GOOSEBERRY FALLS STATE PARK
MODERATE
LENGTH 5.2 miles TIME 3:00 DIFFICULTY Moderate ROUTE-FINDING MAPS & PERMITS
GETTING THERE
TRAILHEAD GPS
Easy-Moderate
DNR Gooseberry Falls State Park map. USGS quads: Split Rock Point and Two Harbors NE. A Country State Park permit is required.
The park is about 12 miles northeast of Two Harbors on U.S. Highway 61. The trailhead is located at the new Visitors Center.
47° 8′ 29.1′ N 91c 28′ 9.9 W
Gooseberry River Falls is the most popular state park on the North Shore. One look at the waterfalls located above and below the highway bridge and you will understand what the big attraction is that draws large crowds of tourists. There is the 25 foot high Upper Falls above the bridge, and the two Lower Falls totaling 75 feet below the bridge. Walk about a quarter of a mile upriver from the highway though and you’ll most likely have the river all to yourself.
On this hike you will journey from the roar of Lower and Upper falls inland to where the river flows quietly but with purpose. Above the falls, the river seems to be gathering itself, like a spring being slowly wound, for the wild plunge it’s about to make through the rocky gorge before emptying lazily into Lake Superior. As the route winds its way upstream, it crosses two footbridges over the river. The second one crosses the river just below the Fifth Falls. On the return leg of the trek, the trail leaves the river to climb a ridge and travel over flat to gently rolling terrain, depositing you along the river once again just above Upper Falls. The trails are wide and grassy, making the trek an enjoyable one for small groupsyou’ll be able to walk side-by-side much of the time, chatting and sharing. Or you may want to try it on your own. There are many places just right for sitting quietly and letting your mind wander where it will.
