The Ely Northwoods Story
Establishing, building, and enjoying the Ely Northwoods section of the North Country National Scenic Trail.
2023
The Ely Northwoods Chapter officially joined the North Country Trail Association (NCTA) in September of 2023!
(Image links to Ely Northwoods page at northcountrytrail.org)
The story of the Ely Northwoods Chapter formation was presented in the fall 2023 North Star Magazine.
(Image links to The North Star containing an article on the Ely Northwoods Chapter)
2024
Goals for 2024:
- Have at least 10 members complete the Hike 100 Challenge
- Host 12 hikes in 2024 (inclusive of First Day and Last Day hikes)
- Become an official NCTA Trail Town
- Start on a Five Year Plan by 12/31
- Continue scouting proposed routes in the spring and fall to have a proposal for the NCTA to present to the NPS/MNDNR
- Begin training volunteers to assist adjacent chapters with construction/maintenance projects
- Contribute at least 250 volunteer hours to the trail
- Acquire and outfit equipment trailer with the KEK Chapters
- Create bylaws before September looking for any volunteers interested in taking this on
- Double membership to 80!
Chapter Hikes
1/1/24 Kekekabic Out & Back
1/1/24 Kekekabic Out & Back. Click to expand.
11 hikers, 5 miles.
2/4/24 Dry Lake Loop
2/4/24 Dry Lake Loop. Click to expand.
5 hikers, 3 miles.
2/23/24 Bear Head Lake State Park Norberg Loop
2/23/24 Bear Head Lake State Park Norberg Loop. Click to expand.
4 hikers, 3 miles.
3/2/2024 Secret Blackstone
3/2/2024 Secret Blackstone. Click to expand.
2 hikers, 5 miles.
5/5/2024 Astrid Lake & Vermilion Gorge, Crane Lake
5/5/2024 Astrid Lake & Vermilion Gorge, Crane Lake. Click to expand.
9 hikers, 9 miles.
7/28/2024 Hidden Valley
7/28/2024 Hidden Valley. Click to expand.
2 hikers, 4.3 miles.
9.9.2024 Bass Lake
9.9.2024 Bass Lake. Click to expand.
11 hikers, 7 miles.
1/1/24 Kekekabic Out & Back
11 hikers, 5 miles.
2/4/24 Dry Lake Loop
5 hikers, 3 miles.
2/23/24 Bear Head Lake State Park Norberg Loop
4 hikers, 3 miles.
3/2/2024 Secret Blackstone
2 hikers, 5 miles.
5/5/2024 Astrid Lake & Vermilion Gorge, Crane Lake
9 hikers, 9 miles.
7/28/2024 Hidden Valley
2 hikers, 4.3 miles.
9.9.2024 Bass Lake
11 hikers, 7 miles.
Other Chapter Activities
Scouting
Route options were explored West of Ely to connect to Bear Head Lake State Park. The red line indicates part of a potential option.
Grassy Lake overlook as seen from a scouting expedition.
Adopt-a-Highway
The Ely Northwoods Chapter adopted a section of Highway 88, East of Ely and is responsible for roadside cleanup twice a year. Thanks to our chapter members and volunteers for pitching in!
Shiny new sign!
Chapter Meetings
Most chapter meetings were held via Zoom, but the June and August meetings were in person at Semer's Beach over a picnic dinner.
Blueberry and Harvest Moon Festivals
The Ely Northwoods Chapter partnered with the Kekekabic Chapter to host informational booths at the Ely Blueberry Festival and Harvest Moon Festival. It was a great opportunity to visit with locals and visitors and talk trails!
Trail Work
Trail work in 2024 consisted of some members helping the Kekekabic chapter with work on their section.
Jeff Meister (lead), Dave Holt, Rick Bothwell, and Ron Christianson on a September Kekekabic Trail work trip.
Trail Town Designation
With the support of the Ely City Council and the North Country Trail Association, Ely has officially been designated as a "Trail Town." According to the NCTA "A Trail Town is a community through which the North Country National Scenic Trail passes that supports hikers with services, promotes the Trail to its citizens, and embraces the Trail as a resource to be protected and celebrated. Trail Towns are built on a relationship between a town, the Trail and its local volunteers."
Read the Timber Jay article about Ely becoming a Trail Town
01 / 07
