Overview
The North Country Trail Chippewa Segment covers 9 miles through the eastern half of Chippewa National Forest as part of the North Country National Scenic Trail: a continuous route stretching from North Dakota to Vermont. This segment passes through a landscape of rolling birch and aspen uplands with frequent small lakes and ponds tucked into the hollows between glacial ridges.
The trail is lightly used compared to the Cut Foot Sioux area and the campgrounds on Leech Lake, making it the best option in the forest for those seeking genuine quiet. The point-to-point format rewards hikers who arrange a shuttle, though an out-and-back from either end works well for day hiking.
The Route
Miles 0.0 to 3.0: Eastern Trailhead into the Forest
From the eastern trailhead, the trail enters a dense young aspen stand before transitioning to older birch as the route moves west. The first lake appears at mile 1.5: a small dark-water pond with lily pads. The trail skirts the north shore. At mile 2.5, the route crosses a small seasonal creek on stepping stones. A good dispersed camping area is near this crossing.
Miles 3.0 to 6.0: Central Lakes Section
The central section passes three lakes in relatively quick succession between miles 3.5 and 5.5. The second lake: the largest on the route: has a sand beach point accessible from a short spur trail. The beach is the natural lunch stop on this segment. The upland sections between lakes are in mature birch with open understory and excellent visibility through the trees in all seasons.
Miles 6.0 to 9.0: Western Approach
The western section drops into a broader lowland before the final climb to the western trailhead. The lowland has a cedar swamp crossing on puncheon boardwalk. After the wetland the trail rises into jack pine uplands with a drier, sandier character than the eastern sections. The western trailhead is at a small gravel pullout on a county road.
When to Hike
Late September and early October: The peak aspen and birch color make this the most beautiful window. The forest glows gold on calm fall days. Solitude is near-complete after Labor Day.
June through August: Fine walking with full canopy shade. Bug repellent necessary in June. The lakes along the route are warmer in summer and appeal for brief breaks.
Winter: Ungroomed snowshoe route. No services at either trailhead. Conditions can be extreme: this is remote northern Minnesota.
What to Bring
Many hikers carry 2 liters of water for the full point-to-point. Lake and stream water requires treatment. A paper or offline map is strongly recommended: the trail can be hard to follow in a few lowland sections where blazes are spaced widely. Bug repellent is essential in June.
Trailhead Access
Both trailheads are accessed via county roads in the eastern Chippewa. Road surfaces are gravel. No facilities at either end. No fee, no permit required (as of 2026). Dogs welcome on leash.
Nearby
The Suomi Hills Trail is in a similar eastern forest setting and can be combined with this route for a multi-day trip. The Cut Foot Sioux Trail is a shorter, more accessible alternative with better facilities. Before any backcountry outing in the forest interior, review our guide to checking conditions before you go, and read Leave No Trace principles for dispersed camping guidelines.