Waterfalls near Duluth, MN. Detailed review

Duluth, Minnesota is a beautiful city located on the shore of Lake Superior. With its scenic beauty, hiking trails, and waterfalls, Duluth is a popular destination for nature lovers.

Many waterfalls near Duluth are both beautiful and easily accessible, making it easy for visitors to explore this natural wonder.

In this article, we will review 15 of the best waterfalls alongside Duluth, MN.

15 best waterfalls close to Duluth, MN (beautiful & easily accessible)

Duluth, MN is a picturesque city surrounded by beautiful waterfalls, rolling hills, and Lake Superior. With so many breathtaking waterfalls in the area, it can be difficult to choose which ones to visit.

Here is a list of 15 of the best waterfalls nearby Duluth, MN, that are both beautiful and easily accessible.

Gooseberry Falls

This park is located on the North Shore of Lake Superior and is one of the most popular waterfalls in the area.

The park features five waterfalls along the Gooseberry River, including the Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls, which are easily accessible from the park’s hiking trails.

The park attracts visitors from all over the nation to view the stunning falls, even during winter. The fall season is the most popular and the best time to visit the falls, as they are surrounded by stunning autumn foliage.

Swinging Bridge Falls

This waterfall is located in Jay Cooke State Park and is easily accessible from the park’s swinging bridge. The waterfall is visible from the bridge and provides a breathtaking view of the surrounding area.

The waterfalls can either be thunderous or gently trickle over the rocks, depending on the water level. The best view of the falls is from the bridge, which they have named after.

This bridge was built as a Civilian Conservation Corps project in the 1930s and offers great photo opportunities.

Some visitors like to hike down to the water and either dip their toes or wade in the water.

Cascade River State Park

This park is located on Minnesota’s North Shore and features several waterfalls, including Tischer Creek and Cascade Falls.

The park’s hiking trails provide easy access to the waterfalls and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Cascade Falls is in Cascade River Park along the river, between Lutsen and Grand Marais.

The falls consist of four cascading waterfalls that flow through a narrow gorge for a quarter of a mile before reaching the lake.

The gorge is surrounded by towering ancient trees that provide a stunning backdrop in the fall, attracting numerous tourists who flock to the park to capture the best photo of the colorful display.

Lester River Falls

A 20-foot waterfall, Lester River Falls, is a quick hike from the east-end parking area at the park. Cross the bridge over the river and take the upriver trail to find the stunning waterfall.

This waterfall is located in Lester Park and is easily accessible from the park’s parking area.

The Lester River Falls is a popular destination for local hikers and is located near the Lester River, which provides additional opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Devil’s Kettle Falls

This unique waterfall is located in Judge C.R. Magney State’s Park and is easily accessible from the park’s visitor center.

The waterfall is known for its mysterious “kettle,” where half of the river disappears into a hole in the rock and reappears downstream.

The Devil’s Kettle Falls get their name from their distinct form. The waterfall appears to divide into two streams as it flows over a large rock formation.

One part of the waterfall drops into a deep pool of water, while the other portion vanishes into a massive sinkhole.

The river splits into two channels around a massive rhyolite rock. The eastern channel forms a two-step 50-foot waterfall before flowing downstream, while the western channel drops 10 feet into a hole and disappears underground, generating much speculation and scientific inquiry.

This mysterious spot is a popular destination for many visitors.

Upper Falls

Located in Tettegouche State Park, this waterfall is easily accessible from the park’s parking area and provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

The park also features several other waterfalls, including Middle and Lower Falls, making it a popular destination for waterfall enthusiasts.

Amity Creek Falls

This waterfall is located in Duluth’s East Hillside neighborhood, on Amity Creek, and is easily accessible from Superior Street. The waterfall is surrounded by a quiet looped trail and is a popular spot for picnicking and relaxing.

Located a short drive from Duluth’s downtown, the Amity Creek Falls are a sought-after spot for both locals and tourists.

