The First "Reroute Reason of the Week" appeared on the Arrowhead Reroute Facebook page on January 11, 2012
The page is located at http://www.facebook.com/ArrowheadReRoute or Click Here
1. Frost Upheaval
Frost Upheaval is the expansion and contraction of the soil due to the thawing and freezing cycle that happens every spring. It can do major damage to trail structures. The original route would be heavily dependent on boardwalks and bridges so it would be more susceptible to having expensive repairs. The example of Frost Upheaval damage in the photo is a bridge on the Grand Portage National Monument Trail. Frost Upheaval is the reason why Congress should approve the Arrowhead Reroute.
2. Arrowhead Chapter of the North Country Trail Association
Many radio and television commercials use the phrase, “operators are standing by to take your call.” But in the case of the Arrowhead Reroute, Trailbuilders are standing by to build the Trail. The Arrowhead Chapter of the North Country Trail has been formed to build the NCT in the area between Remer and Ely. They have been building some trails that eventually could be used as the North Country Trail. But they could be building a lot more trail segments if the Reroute bill is approved. The Arrowhead Chapter is the reason why Congress should approve the Arrowhead Reroute.
3. Bear Head Lake State Park
Bear Head Lake State Park won the title of “America’s Favorite Park” in a nationwide campaign sponsored by America’s State Parks Foundation and Coca Cola. The Park is known for its pristine forest and shoreline. The North Country Trail will pass through Bear Head Lake State Park eventually, when the Arrowhead Reroute bill is passed. The NCT would probably use a combination of new trails and existing trails to traverse the park. It will be a great setting for the NCT. Bear Head Lake State Park is the reason why Congress should approve the Arrowhead Reroute.
4. 270 degree Overlook on the east end of the Border Route
One of the best sweeping vistas can be found less than a mile from the eastern terminus of the Border Route Trail. It’s a panoramic 270 degree view which you can see Canada and the Pigeon River to the North and the Swamp Lake on the Swamp River to the South. Most overlooks only give you a view in one direction. This overlook gives you views in all directions except for looking to the west. The 270 degree Overlook on the east end of the Border Route is the reason why Congress should approve the Arrowhead Reroute.
5. Cascade River State Park
Cascade River State Park has many waterfalls and spectacular views. For the best views of the waterfalls you can hike the Superior Hiking Trail on both sides of the River. The SHT creates a 7 mile loop using the Highway 45 Bridge at the north end of the park. This loop is very popular with day hikers and has some backcountry campsites along the way for Backpackers. Cascade River State Park is the reason why Congress should approve the Arrowhead Reroute.
6. Parks and Trails Legacy Grant Program
In 2008 the voters of Minnesota approved the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment that provides funding for parks and trails of regional and statewide significance. The North Country Trail has already benefited from this program by receiving funds for extending the trail over 20 miles in Becker County. So, if the Arrowhead Reroute bill gets passed by Congress, the NCT will have a possible funding source to help build the trail in the Reroute Gap Area. The Parks and Trails Legacy Grant Program is the reason why Congress should approve the Arrowhead Reroute.
7. Hikers Spend More Tourism Dollars
According to a University of Minnesota Study hikers spend by far more Tourism dollars than other Recreational Trail users such as Bicyclists, Snowmobilers, ATV riders, and Cross Country Skiers. And in the Northeast Region of Minnesota, where the Arrowhead Reroute is located, hikers spend more tourism dollars than all the other trail users combined. Adding some more tourism dollars could really help businesses in Duluth, Two Harbors, Grand Marais, Ely, Grand Rapids and all the other towns along the Reroute. Hikers Spend More Tourism Dollars is the reason why Congress should approve the Arrowhead Reroute.
8. Agamok Falls
Agamok Falls is a truly special place. It’s located 12 miles west of the Gunflint Trail (a road) on the Kekekabic Trail. The best place to view the falls is on the Kekekabic Trail footbridge over the Agamok gorge. There are backcountry campsites on both sides of the gorge, but the one on the west side really makes you feel that you are living with the waterfall. Agamok Falls is the reason why Congress should approve the Arrowhead Reroute.
