Craving a trip to the North Shore but dreading the crowds? Same here! I love the beauty and dramatic landscapes of Minnesota’s North Shore, but those crowds are a huge deterrent. George Crosby is the perfect place to be then.
Distance: 2 Miles Level: Difficult Dog Friendly: Yes, on leash Time to go: Late Spring-Fall Fees:$7 Entrance Fee or $35 Yearly MN State Park Vehicle Pass (totally worth it, get it here.)
Parking
For being a state park with fewer visitors, the parking lot sure stayed full. We didn’t have trouble parking but the lot did seem to always have an abundance of people in it. That being said, we saw very few hikers and campers during our visit. Everyone is very well dispersed.
Middle Trail
Given that there are 24 miles of hiking trails at George Crosby, there are options for getting to the falls. The easiest route is the Middle Trail.
Middle Trail starts at the parking area, there is a clear sign. You’ll pass the pit toilet and continue on until you reach the Manitou River Trail. Once at the Manitou River Trail, take a left. Heading north west, follow the trail to the river bank. The sound of the flowing river can be heard as the trail leads closer to the falls. The hike is really quite simple. Though the terrain can be challenging.
Terrain
The terrain on this trail is not to be taken lightly. There are roots, rocks, steep climbs and descents. It’s really fun! Who doesn’t love a rough trail?! It adds to the adventure. Our four year old traversed this trail with a great attitude and enthusiasm (until it got hot). That being said, I do not recommend this trail for small children or at least have a backpack carrier for the real little adventurers.
Be sure to pack appropriate footwear. We all had our hiking boots/shoes along and definitely needed them. This is not a hike for crocs, leave those in camp or your car. If you have trouble with balance or uneven ground, consider bringing trekking poles or a walking stick.
Unexpected Debris
This is a new one. We saw a wild cooler in it’s natural habitat, haha! It seemed as though someone had just left it and would return shortly. However, on our return trip the cooler was still present and we noticed a broken wheel. We were to curious not to open it, more curious than the bears apparently. The cooler was no longer cool inside, based on the contents of the thawed food items, it had been sitting for a couple of days. You never know what you’ll find on the trail!
Cascade Falls
These falls are absolutely breath taking! The strenuous hike is worth it. Before catching a glimpse of the falls, the rushing water can be heard and it draws hiker in. Watch your footing as you approach the falls. The trail becomes narrow at times with more of a drop than one would like to fall. The rocky edge adjacent to the falls offers plenty of seating the admire the awesome beauty of the falls.
We saw no other hikers on our journey to the falls. This is truly one of the most secluded waterfall hikes I’ve been on in Minnesota. For peace, quiet, and waterfalls, visit the Cascade Falls at George Crosby Manitou State Park.
Go chasing waterfalls this summer! It’s no surprise that Minnesota is littered with waterfalls all across the state given her reputation for 10,000 lakes. Search far and wide to find your favorite waterfall in Minnesota. Here are a few of our favorites to get you started.
North Shore
Many of Minnesota’s waterfalls are found cascading towards Lake Superior on the North Shore. This makes for a wild getaway weekend of chasing waterfalls all along the stretch of Hwy 61.
Jay Cooke SP
Cross the swinging bridge over the St. Louis River in Jay Cooke state park for phenomenal views of the roaring rapids. The rapids are not tall, but they are wild. The rocky edges on the far side of the bridge give visitors an up close view of the raging river. The hiking trails following the river offer more views of the rock formations jutting out of the river waters.
Warning: Keep kids in hand, do not let them out of your site. The river is powerful and full of rock. The edges of the rocks drop straight into the river. Small children should be held or kept in hand.
Gooseberry is my daughter’s favorite state park. The falls are entertaining all year round. We stop in, at least once, every year. Summer is her favorite time of year to visit, it offers rock hopping at the base of the lower falls.
Park Fees: No Fees Location: Two Harbors, MN
Falls Loop Trail Distance: 1 Mile Type: Loop Terrain: Paved, steps, dirt, boardwalk/bridge Difficulty: Easy Dog Friendly: Yes, on leash
Warning: Be cautious with little ones on the trail. Erosion has caused some of the trails to cave in and slide down. Follow signage for alternative routes and keep small children in hand.
Tettegouche SP
Tettegouche State Park saved us from a disastrous attempt at making it to the Boundary Waters one year in an Accidental Camping Trip. Even though it wasn’t the camping trip we were planning, it turned out to be it’s own adventure. Tettegouche has some of the best scenery in the state. You can’t beat the cliff viewing above Lake Superior, skipping rocks at the mouth of the Baptism River, or the jaw dropping majesty of the High Falls. Tettegouche is a must-see state park for every Minnesotan.
