The Banadad Ski Trail
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- 29 km (17.4 mi)
- (Easiest to More Difficult)
- Single tracked
The trail connects the Central Gunflint with the Upper Gunflint Trail
systems. Most of the trail runs through the BWCAW. Trailheads along the
Banadad beginning on the east end are the Lace Lake and Seppala Trails,
the Swamp Lake Portage (snowshoe), and Tim Knopp (snowshoe), and Lizz
Lake Portage. At the Mid Trail Junction the Banadad meets the western end
of the Moose Trail. Continuing west, the Banadad connects with the North
Star Trail before terminating at the Gunflint Trail.
- 9.6 km (6 mi
- .Western End 1 km single tracked; remainder groomed occasionally.
Trail can be skated.
The trail serves as the supply access from the Poplar Lake Public Landing
to the Croft Yurts and the connecting trail between these yurts and the
Banadad.
- 1 km (.5 mi)
- (Easier) Single tracked.
Beginning north of the lodge the trail crosses the Gunflint Trail, passes
through an aspen stand to a beaver pond, the loops back to Old
Northwood's Lodge.
- 2.4 km (1.5 mi) Ungroomed/marked
Trail from Old Northwood's Lodge to the Lizz Lake Portage connection to
the Banadad.
Winds along the north side of Poplar Creek then returns along an esker
ridge. This trail begins at either the cabin or the yurt.
Loop trail beginning at the Knopp trailhead by the cabin. Trail travels
through the BWCAW via the Swamp Lake Portage.
Follow the Knopp Trail to the Banadad, then loop back along Banadad to
the Swamp/Poplar Lake Portage. Named in honor of Tim Knopp, former
University of Minnesota, Outdoor Recreational Professor, North Star Ski
Touring Club leader and avid skier. The is an alternative route from the
Lace Lake and Seppala Trails to the Banadad. The trail is groomed for
skiing and snowshoeing.
NOTE -- Please stay off groomed ski tracks when snowshoeing on ski
trails.
- 5 km (3.1 mi)
- (Easier to More Difficult)
- Single tracked
The Lace Lake Trail is a five kilometer loop connecting the Banadad Ski
Trail with the Poplar creek Trail. The northern portion of the trail
follows Poplar Creek and is very scenic. The southern section of the
trail is the shortest route between the Banadad and the Poplar Creek
Trail.
- 1.6 km (1 mi)
- (Easiest)
- Single tracked
The trail is the eastern exit of the Banadad to Little Ollie and the
Poplar Creek yurt area. After passing the yurt, the trail crosses Poplar
Creek where it travels along the creek and the loops back to the bridge.
Connection with the Gunflint Trail near Trail Center is possible from
this trail. This trail was named in memory of Sam Seppala who ran a
sawmill in the 193a at what is now Trail Center Lodge. He drowned on
Poplar Lake on July 4, 1940.
- 29 km (17.4 mi)
- (Easiest to More Difficult)
- Single tracked
The trail connects the Central Gunflint with the Upper Gunflint Trail
systems. Most of the trail runs through the BWCAW. Trailheads along the
Banadad beginning on the east end are the Lace Lake and Seppala Trails,
the Swamp Lake Portage (snowshoe), and Tim Knopp (snowshoe), and Lizz
Lake Portage. At the Mid Trail Junction the Banadad meets the western end
of the Moose Trail. Continuing west, the Banadad connects with the North
Star Trail before terminating at the Gunflint Trail.
- 10.2 km (6.3 mi) from Ox Cart Trail
- (Easiest to Most Difficult)
- Diagonal stride only
This trail leads to a large gravel pit where you can practice downhill
technique, and shortly thereafter crosses the Gunflint Trail. Take your
skis off when crossing the road (for safety as well as for the sake of
the poor skis!). The trail then passes between Bow and Quiver lakes and
makes a 6.6 km loop, finally rejoining itself in an old logging area.
- 8 km (5 mi) from Bearskin Lodge
- (Expert to Most Difficult)
- Skating and diagonal stride
Expert skiers will put their skills to the test on Bear Cub's loops.
Groomed for both skating and diagonal stride, this trail features very
challenging uphills and screaming downhills. Towering white pines greet
you as you travel to the Bear Cub Lake overlook at an elevation of 2000
feet.
- 5.2 km (3.2 mi) RT from Bearskin Lodge
- (Easier to More Difficult)
- Diagonal stride only
This trail is a popular short loop which follows an old ox cart trail
that was used in the early 1900s. It leads you through lowland beaver
ponds and alder swamps, and along ridges of highland pine forests.
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