Minnesota’s Chippewa National Forest spans nearly 672,000 acres across Itasca, Cass, and Beltrami counties, making it one of the largest national forests east of the Mississippi. Established in 1908, this north-central Minnesota wilderness holds over 1,300 lakes and 923 miles of rivers and streams—a landscape shaped by glaciers and defined by water.
The forest offers 160 miles of hiking trails, including a 60-mile segment of the North Country National Scenic Trail, one of America’s premier long-distance footpaths. Cyclists can explore 41 miles of paved trails and 43 miles of unpaved routes. Winter transforms the forest into a snowmobile destination with 380 miles of groomed trails.
Twenty developed campgrounds provide established sites throughout the forest, with Stony Point, Mosomo Point, and Onegume among the most popular. Backcountry enthusiasts can choose from 68 dispersed camping locations for a more remote experience. The Bimijiwan Recreation Area and Wanaki Loop offer family-friendly options with lake access.
The forest headquarters in Cass Lake serves as the gateway community, with additional ranger stations in Blackduck, Deer River, and Walker providing maps and permits. Eighty-three boat launches give paddlers and anglers easy access to the region’s abundant waters.
Peak season runs from late May through September, when trails are clear and campgrounds operate at full capacity. Fall brings exceptional color to the hardwood forests, while winter offers cross-country skiing and ice fishing opportunities. Highway 2 and Highway 371 provide year-round access to major recreation areas.
Explore Nearby
- Schoolcraft State Park — State Park in Minnesota
- Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in Minnesota
- Heartland State Trail — State Park in Minnesota
- Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in Minnesota
- Lake Vermilion Public Islands — Public Land in Minnesota
