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 (3)
See all- Border Route Trail Association August Board Meeting2132 Iglehart Ave, St Paul, MN
Join us in person or via zoom for our board meeting on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 7:00 pm. Our main topic will be finalizing fall trail maintenance trips, equipment and general business. Interested in hiking, maintaining, or promoting the Border Route Trail? Then please join us. Our monthly Board meetings are open to the public and anyone curious about the trail is encouraged to attend.
- Address: 2132 Iglehart Ave, St Paul, MN 55104
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85087097253?pwd=5PzvjuAxQy1rQACoUpePWkXPV8Y8yC.1
Meeting ID: 850 8709 7253
Passcode: 879300
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Learn more about the Border Route Trail by visiting our website! - Border Route Trail Wilderness Maintenance-South Lake Trail-BWCA, MNSouth Lake on US - Canada Border, Grand Marais, MN
## Border Route Trail Wilderness Maintenance — South Lake Trail-BWCA, Minnesota
Category: Backpacking, Trail Maintenance
FRI - WED Sep 19 - Sep 24, 2025- Deposit: $25
- Max Trip Size: 9 people
Description:
This is wilderness trail maintenance trip using hand tools working on the South Lake Trail and parts of the Border Route Trail. We will be backpacking in 4 miles setting up base camp at South Lake campsite on Friday September 19. We will be maintaining the South Lake Trail, BRT west of the South Lake Trail and clearing the South Lake campsite. Because we will be base camping you can join us for all or part of the trip.
Since this is a wilderness trip you will need to furnish your own food and cookware, tent, water treatment, rain gear and proper clothing. BRTA will furnish permits, tools (no power tools allowed), gloves, helmets, and goggles. Car pooling is encouraged. No training or special skills required other than ability to work hard and have fun. I will share details on meet-up and departure location when we have the group signed up.
Please complete the Volunteer in Parks form using the link below. In the unlikely event of an injury this ensures workers comp coverage.
Volunteer Sign-Up Form
Hold your spot $25 donation fee to the BRTA is required.
Coordinator(s):
Chris F. - csfothergill@gmail.com - (952) 807-6688 - BRT Non-Wilderness Fall Maintenance Trip -East EndNeeds location
A fall maintenance trip is planned on the east end of the Border Route Trail Friday, October 3 thru Sunday, October 5. 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. The base campsite will be determined when we know the number of volunteers available for the trip. (Otter Lake or McFarland Lake Forestry campsite) 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 fall conditions near the Canadian Border and capable of hiking/working with tools 5 miles per day on rugged wilderness trail with a daypack with your food, water & appropriate extra clothing.
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. The equipment and safety gear will be provided by BRTA.
The BRTA will provide dinner Friday and Saturday evening and breakfast Saturday & Sunday morning along with potable water. Bring your own lunches, snacks and special beverages.
There is a $30 deposit.
More thorough details will be provided when you sign up. To sign up, contact Gary Carlson or Pam Tavernier at info@borderroutetrail.org
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. This provides a type of workman’s comp and also a recognition program if you record and turn in your hours. The volunteer in the parks program is not required but it is strongly recommended.
https://northcountrytrail.org/volunteer/volunteer-resource-center/nps-vip-form/
