For those who hike in the BWCA (or elsewhere in Minnesota), what is your source for topo / trail maps? My son and I are returning to backpacking this fall, and I have not been able to find a source for maps. I've looked at the USGS site for topo maps but find it pretty tough to navigate. Thanks for any help.

Dave

I call them up directly, they are more than willing to help you out.
I told them their site was not user freindly for finding what map I needed and they agreed.

You will need to have a pretty good idea of where you will be, so they can do the search for you. A Superior NF map will help you explain to them where you are headed so they can search easier for you.


1-888-ASK-USGS
(1-888-275-8747)

The phone number is at the bottom of the link.

Thanks, I will call them.

Dave

Another good source for maps is CalTopo , through which you can access the USGS 7.5' topo maps. It has a fairly easy to use interface.

What it does not have: trails. You would have to import these in most cases, but that is still easier to do here than with a raw USGS topo map PDF.

McKenzie has topo maps and includes trails.

I've downloaded Quad Maps on the Natgeo site. They don't have the established trails marked, but they're great maps for backcountry hunting, fishing and hiking.

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