The trails at Sylvan Lake provide some of the best views in all of South Dakota’s Black Hills. Hike the easy and flat 1.1 Lake Shore Loop around Sylvan Lake, and add in the 3.1 mile Sunday Gulch Loop for a fun but challenging hike past a creek with several small waterfalls and then up into the mountains of the Black Hills. Other trail options also include Little Devil’s Tower, my favorite viewpoint within the Black Hills, and Black Elk Peak (formerly known as Harney Peak) which is the highest point in elevation east of the Rocky Mountains. The trail to Black Elk Peak gains 1350ft, making it a tough trail. Little Devil’s Tower is shorter with less elevation, but involves a significant rock scramble at the end. There is also a spur trail to Cathedral Spires, a unique set of towering rocks.
Oberg Mountain is a 2.5-mile loop hike with a gradual elevation gain of 500ft. This is a relatively easy hike with amazing views around the entire loop of the surrounding hills, Lake Superior, and Oberg Lake.
Caribou Falls is an approximately 1-mile out-and-back hike, off of MN-61 between Tettegouche and Temperance State Parks. This is a subtly marked hike, meaning that although it is just a short distance away from the scenic highway that runs along Lake Superiors shore, you just might get to enjoy this waterfall by yourself. Enjoy the peacefulness of the Caribou River along your hike to the falls.
Vacation Ideas to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park - Plan a trip for your family.. This post includes favorite hikes, places to visit, and ideas on where to camp.
At Jay Cooke State Park, wander downstream of the St. Louis River from the parking lot to get the best pictures of Swinging Bridge. Cross Swinging Bridge and hike upstream to the rapids. For a two-mile hike, walk back to the bridge, and enjoy an out-and-back along River Trail. For a longer hike, head towards Lost Lake and enjoy the valley, streams, and meadow.
Although Grand Portage is a 2 hour and 40 minute drive from Duluth and there are plenty of other things to do and places to hike along MN-61 before you reach the Canadian border, there are two parks bearing the name “Grand Portage” and there is enough to do up here to make the trip worth the effort. In the summer months, the Depot Area inside of Grand Portage NM is open, and there are people dressed in costume performing tasks that show what life was like in the region in the 1780s. Grand Portage State Park has the highest waterfall in Minnesota, which is amazing in any season, and is easily accessible along a paved trail.
Judge Magney is a lesser known Minnesota State Park, but is worthy of a stop to hike the 2.0 mile out-and-back trail to Upper Falls and Devil’s Kettle. Note that there are 175 steps as you get close to the falls. If you are looking for a second hike nearby, stop at the Kadunce River Trailhead to the Superior Hiking Trail, and enjoy a quiet out-and-back hike to a smaller waterfall.
Cascade River State Park is a true hiking experience through the Northwoods of Minnesota. A 1.2 mile loop hike will take you past several waterfalls, and you can explore further along the river by taking each of the spur trails. Additionally, Cascade River has a 1.5 mile shoreline along Lake Superior that can be hiked along the rocks - a feature that is very rare and a wonderful way to experience Lake Superior up close.
The Temperance River Gorge Trail includes six stunning waterfalls in just under one mile. Several of these waterfalls are formed from potholes, and this hike is a hidden Minnesota treasure. For a longer hike (two miles), add the Upper Falls trail on the west-side of Temperance River. For a long day hike, head to Cross River along the Superior Hiking Trail. Don’t forget to stop at Cross Falls along MN-61 - no hiking is required to experience this gushing falls. Britton Peak is the shortest hike to see fall colors along the North Shore. Extend that hike to Carlton Peak and Britton Overlook for a longer day of hiking.
If you are looking for a hidden waterfall in a secluded and rugged MN State Park, check out Cascades Waterfall in George Crosby State Park. The easiest option to access the waterfall is a 2.0 mile out-and-back hike along the Middle Trail. If you prefer a longer day of forest bathing, hike out along the Manitou River Trail or head out to Caribou Falls.
A complete overview of hiking at Gooseberry State Park, the first of several MN parks along the Hwy 61 North Shore of Lake Superior. Gooseberry includes trails to four waterfalls including Upper, Middle, Lower, and Fifth Falls. The River View Trail heads out to Agate Beach and Lake Superior. And the Gitchi Gummi Trail includes views of Lake Superior from the cliffs along the shoreline.
