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Easily Accessible Waterfalls

Gooseberry State Park is a park my family and I have been to more times than I can remember, especially when my boys were young. The park has four waterfalls, and two of them (Upper and Middle Falls) are extremely accessible with short easy hikes and black top paved paths. Lower Falls is a very short hike from Middle Falls, but the trail turns into rock, dirt, and steps. Gooseberry is also the closest State Park to Duluth (just a 45 minute drive up Hwy 61), and accessibility, close proximity, and amazing waterfalls makes this a busy park - expect people to be in your pictures of the waterfalls. To limit crowds, my recommendation would be to skip Gooseberry in the morning on your way north along Hwy 61, and instead catch it on your way back south at the end of the day. Or, better yet, visit on a weekday in a non-summer month.

Gooseberry has some longer options for hiking too, if you’d like to explore beyond the main viewpoints. The River Trail takes you past the end of the Gooseberry River, through the gorge, and out to Agate Beach along Lake Superior’s shoreline. Another option is the Gitchi Gummi Trail. This trail also heads out to views of Lake Superior, but the trail remains high up among the cliffs and does not drop down to the lake. A third trail is Fifth Falls. This is upstream of the main waterfalls along the Gooseberry River. This is a much smaller waterfall that you can’t get up close to, but the trail hugs the river along the way, and there are plenty of places to take your shoes off and get your feet wet, if you desire. I’m not sure why it’s called “Fifth” Falls though - on my count there are only four waterfalls in Gooseberry.

Gooseberry Middle Falls frozen in winter — A short paved trail to Middle Falls makes this a fun introduction to winter hiking - Consider bringing poles or wearing YakTrax or snowshoes as the trails can become quite icy.

Location and Parking

As mentioned above, if you are coming from Duluth, Gooseberry is the first MN State Park you will find along Hwy 61. The park entrance is well marked from the highway - you will turn off of Hwy 61 towards Lake Superior. Simply follow the road to the parking lot for the Visitor Center. All of the trails in the park start from the Visitor Center. There is one other spot to park near the campground if you are looking for a closer place to access Lake Superior.

This post stands on its own, but it is a part of a larger network of posts I’ve written regarding things to do along Minnesota’s North Shore. This is a link to my full North Shore Guide for anyone interested. It’s an external link so you won’t lose your spot. I will also re-post this link at the end.

Lodging Options

Duluth is the most obvious spot to stay if you are looking for a hotel, but it’s a 45 minute drive to and from Gooseberry, and if you want to hike at any of the other State Parks, the drive is going to be even further. Two Harbors, Tofte, and Grand Marais are all towns big enough along Hwy 61 to also have hotels and restaurants. Two Harbors is 30 minutes north of Duluth (and is south of Gooseberry). Tofte is 90 minutes north of Duluth and may be a more convenient location if you also plan to hike Tettegouche, Temperance River, and/or Cascade River State Parks. Grand Marais is two hours north of Duluth, and would be where you want to stay if you are also planning to visit Judge Magney or Grand Portage State Parks, or if you are driving into Canada for the day..

Gooseberry, Tettegouche, and Cascade River State Parks also include drive-in campgrounds. Split Rock and Tettegouche State Parks have cart-in campgrounds as well. Note that these campgrounds fill up several months in advance on the summer weekends.

Hiking at Gooseberry State Park

Below is the map I will use in the rest of this post. I will refer to the color of the trail for your reference. Note that these colors help me explain where in the park to find different things, and the colors will not mean anything once you are hiking in Gooseberry State Park. There are also hyperlinks below in the captions - if you click on the trail name, it will bring you to pictures and trail descriptions. There will also be a link back to this map.