9. Superior Hiking Trail – Almost Done
“Superior Hiking Trail – Almost Done” was the name of a presentation at the Midwest Mountaineer Outdoor Adventure Expo this past November. Rudi Hargesheimer presented the session that was about the forthcoming completion of the Superior Hiking Trail. The last miles between Duluth and Two Harbors will be built in 2012. And the Celebration is scheduled to occur on Trails Day of 2013. This is going to be a truly monumental achievement with over 25 years in the making. The Superior Hiking Trail is a great Trail. It deserves to be part of our National Scenic Trails System. Superior Hiking Trail – Almost Done is the reason why Congress should approve the Arrowhead Reroute.
10. Stairway Falls and Portage
One of the most iconic spots in the Boundary Waters is the Area around Stairway Falls and Portage. First of all, there is the magnificent Stairway Falls that drops from Duncan Lake to Rose Lake. Then there is a huge wooden staircase that is part of the portage. These two items are worth the trip out to Border Route Trail, using one of connector trails. But there’s even more. After a short hike either east or west on the Border Route Trail, you will find spectacular overlooks. The overlook to the east is often featured in brochures promoting tourism along the Gunflint Trail, which is the main road in the region. Stairway Falls and Portage is the reason why Congress should approve the Arrowhead Reroute.
11. Lake Vermilion State Park
Have you been to Lake Vermilion State Park? You probably have not because it is a brand new State Park. On June 10, 2010 the State of Minnesota closed a 3000 acre land transaction with UW Steel, thereby establishing the park. It is next to Soudan Underground Mine State Park near Tower, Minnesota. Together the two parks will have 10 miles of shoreline on the 39,271 acre Lake Vermilion. And the North Country Trail is slated to go through Lake Vermilion State Park once the Arrowhead Reroute Bill is passed. There will be a presentation about the park on March 5, 2010, 7 pm, at the Davies Theater on the Itasca Community College Campus in Grand Rapids, MN. Lake Vermilion State Park is the reason Congress should approve the Arrowhead Reroute Bill
12. Cost of Boardwalks
According to an article by Ken Kusler of the Association of State Wetland Managers, it costs anywhere from $20 to $100 per linear foot to build a boardwalk. According to the article, the cost varies because of width, height, and construction materials used. The costs also vary depending on whether volunteer labor is used or if professional carpenters build the boardwalk. The original NCT route from Duluth to Remer would go through mostly black spruce and tamarack swamps that would require many miles of boardwalks. The Arrowhead Reroute would require far less boardwalks because it will be built on mostly solid ground. The Cost of Boardwalks is the reason Congress should approve the Arrowhead Reroute Bill
13. Hellacious Overlook
On the Superior Hiking Trail north of Hovland is one of the best overlooks anywhere. It’s called Hellacious Overlook. It must be called Hellacious because of the great view or the length of the overlook, because the hike up to the overlook from Jackson Lake Road isn’t all that bad compared to other overlooks. When you’re hiking south from the Northern Terminus of the Superior Hiking Trail, this is the first spot where you will see Lake Superior. And on a clear day you can see Isle Royale. It truly is a Hellaciously great place. Hellacious Overlook is the reason Congress should approve the Arrowhead Reroute Bill
14. Over 20 Local Governments and Organizations Support it
According to the North Country Trail Association’s 2011 Arrowhead Reroute Flyer over 20 local entities support the Arrowhead Reroute. They are Cass County, Aitkin County, Itasca County, Lake County, Cook County, Carlton County, City of Grand Rapids, City of Tower, City of Cook, City of Ely, Fall Lake Township, City of Duluth, City of Cloquet, City of Carlton, Minnesota DNR, Superior National Forest, Chippewa National Forest, Superior Hiking Trail Association, Border Route Trail Association, Kekekabic Trail Club and Parks & Trails Council of MN. Because Over 20 Local Governments and Organizations Support it is the reason Congress should approve the Arrowhead Reroute Bill
15. Andrew Skurka has hiked it twice
Andrew Skurka is one of the best-known backpackers in the world. Named 2007 Adventurer of the Year by National Geographic, Skurka is known for his 4700 mile Alaska-Yukon Hike in 2010 and his 6800 mile Great Western Loop Hike in 2007. But before that Skurka hiked the Arrowhead Reroute twice. The first time was on his Sea to Sea Hike in 2005 and the second time was on his Nation’s Icebox Hike in 2007. Skura is doing a speaking tour this spring including a stop in Minneapolis for the Midwest Mountaineering Expo in late April. Andrew Skurka hiked it twice it is the reason Congress should approve the Arrowhead Reroute Bill
