Blind Ash Bay Trail

Blind Ash Bay Trail is a moderate 2.9-mile hike from the upper pull-off at Kabetogama Lake Overlook, near Ash River Visitor Center, to a wooded peninsula between Kabetogama Lake and Blind Ash Bay. It is a lollipop rather than a full circuit: follow the shared stem west, circle the peninsula, then return on the same stem. The NPS trail page lists 2.9 miles; the mapped line is about 3.0, so plan for roughly three miles total, including the repeated section. Allow around two hours, and longer if you stop to watch birds or linger at the water. Most of the approach is a forest walk; the shoreline and broad west-facing lake view arrive near the far end.

The path is narrow, winding and rocky, with exposed roots, uneven footing and repeated rises and dips. Starting at the overlook pull-off avoids the steeper middle-lot approach and joins the westbound route farther along. Much of the long stem stays beneath the trees and offers few open views. Expect a paved service-road crossing before the peninsula loop. The short Kabetogama Lake Overlook connection is also an access route, not a replacement for the bay-side loop.

Near the west end, the route drops through spruce toward Blind Ash Bay. There are several spots to step aside and look over the water, with red pines framing the quieter bay. The path then rounds the rocky peninsula over exposed rock and boulders, climbs to a north-side viewpoint, and opens west across Kabetogama Lake and its islands. That panorama is different from the separate Kabetogama Lake Overlook nearer the start. If you are taking photos, keep some of the pine or trail edge in the foreground so the island-dotted lake has scale.

The woods change with the terrain: red and white pine cover much of the area, jack pine grows on rocky ridges, and aspen, birch, spruce and fir appear on lower ground. The wetter draws support hardwood forest. Birding is a good reason to take the stem slowly; species listed for this corner of the park include hermit and Swainson's thrushes, ruby and golden-crowned kinglets, scarlet tanagers, juncos, vireos and red-breasted nuthatches. Deer and other wildlife use the area, though sightings are never assured. This is a trail to enjoy for the forest as well as the final lake views, not a continuous overlook walk.

Use the upper Kabetogama Lake Overlook pull-off; the park map marks parking beside the trail access. Ash River Visitor Center has a separate access area with a comfort station and picnic area. A middle RV-lot approach also reaches the trail but has a steeper opening climb, so follow the park map if you start there. The park lists the route for summer hiking and winter snowshoeing, with no reservation or trail activity fee; a separate park entrance fee may apply. Pets are not allowed on park trails. The uneven surface, exposed roots and rocks, and inclines make this a poor choice if you need a firm, level path. Bring what you need for the outing; food and a water refill on the route were not confirmed.