Border Route Trail Association

Our Mission

The Border Route Trail Association (BRTA) plays a vital role in managing the upkeep of the Border Route Trail (BRT) as well as other public trails located in the northern region of Minnesota.

Our History

The Minnesota Rovers Outing Club, along with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the US Forest Service, planned and built the trail in the early 1970s. This trail was the first long-distance wilderness backpacking and hiking trail in Minnesota, and it was constructed entirely by volunteers. The Border Route Trail Association was formed in 2004 to maintain the trail and raise public awareness. The trail continues to exist today thanks to the diligent work of volunteers and our valued partners.

In 2019, the North Country Trail Route Adjustment Act was approved by Congress, officially designating the Border Route Trail as part of the larger North Country National Scenic Trail. Also known as the "Arrowhead Reroute," this legislation covers a 310-mile path along the north shore of Lake Superior's southwestern tip, starting from the Chippewa National Forest southwest of Grand Rapids, MN, heading northeast towards Ely, MN, and following the Kekakabic Trail and Border Route Trail.