Best trails in Voyageurs National Park
Voyageurs National Park covers a vast area including waterways, forests, and three lakes: Rainy, Kabetogama and Namakan. As approximately one third of Voyageurs is water, the park offers exceptional canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. During the winter, the park is equally as enjoyable to explore on snowmobile, cross-country ski, or snowshoeing.
Top trails
- (960)•Moderate•3.0 mi•Est. 1–1.5 hrThe Blind Ash Bay Trail invites exploration through a predominantly forested landscape. As you traverse this path, the trail reveals intermittent scenic views of the lake and the river. The forest is habitat for a variety of interesting fungi, enhancing the trail's natural charm. During the autumn months, the area becomes a showcase of beautiful fall colors. Wildlife is often seen along this trail, including various birds and squirrels. It is also possible to observe loons. With patience and...
- (495)•Easy•1.6 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrThis trail is the only hiking trail near the Rainy Lake Visitor Center. The landscape is forested and grassy, with views of the lake throughout. This is a great trail for families with small children, or if you want to take a short walk to stretch your legs and admire the scenery. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the way.
- (260)•Easy•0.3 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrThis is a short walk to an overlook of a beaver pond. The trail has a bit of climbing at the end to get to the overlook, but overall, is relatively flat. This is a great trail for families with small children. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the way. There are beautiful wildflowers along the trail in the early summer.
- (227)•Easy•1.3 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrThis trail is a short walk to a viewpoint of Sullivan Bay. The trail itself is on an old decommissioned road. This is a great hike for families with small children, or a great option if you are short on time. If you are looking for a longer hike, or something more challenging, check out the nearby Blind Ash Bay Trail.
- (135)•Easy•0.4 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrThis is a short, forested walk to a viewpoint of Kabetogama Lake. Look for interesting fungi growing under the canopy of trees, and keep an eye out for wildlife, including birds and squirrels. This is a great walk for families with small children. If you are looking a longer hike, you can continue along the Blind Ash Bay Trail.
- (50)•Easy•1.1 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrThis trail is only accessible via water taxi, paddle board, or kayak. Once you reach the trailhead, it is a short walk to the beaver pond. There are lovely views of the water and forest along the way. The trail can sometimes be overgrown, and bugs are common in the summer. Long pants and bug spray are recommended.
Visitor info
Voyageurs National Park does not have an entrance fee. However, there are fees for camping, houseboat permits, boat tours, special interpretive programs, winter equipment rentals, and special use permits. Interagency Senior and Access passes provide a discount of 50% on boat tours only.
Join millions of people who enjoy our National Parks with the "America the Beautiful" National Park & Federal Recreational Lands Pass, otherwise known as the Interagency Annual Pass. The pass is valid for a year's worth of visits from the month of purchase at more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country.
Voyageurs National Park does not charge an entrance fee.
The Rainy Lake, Kabetogama Lake, and Ash River Visitor Centers are all accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers and have wheelchair accessible restrooms.
The boat tours and NPS vessels are wheelchair accessible.
Additional information about accessibility at Voyageurs National Park can be found on their website: https://www.nps.gov/voya/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
The Rainy Lake, Kabetogama Lake, and Ash River Visitor Centers are all accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers and have wheelchair accessible restrooms.
The Rainy Lake (R26-Sunrise Point) and Namakan Lake (N41- Voyageur Narrows) Campgrounds have individual wheelchair accessible camping sites.
The Rainy Lake Group Campsite (R74) and the Kabetogma Lake Group Campsite (K54) are also wheelchair accessible.
Service animals must be on-leash throughout the park.
