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
8
Border Route Trail Association Informational Hike
Longfellow Grill, 2990 W River Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN, USAre you interested in the Border Route Trail? Perhaps you wonder what a trail maintenance trip is like and would like to join one. Maybe you just want to know more about the trail because you are planning a section or thru hike. Join us in front of the Longfellow Grill with a plan of hiking 3-4 miles at a moderate pace. We would like to share information about the Border Route Trail (BRT) from those that have either hiked the trail or worked on trail maintenance teams. Bring your backpack if you are training for a hike! We will bring our maps.
Learn more about the Border Route Trail by visiting our website!
3 attendees
Border Route Trail Association April Board Meeting
2132 Iglehart Ave, St Paul, MN, USJoin us in person or via zoom for our board meeting on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 7:00 pm. Our main topic will be finalizing spring trail maintenance trips. There is also general board 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.Learn more about the Border Route Trail by visiting our website!
Topic: April Border Route Trail Association Board Meeting
Time: Apr 23, 2026 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89706603260?pwd=B3tdg2kCLhQFnvOpLnEzVoQZIbyviN.1
Meeting ID: 897 0660 3260
Passcode: 802424
---2 attendees- $30.00
BRT Non-Wilderness Spring Maintenance Trip 1 - Gunflint Lake Area
Location not specified yetSpring is approaching quickly and so are the trail maintenance trips on the Border Route Trail (a unit of the National Park Service’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 weed wacker type 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 May weather and uneven walking surfaces which can be slick in areas if recent rain. Plan on hiking with your daypack and working with /or carrying tools an average of 5 miles a day on the BRT overlooking Gunflint Lake.
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. Non-members of Rovers can attend this overnight trip with a signed waiver.
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.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 -Clearwater Lake, MN
Location not specified yet## Border Route Trail Clearing — Clearwater Lake, Minnesota
Category: Camping, Paddling, Trail Maintenance
Friday - Monday. May 8 - May 11, 2026- Estimated Cost: $30
- Deposit: $30
- Max Trip Size: 9 people
Description:
Meeting at Entry Point 62 Clearwater Lake Friday May 8 at 1:30 PM
Canoe to most eastern campsite on Clearwater Lake (Clearwater #9) and set up basecamp. Saturday and Sunday we will clear the trail of dead fall and brush using hand tools starting at Gogebeic Lake and work our way west 3.6 miles to the Mountain Lake Portage.
$30 donation fee to the Border Route Trail - borderroutetrail.org
Volunteer must provide their own food.
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) 807-66881 attendee
Past events
489
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