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New NCT loop trail through old-growth in MN?
![smIMG_2082 A large red pine stands on the shores of Waboose Lake's un-named neighbor](https://northcountrytrail.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/smIMG_2082-150x150.jpg)
The Itasca Moraine Chapter has just finished flagging a roughly 6-mile, double loop trail system with spurs and connectors around scenic Waboose Lake in Minnesota’s Paul Bunyan State Forest. Currently, the NCT traverses the NE corner of Waboose Lake and there’s a spur trail to a backcountry campsite located at the end of a peninsula jutting out into the lake (see NCTA hiking map MN-10).
This loop trail would create a great day-hiking (and potentially snowshoeing) destination since there’s a boat landing already on the west side of the lake that could serve as a trailhead. I should also mention that there’s already another spur trail from the lake out to Ingress Forest Rd. that goes through extensive old-growth pines that are reminiscent of Itasca State Park.
![smIMG_1985 Darrel Rodekuhr GPSing the flagline](https://northcountrytrail.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/smIMG_1985-150x150.jpg)
![smPicture 110 Bruce Johnson hanging a flag](https://northcountrytrail.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/smPicture-110-150x150.jpg)
![smIMG_1991 Byron Knapp enjoying the old-growth pine](https://northcountrytrail.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/smIMG_1991-150x150.jpg)
Thanks to ITM chapter members Darrel Rodekuhr, Bruce Johnson, and Byron Knapp for their help in scouting and flagging. They will be pursuing DNR review & approval this fall/winter after the bullets stop flying around in the woods and are shooting (no pun intended) for 2011-12 construction. Stay tuned!
For more info on the Paul Bunyan State Forest, visit the DNR’s website. Click here for a State Forest map.