Visit Grand Portage State Park

The High Falls are fullest in spring

NPS photo / G.M. Spoto

Note: Grand Portage State Park is managed by the Minnesota DNR and is not part of the National Park System. 

Grand Portage State Park is the location of the highest waterfall in Minnesota. The waterfalls and rapids along this section of the Pigeon River caused the significance of the Grand Portage Trail bypass for canoe traffic. 

Details

Duration

1-4 Hours

Trails

Summer

Wheelchair Accessible

Two trails, one and one-half miles total

The one-mile round-trip High Falls Trail takes you along a paved boardwalk to Minnesota's tallest waterfall. The Picnic Trail is a half-mile loop, and leads down a paved path to several grassy picnic table sites.

Hiking

Four and one-half miles (round trip)

This challenging trail leads to Middle Falls, a beautiful 20-foot waterfall. The trail passes over ridgetops, through heavily-wooded forests and along the banks of the Pigeon River, with breathtaking views of the river gorge and Lake Superior. Allow three to four hours to fully appreciate the rugged beauty of this trail. Trail can be very muddy during wet conditions.

Boardwalk

700 feet

This is the last section of the High Falls Trail. This section of trail is wheelchair accessible and leads to the scenic overlook for High Falls, Minnesota's tallest waterfall.

Winter

Snowshoe

Snowshoers may use any of the trails

The High Falls Trail is a wide, relatively flat, easy trail. The Picnic Trail is a wide, flat, easy trail with multiple views of the Pigeon River. The Middle Falls Trail has steep, rugged terrain and should only be attempted by advanced snowshoers.

 

Activity

Front-Country Hiking

Pets Allowed

Yes

Leashed pets are allowed on the trails.

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

High Falls, Grand Portage State Park

View of the 120 foot High Falls from a boardwalk platform.

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Time of Day

Day, Dusk

The park is open daily from 8am to 10pm. No overnight camping.

Accessibility Information

Wheelchair Accessible

Two trails, one and one-half miles total

The one-mile round-trip High Falls Trail takes you along a paved boardwalk to Minnesota's tallest waterfall. The Picnic Trail is a half-mile loop, and leads down a paved path to several grassy picnic table sites.

Boardwalk

700 feet

This is the last section of the High Falls Trail. This section of trail is wheelchair accessible and leads to the scenic overlook for High Falls, Minnesota's tallest waterfall.