Hike the Locator Lake Trail

Chain of Lakes canoe launch area at end of Locator Lake Trail

NPS/C. Braton

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

Please note: The Cranberry Creek Portage Trail from Rainy Lake has been permanently closed. Access to the Chain of Lakes is via the Locator Lake Trailhead on the north shore of Kabetogama Lake. 

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 remain 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

Activity Fee

No

Reservations and fees are not needed for hiking the trail, but reservations are needed for canoe and campsite rentals.

Location

Kabetogama Lake

The trailhead is located across Kabetogama Lake north from the visitor center.

Reservations

No

Reservations and fees are not needed for hiking the trail, but reservations are needed for canoe and campsite rentals.

Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

Hiking during late spring, summer, and fall.

Time of Day

Any Time

Be sure to carry a reliable flashlight or headlamp 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.

Access to the Chain of Lakes area is via a 1.9-mile hike from the Locator Trailhead on the north shore of Kabetogama Lake. The trail leads to the canoe launch area on the south shore of Locator Lake. This is the take-off point for campers staying at any of the Chain of Lakes campsites. For day users, there is an outhouse and day use area with picnic table and fire ring.

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.