A last minute backpacking trip to the the Boundary Water Canoe Area (BWCA), a part of the Superior National Forest in NE Minnesota, in late September provided spectacular fall colors.
Specifically we drove 5 hours north to about 1 hour north west of the city of Ely, to walk the Sioux-Hustler Trail, a 31 mile loop. A rugged trail, beaver dams, rain, and occupied campsites cause some challenges, but my buddy Stephen and I really enjoyed the trip. I think you will too.
This trail is relatively flat, however it is more rugged than most long backpacking trails like the SHT, AT, Ice Age Trail, and CT. Beaver Dams, mud, over growth, and slippery. Its not miserable, but your hiking pace will be slower than other trails. Spur trails to lakes and campsites are longer but worth the diversion since that is where the views are. Campers can stay at campsites up to 14 days and campsites are not shared. In fact, walking into occupied campsites is frowned upon (my bad).
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