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! It’s a steeper hike as it gains elevation quick over just a mile in distance but it’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 “Caribou Trail Trailhead”.
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! You’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
This is great! Thanks for sharing. My boyfriend and I are planning a trip in August so this is perfect timing!
You’re the best!!! Thanks for all you do.
Yay! Have so much fun and hope this is helpful 🙂