Thing to Do

Hike the Locator Lake Trail

View of Locator Lake Trailhead at Locator Lake with Interior Lake Canoes next to shore.
Trailhead at Locator Lake with Interior Lake canoes.

NPS/Adam Mathews

Watch this video of the Locator Lake Trail to learn how to gain access into our Chain of Lakes!

All backcountry trailheads are only accessible by water. 

The Locator Lake Trail takes adventurous hikers up and over various ridges. It twists its way through forest and wetlands while extending north from Kabetogama Lake until it ends on the southern shoreline of Locator Lake, one of a series of unique interior lakes with rental canoes and reservation only campsites. 

Explore this two mile, one way hike as an afternoon adventure, or use it as a starting point for an exciting back-country camping experience that will stay in your memories for years to come.

For more information about camping in Voyageurs National Park, please visit: Camping at Voyageurs National Park - Voyageurs National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

Difficulty: Strenuous
Hiking Distance: 4 miles(6.4-km), round trip
Restrooms: Vault toilet at both trailheads
Details
Duration
2-5 Hours
Activity
Backcountry Hiking
Pets Allowed
No
Reservations and fees are not needed for hiking the trail, but reservations are needed for canoe and campsite rentals.
The trailhead is located across Kabetogama Lake north from the visitor center.
Reservations and fees are not needed for hiking the trail, but reservations are needed for canoe and campsite rentals.
Hiking during late spring, summer, and fall.
Be sure to carry a reliable flashlight when on trail before dawn and after dusk.
Accessibility Information
Trail is narrow with lots of exposed roots, rocks, and stairs. It climbs up and down multiple steep hills.

Voyageurs National Park

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Duration:
4 minutes, 33 seconds

Explore this two mile, one way hike as an afternoon adventure, or use it as a starting point for an exciting back-country camping experience that will stay in your memories for years to come. This video starts at the trailhead with jump cuts along the trail to notable aspects of the trail from scenic views, boardwalks, and stairs. With the video ending at Locator Lake, where you then can canoe into multiple Interior Lakes.

Detailed map of the Interior Chain of Lakes distances and of the Locator Lake Trail.
Chain of Lake Map

NPS

Last updated: August 10, 2022