Border Route Trail
~6 days · 65.4 mi · strenuous · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Border Route Trail is known for
A 65-mile cliff-and-lake route across the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, following the Minnesota-Ontario border from the Superior Hiking Trail junction west to the Gunflint Trail near Magnetic Rock.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 4,446 ft to 6,663 ft over 65.4 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 30.8 mi · 47%
- Downhill 22.3 mi · 34%
- Flat 12.1 mi · 19%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Border Route Trail?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Border Route Trail scores 24/100, a relative rating across the 1,243 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Border Route Trail take?
Most backpackers hike the Border Route Trail in about 6 days (5 nights out) over its 65.4 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Border Route Trail?
The Border Route Trail climbs roughly 8,094 ft total — about 124 ft per mile, topping out near 2,044 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry from OpenStreetMap, © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.