Park Fees: $7 Day Pass or purchase a year-round pass for $35 Location: Silver Bay, MN
High Falls Trail (Two Step Falls can also be seen from this trail) Distance: 3 miles Type: Out & Back Terrain: Dirt/Boardwalk Difficulty: Moderate Dog Friendly: Yes, on leash
Temperance River SP
The Temperance River winds through the forest and rocky ledges of Temperance River State Park. This river has carved it’s path into the stone and through the forest to reach the massive Lake Superior. It’s astonishing to see this river flow. The surrounding hikes are wild with their stone steps and the unique terrain it takes to traverse your way to get a glimpse of the falls passing through it’s gorge.
Park Fees: $7 Day Pass or purchase a year-round pass for $35 Location: Silver Bay, MN
Gorge Trail Distance: .25 miles Type: Out & Back Terrain: Dirt, rock, steps Difficulty: Moderate Dog Friendly: Yes, on leash
Upper Falls Trail Distance: 2 miles Type: Out & Back Terrain: Dirt, rock, steps Difficulty: Moderate Dog Friendly: Yes, on leash
Cascade River SP
The Cascades are absolutely breathtaking. My daughters favorite falls of MN might be Gooseberry, but mine have to the Cascades at Cascade River SP. They wind down to rocks racing toward Lake Superior in such a majestic fashion.
Park Fees: $7 Day Pass or purchase a year-round pass for $35 Location: Lutsen, MN
Cascade River Lower Loop Distance: 1 Mile Type: Loop Terrain: Dirt/Boardwalk Difficulty: Easy (may be slippery in some areas) Dog Friendly: Yes, on leash
Grand Portage Sp
Minnesota’s tallest waterfall roars from the Pigeon River between Minnesota and Canada. Grand Portage isn’t just a cool waterfall spot. The state park shares so much history about the area and contains a lot of cultural information to be absorbed by it’s visitors. The falls can be views from two hikes with two very different terrains.
Park Fees: $7 Day Pass or purchase a year-round pass for $35 (totally worth it) Location: Grand Portage, MN (almost into Canada)
High Falls Distance: 1 Mile Type: Out & Back Terrain: Paved Difficulty: Easy Dog Friendly: Yes, on leash
Middle Falls Distance: 4.5 miles Type: Needle Loop Terrain: Dirt trail, rocky, sometimes slick, drastic elevation change. Difficulty: Strenuous Dog Friendly: Yes, on leash.
Johnson Falls
This waterfall takes a lot more planning, energy, and perseverance to reach. Johnson Falls resides inside the borders of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area & Wilderness. It’s one of the coolest BWCA adventures I’ve been on. If you’re up to tackling the task of visiting this waterfall check out the adventure here.
Southern Minnesota
Not every waterfall trip requires a visit to the North Shore. Check out these southern beauties and explore their astounding surroundings.
Nerstrand Big woods SP
Search for the hidden falls along the Prairie Creek. Along the way, view the rare dwarf trout lily. It only grows in this state park in Minnesota. There are some areas of the trails that are board walked and marked off with a rope. This is to ensure that hikers don’t tread on the rare flower, destroying it’s limited habitat.
Park Fees: $7 Day Pass or purchase a year-round pass for $35 Location: Nearstand, MN
Hidden Falls Trail Distance: 1 mile Type: Loop Terrain: Dirt trail/boardwalk with stairs Difficulty: Easy Dog Friendly: Yes, on leash. Keep pets on trail to protect rare lily.
Pipestone National Monument
This culturally packed trail leads to one of the coolest spots in southern Minnesota. Hiking to Winnewissa Falls is such a whimsical experience. The falls seem so out of place and are absolutely gorgeous!
Park Fees: No Fees Location: Pipestone, MN
Circle Trail Distance: 3/4 mile Type: Loop Terrain: Paved Difficulty: Easy Dog Friendly: Yes, on leash.
Bonus Parks: The Pipestone area has two state parks nearby that are worth a visit: Blue Mounds & Split Rock Creek. We bundled these state parks into our Pipestone adventure for a full weekend of outdoor fun.
Minneopa
Camping, hiking, history, and bison….. Yes, BISON!! Not only does Minneopa have an amazing two-step falls with a spout hurdling it’s way down to a pool and creek, it also has a herd of bison. This park is split into two section. One side holds the tranquil waterfalls and peaceful picnic area. The other has hiking trails and a herd of bison in a 325 acre encloser that visitors can drive right through.
Park Fees: $7 Day Pass or purchase a year-round pass for $35 Location: Mankato, MN
Water Falls Hike Distance: 1/3 mile Type: Out & Back Terrain: Paved Difficulty: Easy Dog Friendly: Yes, on leash.
Our Minneopa adventure has my daughter asking to go back every year now.
If you’re looking for more than just waterfalls, head over to Things to do this Summer in Minnesota. You’ll find ideas to add to your summer bucket list.
