Gooseberry Falls is one of Minnesota’s most popular state parks because of the easy access to multiple scenic waterfalls that are worth the visit in any season. This is literally right off the highway!
Roundtrip: 4.8 km
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Two Harbors, MN
Gooseberry Falls State Park is the first State Park you reach when travelling up the North Shore after leaving Duluth. Gooseberry Falls is located about 13 miles (20.9 km) northeast of Two Harbors in the 1682 acre Gooseberry Falls State Park in Minnesota’s Lake County. The park is open daily, with extended evening hours in summer and has a very nice visitor center and gift shop. You’ll need to purchase a vehicle permit when you arrive.
The three waterfalls on the Gooseberry River are made up of the Upper, Middle and Lower Falls. These falls are just a short walk from the parking area and Visitor Center. The Falls View Loop is a 3 mile (4.8 km) loop trail that takes you around the river to view all of the waterfalls. The hike itself will not take long but you could easily spend an hour just exploring each of the Falls. Be sure to make it to all 3 Falls!
The Upper Falls are located just north (upstream) of the Hwy 61 Bridge. To get to the 35 foot (10.6 m) high Upper Falls follow the signs to Lower and Middle Falls and then follow the trail on the west side of the river under the bridge. These Falls can be seen above and below Highway 61.
The Middle and Lower Falls are downstream of the bridge are 20 feet (6 m) high together. The water level of the falls varies frequently, but if it is low enough, it is easy to walk through the shallow water and over the rocks to get close to the base of the falls.
Another awesome adventure not too far from here is Shovel Point just up the highway at Silver Bay MN.