Norberg Lake Trail

The Norberg Lake Trail in Bear Head Lake State Park is a 3.5 mile lollipop loop located in Bear Head Lake State Park. The trail is somewhat hilly and it passes through a mix of pine and deciduous trees. The trail is well marked, with maps at trail intersections. Parking for this hike is available near the trail center by the beach area.

Starting at the trailhead, head north for about 0.3 miles on a wide grassy trail. Head right where the trail splits into a loop. This portion of the trail is narrower and roughly parallels the shore of the East Bay of Bear Head Lake for about a mile. This portion does have some rocky sections. The lake can be seen through trees and there are a couple of unofficial trails down the shoreline.  The next section of the trail follows a gravel road for about 0.4 miles. After leaving the road, Norberg Lake will come into view. There is a short spur trail down to this quaint lake which holds trout. After leaving Norberg Lake, follow a very rocky trail for 0.7 miles until you arrive at the next intersection where you head left. This section is wide and grassy, after 0.4 miles you will arrive at the end of the loop portion of the hike and proceed back to the parking lot.

This trail also doubles as the state park’s Hiking Club trail. The Minnesota State Park’s Hiking Club program encourages hikers to hike a designated Hiking Club Trail at most state parks. A Hiking Club password is found on all of these hikes. You can earn patches, free camping, and even a plaque (if you hike all of the Hiking Club trails) for participating in the club. A Hiking Club kit can be purchased at most state parks for $14.95 (as of 2020). More information about the program can be found here.