Gooseberry State Park Hiking Map — **Gooseberry State Park Hiking Trail Map**
Waterfall Loop (Yellow) - Trail to Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls
River View Trail (Blue) - Trail goes through the river gorge and ends at Agate Beach with access to Lake Superior
Fifth Falls Trail (Red) - Trail leads to a smaller waterfall
Gitchi Gummi Trail (Green) - Trail goes out to viewpoints of Lake Superior from above along the cliffs
Ski / Mountain Biking Trails (Purple) - There are several trails that can be used for hiking, skiing, and mountain biking in the northern part of the park

My recommendations for hiking are to first make sure you see Middle and Lower Falls. If you have time, do the whole yellow loop trail. You will see Upper Falls when you cross over the bridge on your return. Or you can just backtrack if you are short on time. Upper Falls can also be viewed just a short distance up the Fifth Falls trail on the southwest side of the river.

If you have time for additional hiking, the River View Trail (blue) will take you through the valley gorge, down to the river, and out to Agate Beach and Lake Superior. Fifth Falls is the red trail. This trail closely follows Gooseberry River upstream, and there are several spots you can walk along rocks and put your feet in the water. There are two bridges. If you are walking out to Fifth Falls, you will hike to the further (second) bridge.

The Hiking Club Trail (Gitchi Gummi Trail) is the green trail. This trail also follows the river valley, but the trail stays high and does not drop down to the water. I think the views of the river valley are better along the River View Trail. The purple trail is designed for cross country skiing and mountain biking. As there was not enough snow yet for skiing, I hiked out to the two observation points marked on the State Park Map, but I didn’t think either was special compared to other parts of the park, and I would skip these trails in favor of visiting other State Parks.

Gooseberry Lower, Middle, and Upper Falls

Distance / Elevation Gain to Middle Falls - From the parking lot to Middle Falls is 0.3 miles (one way) and the trail remains relatively flat. There is one short set of stairs, and there is a paved black top path that bypasses the steps if needed. The closest view point is on the south side of the Gooseberry River.

Distance / Elevation Gain to Lower Falls - From the Middle Falls viewpoint to Lower Falls is less than 300ft, and the trail drops in elevation about 30ft. The paved trail ends prior to views of Lower Falls.

Distance / Elevation Gain to Upper Falls - From the Middle Falls viewpoint to Upper Falls is less than 500ft, and the trail gains 50ft in elevation. Upper Falls can be viewed by staying on the south side of Gooseberry River, just a few steps onto the Fifth Falls Trail. Or you can cross the northern bridge (under the highway), and the falls are also viewable from the bridge. This waterfall won’t be very visible from the northeast side of the river along Fifth Falls.

Entire Falls Loop (Yellow Trail) - Hiking the entire loop waterfall trail (including the spur to the Lower and Middle Falls viewpoint on the north side of the river) is about 1.3 miles, with an elevation gain of 185ft. If you have time, enjoy the entire hike and all of the views of the waterfalls.

Gooseberry Waterfall Loop Trail (yellow)

This is your starting view of the Gooseberry River and Lake Superior from the Visitor Center, which marks the start of all trails.

Just a few steps after the visitor center, you will come to this informational sign. I like stopping at Middle Falls first, which is to the right. If you prefer to hit Upper Falls first, you can get there going either direction.

Informational sign - the shortest way to Middle Falls is to the right. You could go either way to get to Upper Falls.

The trails to both Middle and Upper Falls are paved. There is a short cut down the stairs to Middle Falls.

You can also bypass the steps and continue down the paved trail to access Middle Falls if needed.

Paved trails make Gooseberry waterfalls accessible for everyone

You can first see the falls from a side angle if you wander out onto the rocks. If you head down the trail further, you can get more of a head-on picture.

Gooseberry Middle Falls — Middle Falls in early summer

Hiking with the kiddos to Middle Falls in July - you can see how much less water may be flowing in the later months of summer.

Gooseberry Middle Falls in early winter — Middle Falls as it is starting to freeze over

Middle Falls - The waterfall looks completely frozen, but it’s very much still tumbling underneath - you’ll still be able to hear it under the snow and ice. This is an awesome and easy winter hike to try out.

If you turn around, so Middle Falls is behind you, you can see that the Gooseberry River tumbles again in just a few feet to Lower Falls. The bridge downstream is one of two that you will cross if you complete the entire Waterfall Loop.

