Overview
Magnetic Rock is one of the more unusual destinations in Superior National Forest. The trail is an easy 2.2-mile out-and-back through boreal forest on the Gunflint Trail corridor, ending at a 60-foot column of basalt that does something you can demonstrate with a compass in your hand: the rock's high magnetite content deflects the needle measurably when you hold a compass close to its surface. It's a geological curiosity embedded in a genuinely pretty forest hike, making it a worthwhile stop whether you're a science-minded hiker or just looking for a quiet morning walk near the Gunflint.
The trail sits about 45 miles north of Grand Marais along the Gunflint Trail (County Road 12), the scenic road corridor that runs through the interior of the forest to the Canadian border. This location means low foot traffic compared to the North Shore trails near Highway 61, and a forest character that feels distinctly more interior.
The Route
Trailhead to midpoint (Miles 0 to 1.1). The trail begins at a small gravel pull-off on the east side of the Gunflint Trail. The path is packed dirt with some exposed roots and occasional wet sections in early summer. The forest here is classic northern boreal: black spruce, balsam fir, white birch, and jack pine. The understory is carpeted with Canada dogwood, wild sarsaparilla, and blueberry bushes (ripe in late July and early August). The terrain is nearly flat: this is one of the gentler approaches in the Gunflint corridor.
About a mile in, the trees begin to thin and the trail passes near the edge of a quiet lake within the BWCA boundary. The lake is accessible by eye from a small opening in the trees but not by trail: the shoreline is part of the wilderness. On calm mornings, the lake reflection is worth the walk on its own.
Magnetic Rock (Mile 1.1). The rock appears with less drama than the name implies. It's a large, dark, lichen-covered basalt formation rising about 60 feet from the forest floor, solid and angular against the surrounding spruce. No viewing platform, no interpretive sign beyond a basic marker. Just the rock. Pull out a compass and hold it close to the surface: the needle deflects west of magnetic north by a measurable margin. Move the compass 10 feet away and the needle returns to normal. The magnetic field anomaly is real and repeatable.
The area around the rock is good for a break. A flat rock shelf near the base works as a seat. In summer, the birch canopy provides shade.
Return. Retrace the approach to the trailhead. The walk back takes most hikers 30 to 40 minutes.
Geology Notes
The Magnetic Rock is part of the Precambrian Canadian Shield, the ancient bedrock that underlies most of northern Minnesota and extends north through Ontario and Quebec. The Shield is composed largely of granite and basalt formed during volcanic activity 2.7 billion years ago. Basaltic formations with high magnetite content are not uncommon in the region, but most are not exposed at the surface at this scale. The rock at the trailhead is one of the largest and most accessible such formations in the Superior National Forest.
When to Hike
This trail works across the full season from June through October. The shaded boreal canopy makes it a good choice on hot July and August days when open ridge hikes feel oppressive. Early morning hikes in June and July may bring heavy dew and spiderwebs across the path, which is worth knowing if that bothers you.
Blueberries along the trail ripen in late July and early August. The understory is rich with them in good years, and picking a handful while hiking is one of the quiet pleasures of the Gunflint corridor. Follow Leave No Trace principles: light picking for personal consumption is generally accepted; wholesale harvesting is not.
Fall color arrives at this elevation (roughly 1,800 feet) in mid-September, slightly earlier than lower-elevation North Shore areas. The birch and aspen near the trailhead turn gold, and the walk through golden birch to the dark basalt rock has a specific visual quality worth experiencing.
Practical Tips
There is no water source on this trail and no restroom at the trailhead. Carry what you need for a 2-mile round trip. Most hikers carry a single water bottle.
The small pull-off trailhead limits parking to 5 to 8 vehicles. On peak fall weekends, it can fill, but this trail is far enough from the main tourist corridor that overflow is uncommon. If the pull-off is full, the Gunflint Trail has additional turnout areas nearby where safe parking is possible.
Dogs are welcome and the flat terrain makes this trail easy for dogs of most ages and sizes. Keep them leashed near the rock formation and the lake edge.
Cell service is absent along the Gunflint Trail beyond the first 20 miles from Grand Marais. Download offline maps before leaving town. Review conditions before you go for current USFS road and trail status.
This trail pairs well with a stop at one of the Gunflint Trail resorts or outfitters for canoe rentals if you want to add a paddle to your day. The BWCA entry points near this area of the Gunflint Trail allow day paddling (with a day-use permit, as of 2026) on the border lakes visible from near the rock.
Getting There
From Grand Marais, take the Gunflint Trail (County Road 12) north approximately 45 miles. The trailhead pull-off is on the east side of the road. It is signed, but the sign is small: watch carefully. The Gunflint Trail is paved the entire distance. Allow about 1 hour from Grand Marais. From Duluth, add approximately 2 hours on Highway 61 to Grand Marais first. No services are available at the trailhead: fill your tank and grab food before leaving Grand Marais.