Minnesota's North Shore is an outdoor playground for hikers, anglers, rock-climbers, kayakers, and nature-lovers of all types. Hardwood forests provide the backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts seeking to enjoy seven state parks that line Highway 61 as it follows the Lake Superior shoreline north from Duluth. Cascading waterfalls tumble through volcanic gorges as the area's numerous rivers and streams descend from the Sawtooth Mountains toward Lake Superior. Visitors can camp in most of the North Shore state parks and enjoy a variety of challenging activities in a wilderness setting.
Gooseberry Falls
The Gooseberry River plunges toward Lake Superior over a series of 30-foot waterfalls and marks the beginning of the North Shore experience for visitors as they venture north from Duluth. Eighteen miles of hiking trails follow the river's journey. Adventurous anglers can hike inland above the Fifth Falls in search of trout while splake and salmon cruise the waters beneath the Low Falls barrier. Follow the river to its mouth on Lake Superior, where waves pound the rocky shoreline. Gooseberry Falls features 69 semi-modern campsites with shower and bath facilities.
Temperance River
Temperance River State Park serves as a major trail head for the Superior Hiking Trail, a 275-mile ridge line footpath that runs from Duluth to the Canadian border. Campers at Temperance River can choose from 52 semi-modern campsites or six cart-in sites. Carlton Peak provides rock-climbers a secluded opportunity for a wilderness workout. Eight miles of trails within the park provide a rugged trek through the narrow Temperance River gorge.
Tettegouche
Shovel Point and Palisade Head are iconic vertical cliffs that tower over Lake Superior. Experienced rock-climbers can scale the 200-foot cliff-faces surrounded by lake-shore vistas. Four seldom-fished inland lakes are accessible only by foot through rugged terrain and can reward you with northern pike and walleye. Follow the Baptism River upstream from Lake Superior and sit atop the 60-foot High Falls for a photo-op view of the lake and river valley below. Tettegouche has 34 semi-modern campsites, 13 cart-in sites, and one secluded lake-shore site accessible by canoe or kayak.
George Crosby Manitou
Camping in George Crosby Manitou is reserved for backpackers willing to traverse steep trails to reach one of the 21 campsites that line the Manitou River and Lake Benson. Twenty-four miles of challenging trails run through the park, including a 5-mile section of the Superior Hiking Trail. Campsites are primitive, and visitors will have to retrieve and treat their own water from the river or lake. Kayakers can explore the shoreline via the Superior Water Trail, in search of salmon or lake trout in the deep cold waters.
Cascade River
The Cascade River tumbles through the Sawtooth Mountains in raging fashion at Cascade River State Park. Forty semi-modern campsites and five backpack sites are nestled in a wilderness setting that provides plenty of opportunities for rigorous exploration. Eighteen miles of trails weave their way along the river and inland lakes that hold brook, rainbow, and brown trout. The Superior Hiking Trail intersects the park and gives hikers numerous scenic lookouts from atop the ridge-line path. Kayaking the nooks and coves along the Lake Superior shoreline is a popular pursuit.
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