I plan to make my first trip up there in September. I plan to go up by car and hike. No canoeing. I mainly plan to do some wildlife photos and hopefully some aurora photos.

Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

There aren't a ton of options for what you want to do but there are some. I've never done any hiking trails in the BWCA, but in reading about them....I'd give Clearwater Outfitters on the gunflint trail a call and tell them what you'd like to do. The Border Route trail is in their area and has a lot of nice overlooks and vistas for a hiking trail.

There is a trail by brule too. I think they have 2-3 campsites there too.

I really don't recommend hiking trips in the bwca though. It's not what the area is intended for so all the effort is put towards the portages and campsites on the lakes.

Are you looking for just day hiking opportunities, or overnight with camping? And staying in a campground or looking for lodging? And any canoe day trips or no paddle at all?

Snowbank Trail and the Secret Blackstone Hiking Trail are two that come to mind.

Personally I think there are a lot of good hiking opportunities in and near the BW. Some of my favorites are Sioux-Hustler, Angleworm, Snowbank, Kekekabik, Border Route, Bass Lake, and Flash Lake. Several others, but these are the trails that I have hiked in the past and keep going back to.

As Bill mentioned, it's hard to be more specific without knowing more about what you're looking for. Looking for an easy day hike, then I'd look at the Bass Lake trail system or Flash Lake. Interested in a longer day hike or an easy overnight (or even a very leisurely 3 day hike)? Maybe the Angleworm. Want a brisk 2 day hike or a somewhat more leisurely 3 day hike? I'd look t the Sioux-Hustler. Longer hikes? The Kek or Border Route are both very nice. Want something even longer? Combine the Kek and the Border Route.

If hiking the Kek, you can also consider taking a side trip on the Becoosin loop or the Old Pines trail. Last year I thought the Becoosin loop was in good shape, but thought the Old Pines trail was pretty rough, though I did not hike very much of the Old Pines trail.

I can probably be a bit more specific if you can let us know how many days you want to be out and the kind of pace you are looking for. If you're not going to be camping and want recommendations for lodging on or near trails I'm sure you can get recommendations for that here too.

My preference for longer hikes is for spring or fall. I would caution that early spring trips will involve more snow down/ blown down to deal with, since no clearing will have been done yet. Also some creek and river crossings can be "interesting" during peak snow melt.

Since you said September, my cautions about spring will not apply. I think your choice is terrific. Few bugs, generally nice temperatures and if going later in the month you'll generall have some nice fall colors. No matter what time of the year you're going, keep in mind that most of these trails are what I would consider to be minimally maintained and other than some cairns and marking tape you will not find much to help with route finding.

In any case, it sounds like you're planning a fun adventure. Please let us know what you finally decide on.

Carl & Mike at Rockwood may have some good info to offer as well.

If you are interested in day hikes around the area, and not really in a wilderness canoe trip, I would suggest checking out the Superior National Forest website for ideas. This web page shows many of the area’s trails. This page shows some camping opportunities.

Consider border route trail if you want to do a nice four day or five day through hike. Rockwood outfitters would be a great help for nice place before you start, and giving you a lift to the starting point after car drop-off. Beautiful trail. You likely won't see anyone or many. If you can be a little more specific about what you're looking for in terms of location. (East or west), length and objectives, other ideas will surface.
Also echo what others have said - many terrific options for lovely, uncrowded and invigorating hikes in the entire area, including outside of bwca, such as Finland state forest for example. The walking and hiking opportunities are endless. But as Happy Huskies said, you have to be mindful of your route. There are Spurs, hunting trails, old logging trails and game trails that can be misleading if you're daydreaming. You absolutely need a compass and good map, whistle and preparations for wet footing it. It helps to stop by ranger office and also check in with trail conditions via a citizen trail group (usually you can find them on FB or meet up) right before you depart. Self-rescue skills especially if going solo. Consider PLB or similar because cell coverage is not a constant.

Thanks!

No canoeing. A few days of overnight camping.

Some great tips. I really appreciate it. I am figuring a few days up there and then exploring other parts of the north (outside of the boundaries). I am planning on a fall shoot from this area and then probably as far east as Maine.

Purtman: "Some great tips. I really appreciate it. I am figuring a few days up there and then exploring other parts of the north (outside of the boundaries). I am planning on a fall shoot from this area and then probably as far east as Maine. "

It's a REALLY long hike to Maine. Hope you have plenty of time off!

Border Route or Kekekabic Trails would both be fantastic. I've hiked large sections of both, and there are tons of senic overlooks, wildlife, waterfalls, naturescapes, etc. Main problem is figuring out your car/shuttle situation if planning a thru-hike.

pswith5: "

Purtman: "Some great tips. I really appreciate it. I am figuring a few days up there and then exploring other parts of the north (outside of the boundaries). I am planning on a fall shoot from this area and then probably as far east as Maine. "

It's a REALLY long hike to Maine. Hope you have plenty of time off!"

Thanks. I plan to do almost two weeks. I grew up in New England, so I know my way around out there. I figure it will be two days to New England from northern MN. I hope to cross the border in northern Vermont and take the interstate through New Hampshire and into Maine. Then I'll come back down along the coast, hitting all six New England states and then coming back through western Mass., New York State and PA. Then it's I-80 the rest of the way home. :)