So my buddy and I were planning to hike a 15-20 mile section of the Superior Hiking Trail this weekend, but we somehow missed that much of the SHT is closed for deer hunting 11/3-11/18. We are now scrambling to find a hike. I have never done a hike in the BWCA, but always wanted to. I have driven by Angleworm hiking trailhead many times while going out of the Ely area on canoe trips. Anyone know if this is a decent hike or of any other good hikes in the BWCA?

We are doing two nights, so looking for something that has a couple camp sites in the loop.

Really need a weekend away so I am hoping I can figure something out in the next few days, we were planning to leave Thursday after work.

Angleworm would be a great hike to do at the low end of your mileage target (it is about 14 miles I believe). The trail is beautiful and not terribly difficult. The trail is rougher that the SHT as it gets less foot traffic and less maintenance, but campsites are well spaced to make for relatively short days if you so choose. I hiked the trail in June and there was quite a bit of deadfall. There has probably been some trail maintenance since then.

The trail is not difficult to follow, but you will definitely want a map/compass and GPS if available. Not sure where you are coming from, but REI carries Mackenzie maps of the trail and so does Midwest Mountaineering. Any place that sells BWCA maps will have these or the other map options. You can probably find trail GPX/KML online.

George Crosby Manitou state park is another option to consider. All of the sites are pack in. You won't end up getting in the same mileage, but they have some nice trails to explore and some of the camp sites along the river are really nice.

Snowbank Trail is about 24 miles but you can add to it by taking loops and side trails. I'd also recommend Angleworm.

I'm a member of the North Country Trail Association.
It's a nice well maintained trail with designated camp sites and thunder boxes.

NCT

Im a member of this chapter, much of it goes through Itasca SP and Tamarac NWR