View from Middle Falls just upstream of Lower Falls

As Gooseberry is a busy park, it’s most popular trail protects the land from erosion with lots of boardwalks and bridges. If you go left from this image below, you will find yourself just below Lower Falls. From here you can walk right out into the shallow Gooseberry River and get your fee wet if you’d like.

Gooseberry Lower and Middle Falls — Middle and Lower Gooseberry Falls in the spring

Same view as above as the falls are just stating to freeze

Gooseberry Lower and Middle Falls frozen winter hiking — Frozen Middle and Lower Falls - I love how much the waterfalls change each time we visit

With Lower Falls behind you, you can see the bridge that you will cross over Gooseberry River to form the loop hike. This water below the falls is also the perfect place to play with younger kids if you visit on a warmer day.

Hikes with littles are more about fully exploring spaces than how many miles you walk - but even as they get older, remember to pause and take your shoes off sometimes.

To make the loop hike, you will cross two bridges. This is the second - the same that was pictured above.

And like all good things in hiking - the trail has to go back up at some point. When you see these steps below, look off to your left. There is a short spur hike for the best views of Middle and Lower Falls. It does mean you have to hike up twice, as there is no connection between the spur trail and the main trail, but I guarantee it’s worth the extra effort. Please don’t make your own shortcut - the reason there are steps and boardwalks is to prevent erosion caused by your own feet.

Gooseberry Lower and Middle Falls from viewpoint — View of Middle and Lower Falls from the spur trail

As you hike back up, you will have one more great view of Middle Falls from the side.

Just prior to crossing back along the northern bridge you can see the Gooseberry River before it tumbles over Middle Falls.

As you cross over the Gooseberry River, you can see Upper Falls. I think the best view though is from just a few steps along the Fifth Falls Trail on the southwest side. Note that you can’t get a good view of the Upper Falls on the northeast side of the river along Fifth Falls.

Gooseberry Upper Falls in early winter — Upper Falls as viewed from Fifth Falls Trail in early winter

Gooseberry Frozen Upper Falls — Frozen Upper Falls

If you keep going a little further along Fifth Falls, you can also view Upper Falls from the top. The bridge in the background is Hwy 61. The bridge for hikers is visible below it.

View of Upper Falls from Fifth Falls Trail

Return to Map

Gooseberry River View Trail

I’ve marked the River View Trail in blue on the above map. To get out to Lake Superior and explore Agate Beach, you can add the River View Trail as a spur when you like the Waterfall Loop. If you prefer to simply see the beach without hiking, you can also move your car to the campground parking lot.

Distance / Elevation Gain - 0.7 miles one-way. This spur will add 1.5 miles onto your hiking trek if you are hiking the Waterfall Loop. The trail will go down to the river. On your way back up, there is an elevation gain of about 50ft.

The River View Trail includes boardwalks, boards, and dirt trails. It starts just before the bridge connecting the Waterfall Loop hike, and there will be a sign. The trail gains in elevation and you will get some pretty views of the gorge carved out by the Gooseberry River. There is also a pretty view of both the Lower and Middle Falls.

View of Gooseberry Middle and Lower Falls from the River View Trail

Gooseberry River View Trail — Another view of the gorge carved out by the Gooseberry River

As you get closer to Lake Superior, there are several picnic tables available from both the trail, as well as down below next to the river. These tables are located close to the campground parking lot as well.

Looking back on the Gooseberry River from Agate Beach on a warm day in December

The trail ends at Agate Beach, and you can continue to walk along the water’s edge over the rock surfaces and rocky beach. If you hike the Gitchi Gummi Trail, you will remain up in the cliffs that are in the background of this picture.

End of Gooseberry River as it pours into Lake Superior at Agate Beach

You will find spots along the shore that are covered in small stones and other spots will be solid boulders.

Return to Map

Gooseberry Fifth Falls Trail

Fifth Falls Trail is marked in red on the above map. You could hike this straight from the parking lot, but I’m going to assume that you are viewing the bigger waterfalls (Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls) first.

Distance / Elevation Gain - The trail to Fifth Falls starts at Upper Falls, and the loop to this last waterfall will add 2.0 miles to your hiking trek. The elevation gain is about 120ft, but it is very gradual.