The park offers various amenities, including restrooms, drinking water, picnic tables with grills, and a playground near the trailhead. Amity Falls is ideal for both day trips and camping.

Whether visiting in the summer or winter, there is something for everyone. Winter activities include cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, while warm-weather activities include biking and swimming.

Cascade Falls located in Duluth’s Congdon Park: This waterfall is a short hike from the park’s parking area and is easily accessible from Superior Street Bridge.

The waterfall is surrounded by picnic tables and provides stunning views of the narrow gorge.

Chester Park Falls: This waterfall is located in Chester Park and is easily accessible from the park’s parking area.

The park features several waterfalls, including High Falls and Middle Falls, as well as picnic areas and hiking trails.

Pigeon River’s Falls: This waterfall is located near the Pigeon River and is easily accessible from the Northeast Trail.

The waterfall is a popular destination for local hikers and is located near several other waterfalls, including Cascade Falls and Tischer Creek.

Louis River Falls: This waterfall is located near the Louis River and is easily accessible from the park’s parking area.

The waterfall is surrounded by picnic tables and provides stunning views of the narrow gorge.

Fifth Falls: This waterfall is located near the Brule River and is easily accessible from the park’s parking area.

The waterfall is located near several other waterfalls, including High Falls and Cascade Falls, and is surrounded by a steep hill and the Gorge Trail.

To reach Fifth Falls, begin your journey at the Visitor Center and look for signs directing you to the Upper Falls. The path is well-paved and leads you under Highway 61 to the Upper Falls.

As you continue along the trail, you will follow the river and ascend approximately 100 feet in elevation. Once you come across a bridge that crosses the river, you will know you have arrived at these falls.

The 3.1-mile loop is considered to be an easy hike, and most people complete it in an average time of 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Chester Bowl Falls: This waterfall is located near the Chester Bowl ski area and is easily accessible from the park’s parking area.

The waterfall is surrounded by a quiet trail and provides stunning views of the Upper River

Best waterfalls in Duluth, MN – right in the city

Duluth, MN is a city rich in natural beauty and boasts of numerous stunning waterfalls, some of which are located right in the city. The north shore of Lake Superior is home to some of the best waterfalls in Duluth.

Gooseberry Falls State Park is one of the most popular places to visit, offering many breathtaking waterfalls, including the Upper Falls. The Superior Hiking Trail passes through the park, offering stunning views of Lake Superior and the waterfalls.

Another popular destination is the Hidden Falls in Grand Portage State Park. These falls are located along the Lester River and can be accessed via the swinging bridge. Swinging Bridge Falls is another waterfall located in Grand Portage Park.

Cascade River State Park is another location with beautiful waterfalls in Duluth. The Cascade River runs through the park, creating several stunning waterfalls along its path, including the quarter-mile-long Tischer Creek Falls and the short, steep hill of Cascade Falls.

Lester Falls, located in Lester Park, is another popular destination for waterfall enthusiasts.

Lester Park Parking Area is a convenient location to park and start your hike to the falls.

The Lester River also passes through Lester Amity Park, home to the beautiful Amity Falls.

Other waterfalls worth visiting in Duluth include the Devil’s Kettle Falls in Brule River State Park, the Pigeon River Falls, and the Chester Creek Falls.

Congdon Park is another location with a beautiful waterfall, known as the High Falls.

The best way to experience the waterfalls in Duluth is by taking a hike along Superior Street, which provides access to several of the city’s waterfalls.

A visit to the visitor center in any of the state parks can provide additional information on the waterfalls and how to reach them.

Tischer Creek Falls

Tischer Creek Falls is in Duluth, Minnesota, and stands approximately 30 feet tall. This waterfall is renowned for its cascading flow over rock cliffs and is a favored destination for swimming, hiking, and picnicking.

The falls can be easily accessed from a parking lot located off Highway 61.

Tischer Creek Falls is an idyllic natural attraction in Duluth, Minnesota, with its series of rocky ledges over which the water flows. It is a popular spot for various outdoor activities, including swimming, hiking, and picnicking.

