Devil's Kettle Falls
Roundtrip: 3km
Difficulty: Moderate (lots of stairs)
Location: Hovland, MN
The Devil’s Kettle trail follows along the Brule River with views of its waterfalls and rapids. The trail starts in the Judge CR Magney main parking lot and ends at the Devil’s Kettle Falls. But you can connect to the Superior Hiking Trail at the Devil’s Kettle Falls.
The the river divides in two as it goes over the 50-foot Devil’s Kettle waterfall. The section on the right, lands at the base of the falls and continues downstream. The section on the left vanishes into a pothole known as the Devil’s Kettle and no one knows where it goes. It is believed that the water makes its way out to Lake Superior a mile away by means of underground passages, but the exact details are unknown. They have thrown dyes and logs and other things into the pothole, but apparently nothing ever comes out.
From Thunder Bay take 61 south. About 25km past the US border crossing look for the Judge Magney State Park sign on the Right. A vehicle permit is required costing about $5 US per day. The trail begins in the main parking lot.
Tags: devil's kettle, hovland, judge magney, Minnesota, Superior Hiking Trail
Roundtrip: 2.5 km
Pearl Cascades
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Pearl, ON
This is a fun hike into a favourite local fishing spot. You hike just over 1km from the road but you will feel like you are deep in the wilderness.
The trail follows a quad trail that can be pretty mucky through the middle section. The quad tracks are easy to follow but the trail is not marked, so bring a map and a compass and make sure you are able to find your way on your own if you need to.
From Thunder Bay drive east on Hwy 11/17 for about 45km and turn right onto Road Number 5 South near Pearl. Stay on Road No. 5 South for about 4km and you will see a logging road on the left. Park out of the way close to the road.
The trail starts from here continuing along the logging road as it turns into a quad trail. The quad trail ends in a turn around where you will see a foot trail leading down to the creek. The foot trail comes out right at the base of the cascade.
Tags: pearl, pearl creek, Waterfalls
Roundtrip: 2 km
Cedar Falls
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Kakabeka Falls, ON
Located just past Kakabeka Falls the Cedar Falls Conservation Area features a trail that leads through an evergreen forest to Cedar Creek and the falls.
This is an easy hike along a well-marked trail that is suitable for all ages. The trail is wide and well maintained and there are a few hills. A good time to take this hike is in the late spring so you can watch for rainbow trout jumping up the falls.
Cedar Falls Conservation Area is located at the east end of Broome Road in O’Connor Township. Just past Kakabeka Falls on Highway 11/17, turn left on Highway 590 and left again on Garbutt Road. Proceed along Garbutt Road for 3 km and turn left (east) on Broome Road. Follow this dirt road for 1.5 km to its end at the parking lot.
Tags: cedar creek, cedar falls conservation area, kakabeka falls
View of Nipigon Bay
Roundtrip: 16.4
Difficulty: Difficult
Location: Nipigon, ON
The Nipigon River Recreation Trail provides fantastic views of Nipigon Bay. It connects the Nipigon and Red Rock Marinas and is the most western section of the Voyageur Hiking Trail. If you are going to hike the whole trail roundtrip, it is easier to start at the Red Rock end.
The rocky hills and ridges provide great views of Lake Superior. The highest point is near the Red Rock end of the trail. Use caution near cliff edges there are no barriers or signs. The trail is broken into seven sections that range from easy to difficult, making shorter hikes possible.
There are actually three access points to enable hikers to get to the trail. One is located on the north side of Highway 628, just before the railway tracks on the way into Red Rock. The second is in the Nipigon Marina parking lot. The third is at Sawmill Point in Nipigon, on a gravel road that leads from Newton Street, past the sawmill and across the railway tracks.
Roundtrip: 12 km
View from Tee Harbour
Difficulty: Difficult
Location: Pass Lake, ON
This is a classic Sleeping Giant Trail. It is a former logging road and the trail is wide and gently rolling. The trail to Tee Harbour is often biked or skied and there is a picnic area and a few camp sites there. Tee Harbour is named for the T-shape of the land. Tee Harbour has a natural sandy bay excellent for swimming and the rock shelf of the T is fun to explore.
From Thunder Bay drive northeast 36 km on Hwy 11/17 to Hwy 587 at Pass Lake Truck Stop. Turn right and follow Hwy 587 through the village of Pass Lake. Drive 3km past the Lake Marie Louise Campground to the Kabeyun South Trailhead parking lot on the right. You can pay your day use fee at the self pay station located in the parking lot or back at the campgound checking building.
The hike begins at Kabeyun Trailhead at the SW corner of the parking lot. Follow the sign posts to stay on the path to Tee Harbour as you come to the junctions of various trails such as Sawyer Bay and the Sea Lion. There will be a sign posted to let you know you have reached the Tee Harbour Picnic Area. Behind the picnic area there is a trail that leads to the rocky section of the T.
Tags: pass lake, sleeping giant pro, tee harbour
