Bear Head Lake State Park to Ely to Kawishiwi Falls in the Superior National Forest
The NCTA Ely Northwoods Chapter formed in 2023, and is dedicated to building and maintaining the North Country National Scenic Trail between Bear Head Lake State Park and Kawishiwi Falls. This includes downtown Ely, one of the primary gateways to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). The Chapter is building many miles of new Trail as part of the effort to complete the “Arrowhead Reroute.” This is between the Kekekabic Trail to the east and the NCTA Arrowhead Chapter‘s trail segment to the west. Our Chapter is a close partner to both the NCTA Kekekabic Trail Chapter and a trail volunteer group in Tower, Minnesota.
Much of the current NCNST route follows the paved, multi-use Mesabi Trail between Eagle’s Nest Township Hall and the west edge of Ely. From there, the NCNST follows State Highway 169 / 1 and Fernberg Road (Lake County Highway 18) to the Kawishiwi Falls parking area, and beyond to the Kekekabic Trail. The NCTA Kekekabic Trail Chapter will be developing a new 12-mile NCNST segment east of Glipi Road in the next few years.
Connect with us to learn how you can get involved to help build the NCNST in the Ely area and/or participate in local activities!