When the time comes that you're ready to put your fishing gear aside for a bit and move from the water to the shore, consider the many hiking trails around the Ely area.  There are as many trails to navigate and explore as there are lakes, it seems. Some of our favorites are within a ten-mile radius of Garden Lake Resort.

In town, we have the Trezona Trail, a four mile loop around Miners Lake.  The trail is mostly paved and moderate. Here you'll find people of all ages walking, biking, rollerblading, pushing strollers and walking dogs. The trail is popular with cross country skiers in the winter-and in the summer, as they train using roller skies.

Just up the Fernberg Road is the Kawishiwi Falls hiking trail that leads to the impressive waterfalls created by the Fall Lake dam. The loop to the falls and back to the parking area is approximately two miles. The trail is moderate and well maintained; however, you'll want to wear sturdy hiking shoes to keep a steady foot over rocks and roots. The trail leads to an area of low, flat rocks just below the falls that makes for a perfect picnic spot.

The Bass Lake Trailhead is off the Echo Trail, about six miles from the edge of town. This historically unique trail system loops around Bass Lake and Low Lake and, depending on which trail you choose, may require 2-6 hours to complete. The trail is level and wide in some areas and steep and rugged in others. You may want to hike in with enough water, food, and bait to last a day. Yes-bait! On this trail, consider hiking in with your fishing gear because Bass Lake offers great panfish and bass fishing from shore. You may want to bring or wear your bathing suit, too, because the cool, clear water of Bass Lake is very inviting on a warm day.

These are just a few of the hiking trails to discover while you stay at our Ely MN resort. The Superior National Forest, which is celebrating its centennial this year, boasts one of the largest forests in the national forest system and offers thousands of miles of trails. Click here for more information.

July is a great time to search for berries and watch for wildlife as you hike. Be sure to bring your camera. Happy trails!