Angleworm Lake Trail
A challenging 12-mile loop through pristine wilderness, circling three lakes with stunning views and secluded campsites.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Paradise with fewer crowds.
Angleworm Lake Trail
Best Time
Paradise with fewer crowds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A challenging 12-mile loop through pristine wilderness, circling three lakes with stunning views and secluded campsites.
"Beautiful, very peaceful trail that, to me, was a perfect Boundary Waters hiking experience."
waterproof boots are critical
Marshy sections can be submerged; waterproof boots are essential for comfort and safety. :athletic_shoe:
Download Offline Maps
Trail marking can be poor. Use apps like All Trails or Avenza for navigation. :iphone:
Quick Facts
Rating
4.9 · 24 reviews
Type
Hiking Area
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pristine Lake Views
Angleworm, Home, and Whisky Jack Lakes
Circle stunning lakes with old-growth pines and dramatic cliff overlooks. A true Boundary Waters gem.
Challenging Terrain
Throughout the trail
Experience a demanding hike with constant ups and downs, testing your endurance.
Secluded Campsites
Along the lakes
Discover beautiful, well-maintained campsites perfect for an overnight immersion in nature.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for a Challenging Hike
Permits and Overnight Stays
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Angleworm Lake Trail conditions?
My family and I have reservations for Angleworm Lake Trail area the 3rd week of August. We'll be backpacking, no canoe. Never been before, and since booking have seen reports from last year around this time of people needing to wade through chest deep water, etc. Which doesn't…
waterproof boots are critical
Marshy sections can be submerged; waterproof boots are essential for comfort and safety. :athletic_shoe:
Download Offline Maps
Trail marking can be poor. Use apps like All Trails or Avenza for navigation. :iphone:
Solo overnight backpacking trip around the Angleworm Trail in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Minnesota
Last month I went on a solo overnight backpacking trip around the Angleworm Trail in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. Not long after that the entry point and surrounding areas were closed due to wildfires in the BWCA and Quetico Provincial Park. Even then before there was any…
Boundary Waters Overnight
I’m planning a solo overnight in the boundary waters while in MN. Anyone have advice on a hiking trail there they recommend (or advice on a campsite to target)? I’m thinking around 15-20 mile hike.
Start Your Hike Early
To ensure you return before dark, especially as the sun sets, making trail visibility difficult.
Consider an Overnight Trip
Allows for a more relaxed pace and enjoyment of the fantastic campsites.
Tips
from all over the internet
waterproof boots are critical
Marshy sections can be submerged; waterproof boots are essential for comfort and safety. :athletic_shoe:
Download Offline Maps
Trail marking can be poor. Use apps like All Trails or Avenza for navigation. :iphone:
Start Your Hike Early
To ensure you return before dark, especially as the sun sets, making trail visibility difficult.
Consider an Overnight Trip
Allows for a more relaxed pace and enjoyment of the fantastic campsites.
Pack Hiking Poles
Helpful for navigating the marshy areas and steep ascents/descents.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Reviewers consistently praise the Angleworm Lake Trail for its pristine beauty, challenging terrain, and secluded campsites, offering a true Boundary Waters hiking experience. However, the trail's poor marking and marshy sections require careful preparation, including waterproof boots and reliable navigation tools.
"Beautiful, very peaceful trail that, to me, was a perfect Boundary Waters hiking experience. The trail circles around Angleworm, Home, and Whisky Jack Lakes and is quite challenging, repeatedly going down to the water's edge and then back up onto the ridge. But you're pretty far up into the Boundary Waters here so you won't encounter many people (I saw 1 boat and 6 or 7 hikers) and the forest is pristine, with old, majestic White and Red Pines along the lakes.
Two caveats: (1) the trail is poorly marked and it's easy to get lost. I downloaded the trail on All Trails and I needed to consult it 5 or 6 times or I would have gotten lost; (2) there's a very marshy section near the beginning and even in September, the boards that crossed the marsh were completely submerged and you had to hike through 2 or 3 inches of water. So waterproof hiking boots are critical. And if you don't have hiking poles, you'll have to find two good hiking sticks for this stretch.
Fast hikers can probably do it in 5 hours in good conditions but for many, this will be either a full day's hike or one to break up over two days."
Brett Meyer
"Pretty advanced due to the ups and downs of the trial. Beautiful camp sites. I would plan on spending two nights on this trail"
Weller H
"START EARLY if you want to make sure you get back in daylight. When the sun starts to go down it can be a little difficult to make out parts of the trail. It is well worth the long day of hiking. Beautiful lake, very, very quiet with great cliff overlooks. Early to mid-September is paradise. The camping on Angleworm is fantastic. Longer portage keeps the crowds down. Fishing is hit and miss with bigger fish than some other lakes."
Jack Chambless
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Angleworm Lake Trail is accessed via a portage from a designated entry point. The Forest Service indicates the loop itself is 12 miles, but with the portage in and out, the total distance can approach 16 miles.
Access typically involves driving to a specific entry point within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) and then portaging to the trailhead. Researching the exact entry point and associated portage is crucial.
Parking availability can vary depending on the specific entry point. It's advisable to check with the Forest Service or local outfitters for the most up-to-date information on parking facilities.
While the trail circles lakes, the primary access for hikers is typically by foot. Canoe access might be possible to Angleworm Lake itself, but the trail is designed for backpacking.
Roads leading to BWCAW entry points can range from paved to gravel. It's wise to check road conditions, especially during inclement weather or off-season.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, permits are required. A permit is necessary for day use, and a separate permit must be purchased online for overnight stays.
Overnight permits for the Angleworm Lake Trail must be purchased online through the official Forest Service reservation system.
As an outdoor wilderness trail, Angleworm Lake Trail is generally accessible year-round, 24 hours a day. However, hiking during daylight hours is strongly recommended for safety.
While there isn't a direct entrance fee for the trail itself, permits are required for both day use and overnight stays, which involve a cost.
It's highly recommended to book permits online in advance, especially for overnight stays, as availability can be limited. On-arrival permits may not always be available.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Fast hikers can complete the 12-mile loop in about 5 hours, but for most, it's a full day's hike or best broken up over two days.
The trail is often described as poorly marked, making it easy to get lost. Downloading an offline map is crucial for navigation.
The trail is challenging, with repeated ascents and descents from the water's edge to ridges. It features rocks, roots, and marshy sections.
Yes, the trail offers beautiful and well-maintained campsites along the lakes, ideal for overnight stays.
As a wilderness trail, you might encounter typical forest wildlife. Fishing is also mentioned as a possibility, with potential for larger fish.
📸 📸 Photography
Look for stunning lake views, old-growth White and Red Pines, and dramatic cliff overlooks. The pristine forest offers many picturesque scenes.
The challenging terrain and need for navigation can make it difficult to stop frequently for photos. Planning photo stops during breaks is advisable.
Early morning or late afternoon light can enhance the beauty of the lakes and forests. Starting early also helps with visibility for photos.
Drone usage in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is subject to strict regulations. Check current FAA and Forest Service rules before considering drone use.
A versatile camera with a good zoom lens would be beneficial to capture both wide landscapes and details of the forest. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light conditions.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit