake 11:00 AMCanoe to most western campsite on Clearwater Lake and set up basecamp.
Saturday and Sunday we will clear the trail of deadfall and brush using hand tools starting at Rove Lake and work our way west for approximately 3 miles.
Monday May 13 we will break camp and canoe back to the boat landing by 11:00 so the next crew can leave to take over the canoes at their 12:00 departure time.
Volunteers must provide their own food and transportation to the BWCAW entry point.
Group Size limit 9
$25 donation feeNo training or certification required.
North Country Trail Volunteer-In Parks (VIP) is recommended https://northcountrytrail.org/volunteer/volunteer-resource-center/nps-vip-form/Crew Leader Name: Chris Fothergill
Crew Leader Email: csfothergill@gmail.com
Crew Leader Phone: 952-807-6688 - BRT Wilderness Spring Maintenance Trip 2 - Topper LakeRockwood Lodge and Outfitters, Grand Marais, MN
This is a self-supported backpack trip into the west side of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW).
At noon on Thursday, crew members will meet at Rockwood Lodge to collect hand tools, and safety gear, then carpool to the Mucker Lake trailhead.
We’ll backpack approximately 1.7 miles from the trailhead to the
Topper Lake campsite. We’ll clear deadfalls and brush from the campsite eastward to the Sock Lake camp trail.Camping/Lodging Info: Wilderness base camp at Topper Lake, inside the BWCAW
Participants are responsible for their own meals, snacks, and hydration.
Crew Leader Name: Bob Westphal
Crew Leader Phone Number: 952-818-4413
Crew Leader Email Address: gocbears@comcast.net
