Kekekabic Trail East

Wood Lake Fire - Updated 10/1/2024

On Tuesday, September 10, 2024, around 11:00 a.m. a fire was detected on an island of Wood Lake, which is located north of County Road 18, within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) of the Superior National Forest (NF). The fire is located in Township 64, Range 10, Section 26 on National Forest System Lands.

More information is available in the News Release.

The Kekekabic Trail is a 46 mile trail with trailheads in the east and in the west (Kekekabic Trail West). The east trailhead is shared with the Centennial Trail. Most of this primitive trail is in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Map and compass skills are recommended for users of this trail.

Large amounts of the eastern half the Kekekabic were burned in the 2007 Ham Lake Fire. Be prepared for open and sunny conditions. Trees for hanging food packs may be hard to find, bear resistant food containers are recommended. Plant regeneration is vigorous, and the pathway grows over quickly. It may be difficult to locate in some areas.

At a Glance

Current Conditions:	Open year-round.Â BWCAW Permits are required at all times.Â
Permit Info:	Permits are required year round for day and overnight travel throughout the BWCAW. For day hikes and overnight hikes from October 1 - April 30, pick up a free self-issue permit at any entry point (trailhead) or any district office. For overnight hikes from May 1 - September 30, learn more about permit basics or go to National Recreation Reservation Service's Kekekabic Trail page for reservation information. BWCAW entry point #56.
Restrictions:	For rules and regulations, see the BWCAW Trip Planning Guide.
Closest Towns:	Grand Marais, Minnesota
Water:	Bring or filter or boil water from streams and lakes.
Restroom:	Wilderness latrines at campsites.
Operated By:	Forest Service
Information Center:	Gunflint Ranger District Email \| Call \| Address \| Webpage