While there are many wonderful things about the latest technology and social media, I’m grateful YouTube and Instagram were not around when my husband and I started exploring the outdoors. I’ll never forget driving up the road to Palisade Head for the very first time having no idea what we’d find at the end of the road. I was awestruck by what we saw and inspired to experience more. Each subsequent trip, we explored more of the North Shore. Starting with pull-offs and easy hikes, we eventually worked our way up to the much more challenging hikes we love today.
Beautiful Instagram photos of places like Eagle Mountain and Bean and Bear Lake are enticing but often skip over the challenge of getting there. And most YouTubers make backpacking and canoeing look a lot more effortless than it actually is. It’s an easy trap to fall into. Every time I watch a solo BWCA trip online I start scheming my own, dismissing the fact that I’ve never tried to paddle a solo canoe. I truly appreciate the inspiration and knowledge I gain while consuming social media content. But I’ve also seen it get people into a lot of trouble.
I’ve been extra cautious for as long as I can remember. That aside, I find it’s best to start small and work your way up with most things in life. So for everyone out there who is just getting into the outdoors, and for those of us who are aging and aren’t quite as mobile as we were in our youth, here are five easy hikes on Minnesota’s North Shore.
What makes these North Shore hikes easy?
Minnesota’s arrowhead region is one of the most beautiful places on earth. The rugged terrain is filled with crystal clear lakes, majestic waterfalls, and jaw-dropping cliffs. This rugged terrain also means that trails feature plenty of rocks, roots, and elevation changes. This is the region where I fell in love with hiking, so I always assumed this is just what hiking was. I never realized how challenging it is until I met people from other states who complained about the rocks, roots, and mud.
These are some of the things I considered while compiling this list of easy hikes on the North Shore. Each hike is less than three miles, has minimal rocks and roots, and limited elevation gain.
I initially compiled a list of 18 hikes and narrowed it down to the top five based on the beauty and uniqueness of each hike. Consider this a North Shore bucket list. I’m laying these hikes out from west to east to make an easy road trip out of Duluth rather than a ranking. Besides, each hike is so extraordinary that I couldn’t rank them.
1 – Split Rock Lighthouse State Park hike to Pebble Beach
The reasons I chose this hike are the flexibility in the distance and the magic of the big lake. I’ve hiked these trails when the fog was so thick I couldn’t see a hint of the lighthouse. There have been times the water was so calm it was like a mirror, reflecting all of Mother Nature’s abundant beauty. Other times I’ve sat on the rocky shoreline and let the pounding waves soothe my soul.
Finding the trail: This hike begins at the Trail Center at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park off of Highway 61, 20 miles beyond downtown Two Harbors. Most of these hikes require a Minnesota State Park Vehicle Permit. If you don’t have one, stop in the park office and pick one up. At seven dollars a day or $35 for the year, it’s one of the best recreation values in the country.
Distance: 1 to 2.5 miles
Elevation gain: 130 feet
Hike details: From the Trail Center, head toward the lake and take a right when you hit the wide aggregate trail. Follow the trail to the end toward Ellingsen Island. I love to photograph this island just as much as the renowned lighthouse, so don’t forget your camera. From here you’ll turn around and head back the way you came. You can end your hike when you reach the Trail Center, having completed less than a mile.
If you wish to continue, keep hiking past the Trail Center toward the lighthouse. There are plenty of spurs to explore, all offering magnificent vistas. At intersection C, take the trail to the right. The trails here are well marked with newly updated maps. You will end at an old pumphouse and a set of about 170 stairs. You can turn back here or continue up the stairs for more interpretive signs and remnants of the past. At the top of the stairs, you can go back the way you came or follow the trail to the left. This will bring you back to intersection C and the Trail Center.
Learn more: Split Rock Lighthouse State Park Website
2 – Benson Lake Loop at George Crosby Manitou State Park
This is the most rugged state park in Minnesota and also the park where you’ll find the best solitude. Most of the trails in the park are challenging for even the most experienced hikers. But just south of the parking lot, you’ll find a North Shore easy hikes hidden gem. I chose this hike for its remoteness, solitude, boardwalk, and magical fairy-filled forest. I’ve never actually seen a fairy, but if they do exist, I’m certain they live here.
