Blind Ash Bay Trail

A stroll through the woods to overlooks and points along the lakeshore, with gentle hills and rocky sections for more variety.

Hiking Moderate

Distance: 4.9 km
Ascent: 118 m
Descent: 118 m
Duration: 1-2 hrs

Low Point: 340 m
High Point: 377 m
Gradient: 5˚

Blind Ash Bay is one of the trails in Voyageurs that can be reached without a boat, and it makes a perfect introduction to the environment of the national park. On this wooded trail, you’ll walk beneath tall, straight pines typical of the boreal forest, and among lush green understory. You’ll also see wetland areas and find views over the reed-lined edges of the lake. At elevated viewpoints, you can see across the water to islands and the opposite shore.

Blind Ash Bay Hiking Trail Photo: J. Stephen Conn

Description

The path is hilly and rocky in places, with enough variety to keep things interesting even though it stays mostly in the woods. Keep an eye out for deer and other wildlife, and for wild berries, which you are allowed to pick and eat (But note that collecting anything else like wildflowers or fungi is prohibited). This trail is open year-round, even though the nearby Ash River Visitor Center is only open in summer. Snowshoes or other traction may be useful in winter.

Source: https://www.nps.gov/voya/planyourvisit/hiking-trails.htm