Arrowhead Trail

The Arrowhead Trail cuts a historic path through Minnesota’s arrowhead region, following ancient Native American routes and early settler roads between Grand Portage on Lake Superior and International Falls on the Rainy River. This backcountry route winds through Superior National Forest on a mix of maintained gravel roads and primitive forest tracks, passing through the ghost town of McDougall and skirting the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Key waypoints include the old Paulson Mine site and the historic Crane Lake portage landing.

Most of the route is accessible to high-clearance vehicles, though a few sections require 4WD during wet conditions when the clay-based forest roads turn into slick skating rinks. Spring through early fall offers the best conditions, but expect mud season in April and May. No permits required for the main route, but dispersed camping is available throughout Superior National Forest with proper fire permits. This trail delivers serious North Woods solitude and connects overlanders to Minnesota’s fur trading heritage.