Star of the North Chapter - North Country Trail Association

MN-84 to Highway 6, northeast of Remer

The Star of the North Chapter was the original NCTA Chapter formed in Minnesota, and named after the state’s official motto adopted in 1861: L’etoile Du Nord, or Star of the North. The Chapter maintains and promotes about 30 miles of the North Country National Scenic Trail in the Chippewa National Forest, where the first segments of this trail in Minnesota were established. From State Highway 84 north of Longville, the trail parallels State Highway 200 going to the east to the Boy River, a popular canoe route which flows out of Leech Lake. It then winds generally northeast to State Highway 6 northeast of Remer. The Chapter has members from all over Minnesota, and a few from North Dakota. We would love to have you join us. Connect with us by email, Facebook, or Meetup and join us on a work trip or hike!

Key Data

Chapter Trail Section

The Chapter's section passes through a mix of forest with numerous wetlands and beaver ponds. The trail has more hilly terrain east of the Boy River with gentle rolling hills to the west. There are two campsites and seven trailheads on our section. The campsites have a bench, firepit, and wilderness latrine.

One notable feature on the trail north of Remer is the Esker near Milton Lake. It is approximately 1,700 feet long and drops off up to 100 feet on both sides. On the western portion, the trail passes through the reservation for the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. On either end, the towns of Longville and Remer are both about four miles from the trail, and each have food and lodging options.

Connect and Get Involved

The Chapter hosts a work event each spring, usually the first or second weekend in May. Details are posted on Meetup. Guided hikes will also be posted there.

Join the Chapter
stn@northcountrytrail.org
Facebook
Chapter Meetup

Resources

Use the Report Trail Condition form to alert NCTA and the Chapter to poor trail conditions. Visit the Trail Alerts page while planning your adventure.

Suggested Hikes

Esker near Milton Lake: 4.5 miles out and back. Start at the parking area where the trail crosses Forest Road 2321 and go north. The esker begins at 1.5 miles and continues for 0.75 miles until reaching the trailhead at Milton Lake. There is a small campsite on the south side of the trail and a latrine on the north side before reaching the trailhead. Note that the trail and road leaving the trailhead to the west are often under water.

Old Pine Campsite and Beaver Dam: 3.5 miles out and back. Start at the parking area where the trail crosses Forest Road 2117 north of Mabel Lake and go north. The campsite is 1 mile in and the beaver dam is 0.75 miles past it. There is a small bridge before the beaver dam and puncheon parallels the beaver dam for easy crossing.

Wetland Wonder: 6.7 miles. Hike from the trailhead at Highway 200 to the trailhead at Highway 84. This trail starts just east of the Boy River and crosses it on Highway 200 before entering the forest on the south side of the road. The beginning stretch travels through mixed forest but you’ll soon start seeing ponds, wetlands, and bogs. The Crown Lake campsite is 2.2 miles before reaching Highway 84.

Chapter Maps and Guidance

Additional Local Resources