North Arm Trails
This is a large system of summer hiking and winter XC ski trails (42 km).
Trails are maintained in the summer for day use hiking.
Ski trails in the winter are are user groomed and user maintained. This means trails are usually single tracked for classic skiing only. Trails vary in skill level from intermediate to advanced and offer routes to locations with names like "Lost Lake" and "Druid Pines". Most of the trails venture into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Several trails involve skiing on frozen lakes. Exercise caution when skiing on frozen water, particularly in narrow areas or on streams where moving water could create thin ice. Skiers should bring 'ice picks' to climb out if the ice breaks.
Specific Trail Information
Trail Number
Trail Type
General Information
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.
You will need a permit to enter the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
- BWCAW entry point #6-Slim Lake.
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: 1393 Highway 169 Ely, MN 55731
Phone: (218) 365-7600
Hours: April 28 – September 30, Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, closed weekends. No BWCAW permit issuance and no retail sales products. (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: SM.FS.Superior_NF@usda.gov
Getting There
Parking
There are several access points off of the North Arm Road (Co 644).
Directions
From Ely
- Take Echo Trail/Ely-Buycks Road for 8.6 miles
- Turn left onto North Arm Road and travel 2.2 miles
- Your destination will be on the right.
Additional Information
Operated By
USDA Forest Service
Nearby Recreation Sites
Recreation Groups