Finding the trail: George Crosby Manitou State Park is inland from the big lake, making it a great place to escape the crowds. From Highway 61, turn left on Highway 1 toward the wonderful tiny town of Finland. Just outside of town, you’ll turn right on County Road 7/Cramer Road. Be sure to not accidentally take County Road 6; a mistake I have made more times than I’m willing to admit. After about 7.5 miles down a mostly gravel road, you’ll find the entrance to the park on your right.
Distance: Just over 1 mile
Elevation gain: 32 feet
Hike details: From the parking lot, head south down the road that leads to the Benson Lake carry-in boat launch and picnic area. Before the boat launch, you’ll see a sign to your left for the trail. You can take this or continue through the picnic area and start there. It’s a loop so you’ll hike the same trail either way. I prefer the second option to avoid any traffic headed to the campsites on the lake.
Learn more: George Crosby Manitou State Park website
3 – Cascades Loop at Cascade River State Park
If I had to pick a favorite Minnesota waterfall, this would probably be it. The way the frothy tannin-rich river steps its way down to the big lake is mesmerizing. And that’s why I had to include this hike in this North Shore easy hikes list.
Finding the trail: Cascade River State Park is located off of Highway 61, four miles past the town of Lutsen. I started my hike from the Trail Center Parking lot, but you can start from the parking area right off of 61. If you choose the second option, your hike will be a bit shorter.
Distance: 1 mile
Elevation gain: 124 feet
Hike details: From the Trail Center parking lot, follow the well-marked trail toward the falls. As you get closer, the roar of the falls will fill you with anticipation. After a mostly flat trail with a few sets of stairs, you’ll come to a bridge. Be sure to stop and look up and down this majestic river. After crossing the river, take the stairs to your right that leads to a viewing area of The Cascades. Head back to the main trail and hike south toward the lake. This hike features plenty of stairs, but as far as stairs go on North Shore hikes, these are quite easy.
Your next stop will be a viewing area for Cascade Falls. After you’ve snapped a few selfies, continue your way down toward the lake. When you reach the Highway 61 bridge, cross the river and head back up the river to the trail that will lead you back to the Trail Center Parking lot.
Learn more: Cascade River State Park website
4 – Honeymoon Bluff
This is the most beautiful scenic vista in the state of Minnesota that is also easy to get to. From the small parking area, 88 steep stairs lead to a short loop with extraordinary views of Hungry Jack Lake, the Superior National Forest, and Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. This is an amazing sunset hike but be warned, the word is out so expect to have a full parking lot and plenty of company.
Finding the trail: The trailhead can be found on the left-hand side of County Road 66 /Clearwater Road 30 miles up the Gunflint Trail from Grand Marais.
Distance: Less than 1 mile
Elevation gain: 106 feet
Hike details: From the small parking area off of Clearwater Road, take the 88 stairs that lead to a short loop. Stay to the right and follow the loop that will lead you back to the stairs. Use caution if the steps and boardwalks are wet as they can be a bit slippery.
Learn more: Downloadable information and map
5 – The High Falls at Grand Portage State Park
At 120 feet, the High Falls are the tallest in Minnesota and among the most beautiful. Along with the aforementioned Cascades, these tie for my favorite Minnesota waterfalls. I love to go on a sunny day when the water levels are high to capture rainbows in the mist.
Finding the trail: You’ll find this easy North Shore hike off of Highway 61, just before the international border crossing into Canada. 41 miles east of Grand Marais, it’s a long but stunning drive. If you make the trip early in the morning, keep an eye out for moose. I’ve had to stop on more than one occasion as they sauntered across Highway 61.
Distance: Just over 1 mile
Elevation gain: 85 feet
Hike details: From the Visitor Center, follow the signs to a wheelchair-accessible paved trail. This trail will lead you to a boardwalk and several wonderful viewing areas. After you’ve captured some photographs, turn back the way you came. If the water levels are high, you may want to bring your raincoat. I got drenched in the mist during a visit this past June.
Learn more: Grand Portage State Park website
Whether you’re new to hiking or an old pro, these easy hikes on Minnesota’s North Shore will leave you wanting more. From lakefront beaches to remote lakes to roaring falls, these five hikes should be on every Minnesota bucket list.
Holly Scherer is a Minnesota-based writer, photographer, outdoorswoman, and guide. She’s most at home in the great outdoors; camping, hiking, paddling, cycling, and gardening. When she’s not on an adventure, she and her husband live in the Twin Cities where they’re fond of saying, “home is where we store our outdoor gear.”