16. There were no comments opposing the Arrowhead Reroute.
According to the National Park Service testimony to Congress on March 17, 2010, in 2003 and 2004 meetings were held about the Arrowhead Reroute in Duluth, Grand Rapids and Ely, Minnesota. And according to the Testimony “No comments opposing the proposed change in the route were received, either at the public meetings or by mail or email during the widely-publicized public comment period.” That’s pretty amazing!! There were no comments opposing the Arrowhead Reroute is the reason Congress should approve the Arrowhead Reroute Bill
17. There Are More Public Lands in the Reroute Gap Area
There are more Public Lands in the Reroute Gap area between Ely and Remer, than the original route between Duluth and Remer. And it’s always easier to build the trail on Public Lands than getting permission from private landowners. The Public Lands in the Reroute Gap Area include the Superior National Forest, George Washington State Forest, Bear Head Lake State Park, Lake Vermilion State Park, McCarthy Beach State Park, Scenic State Park, Sturgeon River State Forest and the Chippewa National Forest. There are more public lands in the Reroute Gap Area is the reason Congress should approve the Arrowhead Reroute Bill
18. Milton Lakes Esker
Once the Arrowhead Reroute is approved the trail will connect with the existing NCT segment near the Milton Lakes Esker north of Remer, Minnesota. An Esker is a long winding ridge that was created by a river in the glacier. The river deposited sediment along its route, thereby creating a long snakelike ridge after the glaciers receded. The North Country Trail travels on top of the Milton Lakes Esker. It’s a cool section of trail, where the hill drops down swiftly on both sides of the trail. It rivals any of the Glacial features on the Ice Age Trail in Wisconsin. The Milton Lakes Esker is the reason Congress should approve the Arrowhead Reroute Bill.
19. Grand Marais
Up on the North Shore of Minnesota is the coolest little Trail Town ever. It’s Grand Marais, Minnesota, and it has anything a Backpacker or Hiker would want. It has groceries, laundromats, restaurants, bars, hotels, a municipal campground, and most importantly, a Dairy Queen. Plus it’s a beautiful town with the many folksy murals, the harbor and Artist’s Point. It truly has a character that’s all its own. For some local flavor, go to Burger Night at the American Legion if you are in town on a Wednesday night. Grand Marais is the reason Congress should approve the Arrowhead Reroute Bill.
20. Minnesota’s Logging and Railroad Heritage.
Logging and the Railroad are two operations that went hand in hand in Minnesota’s Arrowhead Region in the late 1800s and early 1900s. In some cases loggers used rivers to transport logs to the Lumber Mills, but in many cases railroads were built. You can see evidence of logging and railroads throughout the Arrowhead Reroute. On the Kekekabic Trail a big old saw blade used by loggers marks the entrance to the Drumstick Lake Campsite. On the Border Route Trail, Long Portage and the Daniels Lake Access Trail are built on an abandoned logging railroad bed. And on the Superior Hiking Trail the town of Finland became a boomtown after the Alger Smith Logging Railroad came to the town in 1907. Minnesota’s Logging and Railroad Heritage is the reason Congress should approve the Arrowhead Reroute Bill.
