high falls

890carriec

We hiked to the falls on our way home from a trip to Canada. It was a tough hike, especially for the younger members, but worthwhile in the end. Can't wait to head back!

NeilT3

At the lower part of Pigeon River, which separates Minnesota and Ontario, the river is a progression of rapids and falls. The parks hiking trail lead inland from the Information Centre’s car park to the beautiful and picturesque outlook at Middle Falls and High Falls – the highest in Minnesota. Along the way we spied stunning vistas of the largest of the Great Lakes – Superior. Something that was done well and noteworthy while hiking along the Pigeon River trail was the skilfully sculpted benches displaying detailed story boards that explained the history of the area from early explorers through to how the various Native North American tribes in the region harvested food and what they harvested during that time of the year. Along the hiking trail – which I forgot to mention is 1 mile (1.6km), we managed to get a glimpse of a couple of the locals – Squirrels and Woodpeckers – no Bears thank goodness!

sargentmom

Well maintained trail up to the falls. You can see the Canadian side, which is not as nice as the US. Great views of the falls.

AgateJoe

We have seen the falls in the spring, summer and falls and no matter what the season, they are definitely worth taking the nice hike to see. In the early spring, the water roars around huge ice dams at the top. I'd sure like to be there when one of them breaks loose and goes over the falls!You'll feel the spray from the falls which deceases as the river recedes during the year. There are a few short side hikes to take on the hike back where you can get close to the river. If you're near the area, it's worth the time to see the High Falls!

7Gloriaf

The path to the falls was very well maintained. Interesting facts about why Grand Portage was where it is.

joanm906

Worth the relatively short walk/hike to the viewing platforms. The falls were rushing and roaring. This is Minnesota, and we'd also had a fair amount of recent rain.Nice photo opps, and not too difficult, as there is boardwalk or paving the entire way. There are stairs to the platforms, but not too many for me.Worth the trip if you are on the North Shore.

RVarecha

Just a short 1/2 mile hike to the falls. Very clean and well marked with area information. This is a must do if you're in the area.

Pletch65

I had been to the falls as a child but did not remember them.Now as an adult I realize that getting there is half of the fun. When you are near the falls the ride is spectacular. To take advantage of the beautiful scenery there are turn off for picture taking or just plan sight seeing and its ah inspiring. I have traveled half the world and right hear in Minnesota I saw sights that were as just as beautiful as any I have seen. I thought to my self,' no wonder the Native Americans lived here, such a beautiful and spiritual place". If you like wilderness and are in Minnesota, take the time to visit this wonderful place, but take your time.

DonkArizona

We walked out to the high falls before the visitor center opened and it was well worth it. We had the falls to ourselves so we weren't rushed to take a picture and move away to others could get theirs. We were able to take our time and see the falls from several different locations.

nightingale1972

High Falls is located on the Pigeon River near Grand Portage. The trail to the falls is easy to maneuver and walk. It is an uphill walk that is less than 1 mile long. The falls are beautiful! We were told that there are 3 falls in the spring after the snow melts, but there were only 2 streams when we were there. All of the falls in the Grand Portage and Grand Marais areas seem to be visited by many travelers. A great place!

MarshaH456

The walk is about a half-mile one-way to the falls, but the trails are great, and the bridge areas are extremely well-done. Everything would be accessible to wheelchair guests--we talked about that when we visited (none of us use a wheelchair; we just noted that it would be easy enough for someone in a wheelchair to visit the falls). As one nears the falls, the roar of the water is heard but nothing can prepare you for the sight of all that water rushing over the falls! It will be more powerful soon after a rain, of course, and more of the falls will be covered with rushing water. The signage pointed out the log flume that was used in the timber days when logs would be send down the flume (slide) to the water. All in all, it was well worth the walk, and if you see it, it helps you to understand the whole industry if you also plan to visit Grand Portage Nat'l Monument. References are made there regarding the falls and the Pigeon River.

caroliz59

There are plenty of waterfalls on the North Shore but this is the biggest and most accessible. There's a relatively short and smooth paved path and boardwalk to the falls with a few stairs at the end. Even if you're in a wheelchair this is one falls you can really get close to. Good hike for little ones too. If you want a more adventurous and vigorous hike go to the Canadian side (you need your passport). We did that hike several years ago when the american side was closed. The Canadian hike is moderate but much longer and buggy so take the bug dope!

KC4444

This is a great place to end your North Shore Scenic Drive - The High Falls is not marked very well, but is located at the rest stop area just before the Canadian border on the left. The walk to the falls is blacktop path and even though there are no signs you can here the fall well before you see it. The walk is less than 1 mile back and offers great photo opportunities.

MrsLKF

What a great place to go to in the FALL. The colors were glorious, the bugs non-existent, the crowds virtually non-existent. We only saw about 10 people total on our hike to the Falls and back. We befriended 2 couples who were together and from other states and exchanged photo taking sessions - us of them and they of us. All around we were treated to unspoiled natural surroundings and able to leisurely walk the broad, asphalt walkway. The Falls themselves are awesome and it's so hard to believe they are right here in Minnesota!! The park service has built two places where you can actually go way out and view the Falls to the best advantage and are practically over the roaring water. Plus you can hear the roaring thunder -- it's so loud when it's that quiet there. You hear nothing but the water!! Across the roaring river is CANADA and like the USA, was lush and vibrant with colors of Fall season. This was the best time of the year to go and see this natural wonder.

familytimes2012

We had a great time spending time together as a family. The weather was great the hike was great. The falls were nice . The kids want go again in each season. Never even knew the building was there or the trail. nice building, store and things to see.