There are lots of stunning hikes in Minnesota. They traverse both the state’s most popular destinations and its little-known nooks and crannies. Today, we have a hike that’s somewhere in between. It runs just a few miles through a well-known state park, but few people know about one of its most important features. It is home to not one, but two – or even three, depending on how you count them – stunning waterfalls. If you’re searching for waterfalls near me in Minnesota, this is the one with the most aesthetic payout.
Tettegouche State Park is well-known for its incredible beauty. It has over 300,000 annual visitors.
traveltheworld012/TripAdvisor
Most of those visitors take at least one hike through the park, though there are many. In fact, Tettegouche boasts 23 miles of hiking trails.
Doug Kerr/Flickr
The trails lead through tall stands of maple, birch, spruce, and oak trees. Between thick trunks and branches, visitors can spot Lake Superior sparkling in the distance.
John W. Iwanski/Flickr
Clearer sections of trail allow more breathtaking views. Views from Shovel Point and Palisade Head are both accessible within the state park. Both are indescribably beautiful.
Scott Smithson/Flickr
But perhaps Tettegouche’s most famous hike is not along Lake Superior, but along the Baptism River. Starting from the trailhead parking lot, follow walkway that leads towards the High Falls. This is one of the best waterfall hikes in Minnesota.
m01229/Flickr
The trail is about 1.5 miles round-trip. Visitors will first arrive at a Baptism River overlook, with the High Falls plunging down right beneath the walkway.
Robert C/TripAdvisor
Next, continue down the wooden walkway. At 60 feet tall, the High Falls of the Baptism River is the tallest waterfall completely within the state of Minnesota. The view from below is breathtaking - and is also a good spot for photo ops, picnics, or dipping your toe into the cool water.
Brett Whaley/Flickr
But this journey isn’t over yet. There’s another waterfall to see! When you’ve had your fill, head back up the steps and follow the path across the bridge. You will find signs for Two Step Falls. It’s about a half-mile hike from the High Falls.
Doug Kerr/Flickr
While not as dramatic as the High Falls, Two Step is totally worth the hike. The river drops twice - about 10 feet each time - upriver from the High Falls. It’s a relaxing spot that fewer people take the time to visit, making it a true hidden gem of Minnesota.
John W. Iwanski/Flickr
Have you ever been to Tettegouche State Park? Did you hike to both waterfalls? Let us know your experience down below!
traveltheworld012/TripAdvisor
Doug Kerr/Flickr
John W. Iwanski/Flickr
Scott Smithson/Flickr
m01229/Flickr
Robert C/TripAdvisor
Brett Whaley/Flickr
Minnesota is a state rich with beautiful nature, but boasting a two for one visual special, this has to be one of the best waterfall hikes in Minnesota. For another tucked-away waterfall hike, check out the one hike under 5 miles everyone in Minnesota should take.
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Address: Tettegouche State Park, 5702 MN-61, Silver Bay, MN 55614, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Waterfalls Near Me April 20, 2022 Celina Colby What makes this one of the best waterfall hikes in Minnesota? This hike through Tettegouche State Park has so many wonderful attributes. To begin with, the trail is only 1.5 miles round trip which makes it very accessible to hikers of all levels and it’s kid-friendly for family outings. Some stretches of the hike are even walked on built wooden stairs rather than on direct earth, a sturdier footing for beginner hikers. But in those 1.5 miles you get a lot of beauty for your effort. First you’re going to experience stunning views of Lake Superior from a mountaintop vantage point. The water can get so crystal blue on a clear day that you’ll swear you’ve been transported to a tropical island. Then, speaking of tropical islands, you’ll come across two powerful and beautiful waterfalls during your hike. You may even decide to take a dip in the base of the High Falls to cool off on a hot day. What else can I do in Tettegouche State Park? The park is packed with exciting adventures waiting to be had. After a hike relax by canoeing out into Mic Mac Lake, a hike-out only lake in the state park that makes for a serene afternoon. You can rent fishing equipment from the park office if you’re interested in catching some dinner. For more beautiful views visit Shovel Point, a viewing spot that rewards you with a striking scene of the lake coastline and the Sawtooth Mountains. This is also a great spot for bird watching.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Waterfalls Near Me
April 20, 2022
Celina Colby
What makes this one of the best waterfall hikes in Minnesota? This hike through Tettegouche State Park has so many wonderful attributes. To begin with, the trail is only 1.5 miles round trip which makes it very accessible to hikers of all levels and it’s kid-friendly for family outings. Some stretches of the hike are even walked on built wooden stairs rather than on direct earth, a sturdier footing for beginner hikers. But in those 1.5 miles you get a lot of beauty for your effort. First you’re going to experience stunning views of Lake Superior from a mountaintop vantage point. The water can get so crystal blue on a clear day that you’ll swear you’ve been transported to a tropical island. Then, speaking of tropical islands, you’ll come across two powerful and beautiful waterfalls during your hike. You may even decide to take a dip in the base of the High Falls to cool off on a hot day. What else can I do in Tettegouche State Park? The park is packed with exciting adventures waiting to be had. After a hike relax by canoeing out into Mic Mac Lake, a hike-out only lake in the state park that makes for a serene afternoon. You can rent fishing equipment from the park office if you’re interested in catching some dinner. For more beautiful views visit Shovel Point, a viewing spot that rewards you with a striking scene of the lake coastline and the Sawtooth Mountains. This is also a great spot for bird watching.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
This hike through Tettegouche State Park has so many wonderful attributes. To begin with, the trail is only 1.5 miles round trip which makes it very accessible to hikers of all levels and it’s kid-friendly for family outings. Some stretches of the hike are even walked on built wooden stairs rather than on direct earth, a sturdier footing for beginner hikers. But in those 1.5 miles you get a lot of beauty for your effort.
First you’re going to experience stunning views of Lake Superior from a mountaintop vantage point. The water can get so crystal blue on a clear day that you’ll swear you’ve been transported to a tropical island. Then, speaking of tropical islands, you’ll come across two powerful and beautiful waterfalls during your hike. You may even decide to take a dip in the base of the High Falls to cool off on a hot day.
What else can I do in Tettegouche State Park?
The park is packed with exciting adventures waiting to be had. After a hike relax by canoeing out into Mic Mac Lake, a hike-out only lake in the state park that makes for a serene afternoon. You can rent fishing equipment from the park office if you’re interested in catching some dinner. For more beautiful views visit Shovel Point, a viewing spot that rewards you with a striking scene of the lake coastline and the Sawtooth Mountains. This is also a great spot for bird watching.