21. Windigo Doug is Hiking part of the Reroute right now.
Doug Boulee of Michigan, known as Windigo Doug on the trail, has already hiked all of the North Country Trail in Michigan (1200 Miles) and Wisconsin (220 mile.). Now, he has set his sights on Minnesota and is currently hiking the Superior Hiking Trail. Windigo Doug could be the next person to completely hike the North Country Trail, at least he has a very good start. At any rate, you can keep track of him using his facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/windigodoug And if the bill gets passed by Congress, we will get many more long distance backpackers coming to Minnesota. Windigo Doug is hiking part of the Reroute right now is the reason Congress should approve the Arrowhead Reroute Bill.
22. There are plenty of Cool Backcountry Campsites
Imagine for a moment camping near Lilly’s Island on Sonju Lake. The Superior Hiking Trail has built a boardwalk out to this idyllic island where you can sit, watch and listen to the Loons making their calls. Imagine camping next to the Devil’s Track River, where the fast moving river curves around your Campsite. Image camping on Rose Lake where Stairway Falls, the most iconic location in the Boundary Waters is just a 2.4 mile one way day hike away from the campsite. Or imagine camping next to Agamok Falls on the Kekekabic Trail. But don’t image it because these are real places you can camp at established backcountry campsites. There are plenty of Cool Campsites is the reason Congress should approve the Arrowhead Reroute Bill.
23. Lutsen Mountains Tram
The Lutsen Mountain Tram is a unique location in the National Trails System. It is a place where you can take a tram to help you with your hike. From the Lutsen Mountain Resort on Eagle Mountain, you can take the Tram over to Moose Mountain and hike back using the Superior Hiking Trail. It’s a 3.5 mile hike that goes down Moose Mountain then up over Mystery Mountain. At the bottom of Mystery Mountain there is a trail bridge over the Poplar River where there are many waterfalls. Then it’s a short hike back to the Lutsen Mountains Resort. The Lutsen Mountains Tram is the reason Congress should approve the Arrowhead Reroute Bill.
24. Minnesota’s Mining Heritage
Minnesota’s Mining Heritage comes alive on the Arrowhead Reroute section of the North Country Trail. The Kekekabic Trail goes next to the mining shaft of the ill-fated Paulson Mine. The mine is filled with water now, and is guarded by a split rail fence, because the mineshaft is reportedly 75 feet deep. On the Superior Hiking Trail many railroads from the Iron Belt intersect the Trail. These railroads bring Taconite down to Silver Bay, Two Harbors and Duluth for processing and shipping. Also, the proposed route of the NCT in the Arrowhead Chapter Area (aka Reroute Gap Area) will pass by the mines of the Mesabi Range near Grand Rapids. Minnesota’s Mining Heritage is the reason Congress should approve the Arrowhead Reroute Bill.
25. It’s eventually going to happen
A lot of backpackers and hikers think that since the Arrowhead Reroute is such a great thing that it’s eventually going to happen. Many others already consider it done. In fact the NCTA’s Long Distance Hiker Committee’s Policy states that you must hike the Arrowhead Reroute Section in order to completely hike the North Country Trail. So, why not get this bill passed sooner instead of later. The sooner it gets passed, the sooner we can start building the trail from Ely to Remer. It’s eventually going to happen is the reason Congress should approve the Arrowhead Reroute Bill.
26 Duluth
Duluth may not be the biggest city with a National Scenic Trail running through it. That would be Dayton, Ohio (NCT) or Madison, Wisconsin (IAT). But those other two cities have the trail skirt them on the edge of the city. Duluth has the Superior Hiking Trail running through the heart of the city. It includes a lake walk where you can see Great Lakes Tanker Ships and a mountain walk up to Ely’s Peak. There are many spectacular views of the city and Lake Superior. Duluth is the reason Congress should approve the Arrowhead Reroute Bill.