Roundtrip: 2 km
Mount Rose
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Grand Portage, MN
It had been some time since I last hiked this trail. They have since installed beautiful stone steps with railings along the trail. The steps take you up a 300ft elevation over 1 km. As you climb you overlook the Grand Portage Fort and Lake Superior.
The village and fort at Grand Portage National Monument have been reconstructed over the original archaeological footprint from the late 18th century. When the park is open guides dress in period costume and interpret what life was like at the turn of the 19th century.
From the Pigeon River border crossing drive south on highway 61 for 9 km. Turn left at county road 73 (Store Road) after 1 km turn right at County Road 17 (Mile Creek Road) and park at the visitor centre. From here follow the path from the front of the visitor centre building across the road and through the grounds of the National Monument and follow the signs to the Mt Rose trail head.
Considering there is a paved trail ,with steps and hand rail, this is a bit of a workout. Great views of the lake and Island. Well worth a stop here.
The views from this trail are worth the hike up an any season. Grand Portage has some great must-dos nearby: Mt Josephine, The Spirit Tree, Partrige Falls, Mt Maud Tower, High Falls to name a few off the top of my head!