Fill Your Buckets And Bags To The Brim On This Minnesota Wild Blueberry Hiking Trail
By Trent Jonas|Published March 08, 2024
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Trent Jonas
Author
Trent Jonas came to Minnesota to attend college - and never left. He's a Twin Cities-based writer with a BA in English and a MFA in creative writing, a Minnesota Master Naturalist, and the proud father of two adult children. With more than a decade of freelance writing experience under his belt, Trent is often out exploring his favorite topics: Minnesota's woods, lakes, and trails. Rhubarb pie is his weakness, so discovering new diners is also a passion.
One of the best things about living in the Land of 10,000 Lakes is our state’s natural beauty. And all the nature we’re blessed with isn’t just for show – there are some downright delicious aspects to it, as well. For example, did you know that on many public lands, you can forage for wild blueberries in Minnesota? That’s right. And a good place to find them when they’re in season is along the Magnetic Rock Trail in the northeastern part of the state.
The Magnetic Rock Trails is a truly gorgeous hike in the Superior National Forest and Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW).
This towering monolith has such high iron content that it's actually magnetic. It's also incredibly scenic and a perfect spot for a snack or water break.
Speaking of snacks, in late July and August, there's even more to be grateful for along the trail: wild blueberries.
The silver lining is that it's been a blueberry hotspot ever since, and until the area is completely reforested, these sun-loving berry plants will continue to produce.
Pick your fill, but be sure to leave some for other hikers - as well as the black bears, moose, and other creatures that enjoy them.
If you do this hike during blueberry season, it will be the height of summer, and parts of the trail are pretty exposed, so be sure to wear proper sun protection. You’ll also want plenty of water and bug spray, as well. Cell service is spotty, at best, out on the Gunflint, so I recommend that you download maps from AllTrails Plus, so you can use them for offline navigation on your phone.
Have you ever gone blueberry picking on the Magnetic Rock Trail? What are some other good spots for wild blueberries in Minnesota? Let us know in the comments!
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