Hiking on the Gunflint Trail

     The Magnetic Rock Trail is a favorite of those who visit the Gunflint Trail. I’m not sure if it is the ability of the rock to send a compass needle whirling or the fact the rock is a dependable landmark in the ever-changing landscape that makes the trail one of the most visited on the Gunflint Trail. I have enjoyed the Magnetic Rock Trail in spring, summer, fall and winter and invite you to come and do the same.

     The Magnetic Rock Trail is a relatively short and easy 3 mile round-trip hike that is easily accessed from the Gunflint Trail. The terrain is not overly challenging and the views it affords are spectacular, especially since the Ham Lake Fire. Fire has a way of changing the way things look and how far you can see into the woods.

     New sights can be seen where the fire cleared the view. Where the trail was once canopied by towering pines a pond can be seen just a short distance off of the trail. Where birch trees previously lined the path you can now see the hills and valleys that were once obscured. Large slabs of granite are now exposed to the human eye making one wonder how vegetation could survive and thrive on such limited topsoil.

    The 60-foot magnetic rock at the end of the Magnetic Rock Trail will remain as it has since the glacial period. There it will stand for years to come for all to enjoy the phenomena of its magnetism. Its familiarity will be a constant within the ever-changing landscape of the woods and waters that embrace it.