Brule Lake Trail
Brule Lake trail is a 7 miles of trail that takes you into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Eagle Mountain, at 2,301 feet, is the highest point in Minnesota. Made of granite, the peak is part of a large rock formation called the Duluth Complex. The granite formed when magma cooled very slowly, miles under the earth’s surface. This slow cooling allowed the rock to form hard crystals, making it resistant to erosion by glaciers.
Hiking north on the Eagle Mt. Trail from FR 170, you will gradually climb during the first 2½-3 miles. For the last ½-mile, the trail is steeper and rocky. Along the flat ridge-top are excellent vistas. The highest point is marked by a brass survey disk on the west side of the ridge.
If you hike from the west, starting from Brule Lake Rd (FR 326), you will follow the Brule Lake Trail along a series of lakes with small elevation changes until the trail meets the Eagle Mt. Trail at Whale Lake.
Specific Trail Information
Trail Number
Trail Type
General Information
Features
- Highest point in Minnesota
- 3.5 mi. to the summit via Eagle Mt Trail
- 6.7 mi. from Brule Lake Trailhead to the intersection with Eagle Mt. Trail
- Scenic vistas
Safety
You have the responsibility to be adequately prepared for a trip in the wilderness with
- good footwear,
- ample water,
- emergency supplies, and
- sufficient time to make the trip.
You should be self sufficient: there is no cell phone coverage, and due to the nature of the trail, there is no easy way to get assistance in, nor any easy way to get people out in emergencies.
Travel
- A compass and accurate map are essential.
- Bring reliable maps. Maps can be purchased at some Forest Service offices, area businesses and outfitters, or directly from the map companies.
- If you get lost, don’t panic. Sit down, relax and think. Chances are that you will figure out your location in a few minutes.
- If you plan to use a Global Positioning System (GPS) for navigating, be sure you also bring a map and compass as a back up in case your GPS unit fails.
- Dress in layers and be prepared for every kind of weather situation.
This trail is open year-round.
You will need a permit to enter the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
- Brule Trailhead - Entry Point #78
- Eagle Mountain Trailhead - Entry Point #79
Boil or filter your water
When visiting, please remember
- Trails are for non-motorized use only.
- Only use facilities that are provided for fires, tents, and waste.
- Do not make additional fire rings, tent pads, or cat holes.
- You will need to pack out your garbage.
- Nine people per site limit, group sites are available at some sites.
Pets/Dogs
- Dogs are allowed on hiking trails, as long as they are kept on a leash. Unleashed dogs can pose a danger to your pet, the natural resources of the area, and other forest visitors.
- Do not allow them to interact with wildlife.
Make sure to thoroughly read the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness page and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Trip Planning Guide for tips on wilderness trip preparation.
Prior to reserving your permit, please also review the following:
Address: 2020 W. Highway 61 Grand Marais, MN 55604
Phone: (218) 387-1750
Hours: April 28 – September 30, Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, closed weekends. No BWCAW permit issuance and no Eastern National Forest Interpretative Association retail sales products. (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: SM.FS.Superior_NF@usda.gov
Getting There
Directions
Eagle Mountain Trail trailhead
- From MN 61, turn north on County Road 4 (Caribou Trail) just north of Lutsen.
- Follow Co 4 until it ends at FR 170.
- Turn right on FR 170 and proceed 3 1/2 miles to the Eagle Mountain Trailhead parking lot.
- The lot is on the left (north) side of the road.
Brule Lake Trailhead
- Turn left off Co 4 onto FR 170.
- Turn right onto FR 326, the Brule Lake Road.
- The trail leaves from the road south of the lot.
Additional Information
Operated By
USDA Forest Service
Nearby Recreation Sites
Recreation Groups
