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New NCT loop trail through old-growth in MN?

Posted on by Kate Lemon

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A large red pine stands on the shores of Waboose Lake's un-named neighbor
A large red pine stands on the shores of Waboose Lake's un-named neighbor

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).

Waboose Lake Loop Map

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.

Darrel Rodekuhr GPSing the flagline
Darrel Rodekuhr GPSing the flagline
Bruce Johnson hanging a flag
Bruce Johnson hanging a flag
Byron Knapp enjoying the old-growth pine
Byron Knapp enjoying the old-growth pine

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.