View above Upper Gooseberry Falls along the Fifth Falls Trail

Fifth Falls Trail start at Upper Falls and continues along the Gooseberry River upstream along both sides. There are several places where you could dip your feet in the water or throw a few rocks if you choose.

Gooseberry River upstream of Upper Falls

If you happen to get caught out in a storm, there is a shelter just before you cross the bridge by Fifth Falls.

Trail Shelter on the southwest side of Fifth Falls

As you follow along Gooseberry River on the southwest side, you will hear Fifth Falls, but the trees block most of the view. This waterfall is best viewed after crossing the bridge on the northeast side. Note that there are two steel bridges that cross Gooseberry River. If you are going to Fifth Falls, do not cross the river at the first bridge. Continue along the trail follows the river. You will cross at the second bridge. The first bridge simply allows for a shorter exploration upstream of the main falls.

View upstream of Gooseberry River from the second bridge in the summer.

Similar view from the same bridge as above in early winter

View of Fifth Falls from the bridge looking downstream

Fifth Falls is best viewed after crossing the river, downstream of it on the northeast side.

Gooseberry Fifth Falls — Fifth Falls in the summer

Gooseberry Fifth Falls in winter — Fifth Falls in early winter

The trail along the northeast side continues to follow beside the river.

Trail to Fifth Falls along the northeast side of Gooseberry River

This is the first bridge. If you want to simply hike for a ways upstream along the Gooseberry River, you can make a shorter loop by taking the first bridge.

Throughout the Fifth Falls Trail, there are boards over the parts of the trail, keeping your feet dry and mud free.

Simple boardwalks along Fifth Falls Trail

Return to Map

Gitchi Gummi Trail

The Gitchi Gummi Trail is marked in green on the above map. If you are collecting MN Hiking Club passwords, this is the trail you will take. Similar to the Fifth Falls Trail, I’m assuming you would get to the Gitchi Gummi Trail from the Waterfall Loop Trail.

Distance / Elevation Gain - This loop will add 1.5 miles to your hiking trek if you are accessing it from the Waterfall Loop Trail, and the elevation gain is 250ft.

Often the Hiking Club Trail ends up being my favorite trail in the MN State Park, but this trail I would rate behind the Waterfall Loop, Fifth Falls, and the River View Trails.

View of Lake Superior from the Gitchi Gummi Trail

The Gitchi Gummi Trail is quite pretty when it gets out to Lake Superior, and it reminds me of Shovel Point in Tettegouche, although I like Shovel Point better as the cliff drops are more dramatic. But if you aren’t able to travel as far north as Tettegouche State Park, this is a close second. Pictured below is Agate Beach. Note that you cannot get down to the lake shore from the Gitchi Gummi Trail.

Gooseberry Gitchi Gummi Trail view of Agate Beach — View of Agate Beach from the Gitchi Gummi Trail

Gooseberry Gitchi Gummi Trail — Looking northward along the Lake Superior Shore

Return to map

Gooseberry Mountain Biking / Ski Trails

Similar to the other trails, if you find yourself in the northern section of the park where the mountain bike and ski trails are, I’m assuming that you’ve first enjoyed the waterfalls.

Gooseberry Mountain Biking and Ski Trails — Gooseberry Mountain Biking / Ski Trails (purple)

Distance / Elevation - From the northeast side of the waterfall loop trail, heading out to the observation points that I’ve marked in purple on the map above adds 2.1 miles and 200ft in elevation.

As you diverge from the Fifth Falls trail and head north, the first thing you will stumble into is the original Gooseberry State Park Visitor Center, which was operational until 1994. This building is currently closed and undergoing restorations to return it more towards it’s original form, prior to more recent additions.

original Gooseberry Visitor Center — Original Gooseberry State Park Visitor Center - just north of the Fifth Falls / Waterfall Loop intersection on the northeast side of Gooseberry River

These trails will be a result in a nice quiet hike (compared to the waterfalls), but the views weren’t anything special. If you are looking for a place to hike a few more miles, I would suggest going north for a few more minutes and checking out Split Rock or Tettegouche instead.

