7 Amazing Hikes On The North Shore

These are my favorite hikes that I’ve done along the North Shore in Minnesota! You do have to pay for the State Parks, $7 for a day pass or $35 for a yearly pass. You can buy those ahead of time online here! The difficulty levels of these hikes are based off of All Trails but know that sometimes, All Trails isn’t always the most accurate!

#1 – mount josephine Lookout tower Trail

Near the Minnesota/Canadian border is my favorite hike and view in all of Minnesota, Mount Josephine! Itā€™s a steeper hike as it gains elevation quick over just a mile in distance but itā€™s so worth it once you get to the top! On a clear day, the water shows colors that mock the West Coast with different blues and greens.

Level: Moderate

Trail length: 2.5 miles out and back

Elevation Gain: 649 feet

#2 – Cascade River State Park

Cascade River State Park is filled with tons of waterfalls, river hikes, and more! My favorite trail in this park is the Lookout Mountain Loop:

Level: Moderate

Distance: 3.2 miles loop

Elevation Gain: 610 feet

An easier and fun one is also the Cascade River Loop

Level: Easy

Distance: 0.5 mile loop

Elevation Gain: 85 feet

#3 – white Sky Rock

White Sky Rock is quick hike that has rewarding views of Caribou Lake as well as Lake Superior far off into the distance! Tip: When you Google this hike, it might come up as ā€œCaribou Trail Trailheadā€.

Level: Moderate

Distance: 0.6 mile out and back

Elevation Gain: 223 feet

#4 – Temperance River State Park

You can hop right off the highway and see some of the best parts of Temperance River State Park not too far from the road but I still recommend hiking in and doing the Temperance River Falls Loop!

Level: Moderate

Distance: 3.3 miles loop

Elevation Gain: 360 feet

#5 – Tettegouche State Park

Tettegouche State Park has many trails to offer but my suggestion is find one that takes you to the “High Falls” and “Two Step Falls”. Heads up, it’s 200 steps down to the Two Step Falls! Also do Shovel Point. It has fantastic views of Lake Superior!

Level: Moderate

Distance: 1.2 miles out and back

Elevation Gain: 246 feet

#6 – Palisade Head

A super quick hike right off the main highway is Palisade Head! Youā€™ll find scenic views of Lake Superior and the rock formations that make the North Shore famous.

Level: Easy

Distance: 0.9 mile out and back

Elevation Gain: 111 feet

#7 – Gooseberry Falls State Park

Gooseberry Falls State Park is filled with waterfalls and Easy hikes. You don’t really have to hike to see the majority of great things this State Park offers because it’s just a short walk from the parking lot to most of the main waterfalls. If you do want hike, I really like the Fifth Falls Trail.

Level: Easy

Distance: 3.0 miles loop

Elevation Gain: 298 feet

hiking Essentials

  • Hiking boots – I love these Columbia boots. I’ve had them for 5 years and used them on numerous hikes and they are still practically brand new
  • Backpack
  • For shorter hikes, under 6 miles: 10L backpack
  • For medium to long hikes, 7-20 miles: 20L backpack
  • For long hikes to overnight camping hikes: 50L backpack 0r 65L backpack – These backpacks are more expensive but your back will be so grateful to you for spending the extra money on it because the difference between a cheap versus quality backpack is insane. A backpack with good support and comfortable straps will make a world of difference for your hike/camping trip.
  • Hiking poles – These collapsable poles are the best for when you don’t need them and can pack them into your backpack
  • Water Bottle – The general rule of thumb for water is to take aboutĀ 1 liter of water for every 5 miles that you’re hiking so make sure you pack enough!!
  • Headlamp – If you want to do a sunrise hike or are attempting a really long hike that requires a 5am start, a headlamp is super important!
  • Protein bars – These Barebell Protein Bars are my absolute favorite. They taste like a candy bar but the macros in them are fantastic! (The cookies and cream flavor is my favorite)
  • Portable charger – If you’re taking lots of videos and pictures or are on a super long hike, you absolutely need a portable charger!
  • Sunscreen and Bug Spray – Don’t forget to reapply both if you jump into any lakes or bodies or water!
  • Leggings – These are a LuluLemon Align dupe that are only $32 and are on sale a lot!
  • Hiking socks – I never understood the importance of hiking socks until I started doing tougher/longer hikes. They protect your ankles from scratches and bugs!
  • Sun Hat – My boyfriend doesn’t do a hike without his hat
  • Hammock/Hammock straps – Okay this is definitely not a necessity but if you have room to carry one, there’s a great chance once you reach the top of your hike, you’ll be able to find some good spots to hang a hammock and relax for a bit
  • Other snacks I like to pack: almonds, trail mix, dried fruit, PB&J sandwiches, fruit snacks, beef jerky – make sure you clean up after yourself and leave no trace!!

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2 Comments

  1. This is great! Thanks for sharing. My boyfriend and I are planning a trip in August so this is perfect timing!

    Youā€™re the best!!! Thanks for all you do.

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