One of several trail intersections and creek crossings

There is one view of Lake Superior from these trails, but the view of Lake Superior along Gitchi Gummi is better.

View of Lake Superior from the ski trails

Below is the observation point that is marked on the official State Park map. You can see a long ways from this viewpoint, but there are no lakes or any other particular features to note from this viewpoint. If you are looking for a North Shore view from above, check out Mt. Trudee, Mt. Baldy, or Bear and Bean Lake from Tettegouche or Oberg Mountain.

View from observation point marked along the ski trails on the State Park map.

Another trail shelter is available along the ski trails

Return to Map

Other Outdoor Things to Do within an Hour Drive

Below are hyperlinks to other posts I’ve written about things to do that are located within an hour’s drive from Jay Cooke State Park.

Two Harbors, MN

(south) Not a hiking recommendation, but Betty’s Pies really is a fantastic place to stop for pie!

Canal Park

(south) Watch ships come in and out of the Duluth harbor while enjoying the aerial lift bridge raise and lower. There is also a light house to wander to.

Park Point Beach

(south) This is the only sandy beach I am aware of along Minnesota’s Lake Superior Shoreline.

Jay Cooke State Park

(south) Although there are no waterfalls at this park, there is a beautiful short hike along the rapids of the St. Louis River that is less than a mile.

Iona’s Beach

(north) This is a free beach on the Lake Superior shoreline, full of beautiful pink rocks.

Split Rock Lighthouse State Park

(north) Pebble Beach is my favorite place to stop and play along the North Shore, and I think the best place in Minnesota to skip rocks. Little Two Harbors is the best short trail to see the lighthouse up close. Split Rock River is the best long trail with small waterfalls and views of Lake Superior. Day Hill is a shorter trail with views of Lake Superior.

Black Beach

(north) This is a free beach on Lake Superior’s shoreline, lined with black rocks. There is an island that can be explored by foot. There are also tables right on the beach, making this my top recommendation for a picnic location.

Bear and Bean Lake Loop

(north) Part of both the Superior Hiking Trail and Tettegouche State Park, the Bear and Bean Lake Loop is one of the most popular trails along the North Shore. The views are amazing, and the trail is fun to hike. Be warned though this is a 7-mile loop trail with an elevation gain of 900ft.

Tettegouche State Park

(north) This is my favorite MN State Park. There are four waterfall hikes within the park, amazing views of Lake Superior along the cliffs above the water, secret beaches with sea caves, and more inland there are some incredible views from above of smaller lakes (especially gorgeous in the fall colors).

George Crosby Manitou State Park

(northwest) This is a rustic, quiet, and less travelled MN State Park with one of the more impressive waterfalls in Minnesota.

Caribou Falls State Wayside

(north) An easy hike to large but quiet waterfall.

Sugarloaf Cove

(north) A privately owned section of Lake Superior with an interesting bay protected by rock formations. This park has a small fee and includes its own visitor center.

Temperance River State Park

(north) This is the most unique State Park along MN-61 where seven waterfalls can be seen in a hike less than 2 miles. Several of these waterfalls occur in dramatic pothole formations. The official MN State Park map undersells this state park, as does the size of the parking lot off of MN-61.

Oberg Mountain

(north) This is overlook hike is part of the Superior Hiking Trail, and therefore parking is free. This is a busier trail, especially in the fall. I think this is my favorite overlook hike along Lake Superior.

Lutsen Ski Resort

(north) Lutsen is the best ski resort in Minnesota. During the summer months, the gondola continues to run. There are hiking trails and a half-mile Alpine Slide.

Cascade River State Park

(north) This park has multiple waterfalls that cascade, making it difficult to provide an actual waterfall count. Similar to Temperance, most of the waterfalls are within a hike less than a mile long. This is also the only MN State Park with a true hike along the Lake Superior Shoreline.

Link to Full North Shore Guide from NatureImpactsUs.com

For more ideas of things to do up and down MN-61 along Lake Superior, visit my North Shore Guide.

More from www.NatureImpactsUs.com

If you are looking for more hiking suggestions, please check out my below map which has additional posts linked to each pin.