Visitors can reach the waterfall by parking at the lot off Highway 61.

Hidden Falls

Hidden Falls is a hidden gem located in Duluth, Minnesota, United States. It is one of the many waterfalls in Duluth that offers stunning views of cascading water.

The falls are situated about a half mile from High Falls and offer a peaceful escape from the bustling city.

The waterfall is surrounded by lush green forests, adding to its natural beauty.

At approximately 25 feet tall, Hidden Falls provides a breathtaking sight as the water cascades down into a small pool.

Hiking trails lead to the falls and provide visitors with opportunities to explore the surrounding park area and experience its serene beauty.

Hidden Falls is a popular spot for picnicking, wildlife viewing, and fishing. If you’re looking to experience the beauty of Duluth’s waterfalls, Hidden Falls is a must-visit destination.

High Falls on the Pigeon River

High Falls on the Pigeon River is a popular natural attraction in Duluth, Minnesota, known for its stunning waterfalls. The waterfall is located along the river and can be easily accessed with a short hike from the upper river view.

The High Falls is one of the most easily accessible waterfalls in Duluth, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

The hike to the falls provides visitors with breathtaking views of the waterfall and the surrounding scenery.

The waterfall itself is a magnificent sight, with cascading water dropping over a high cliff into the river below.

Visitors can take in the beauty of these falls with a picnic, a leisurely walk, or simply by taking in the view from the observation deck.

Whether you’re a local or a tourist, these falls are a must-see for anyone visiting Duluth and looking for a unique and breathtaking natural experience.

The biggest waterfall In Minnesota

The “Swinging Bridge Falls” is one of the biggest waterfalls in Minnesota, located on the North Shore.

This waterfall, with a height of approximately half a mile, is situated on Amity Creek in Duluth and is one of the hidden falls in the area.

Another notable waterfall in Duluth is the “Lester River Falls,” which is located near Lester Amity Park. The falls at this location are relatively small but are still a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.

Another popular waterfall in Minnesota is the “Devil’s Kettle Falls,” which is located along the Brule River and is a quarter mile high.

This waterfall is known for its unique formation, as half of the water flowing over the falls disappears into a mysterious kettle, hence its name.

In Duluth, the “Superior Street Creek Falls” are also a popular spot for waterfall enthusiasts. These falls are located near Chester Creek and are approximately 20 feet high.

Another notable waterfall in Duluth is the “Amity Falls,” which is located near Amity Creek.

Overall, there are many beautiful waterfalls to be found in Duluth and the surrounding North Shore area of Minnesota, making it a popular destination for those interested in exploring the natural beauty of the region.

Conclusion

These are just some of the many amazing waterfalls nearby Duluth, MN. Whether you are looking for an intimate waterfall experience or a scenic view, there is something for everyone in Duluth.

If you are planning a trip to Duluth, be sure to add these waterfalls to your itinerary for a truly unforgettable experience.

Frequently asked questions

• How many waterfalls are there in Duluth?Duluth, Minnesota is home to several waterfalls, including Gooseberry Falls, Thompson Falls, Chester creek falls, Swinging Bridge Falls, and Amity Creek Falls. The exact number of waterfalls in Duluth is not readily available, but there are numerous scenic falls to explore and enjoy.
• What is the name of Minnesota’s famous waterfall?Minnesota’s most famous waterfall is Gooseberry Falls, located in Gooseberry Falls Park. This waterfall is a popular tourist destination and features multiple cascading waterfalls along the Gooseberry River.
• How many waterfalls are at Gooseberry Falls?Gooseberry Falls State Park features various waterfalls, including Upper, Middle, and Lower Gooseberry Falls. These three falls are connected by a hiking trail and are popular spots for picnicking, fishing, and viewing wildlife.
• How long is Fifth Falls Trail Gooseberry?The Fifth Falls Trail at Gooseberry Falls is approximately 1.4 miles in length and is a popular hiking trail that offers scenic views of the waterfall and the surrounding area. This trail is considered an easy hike and is suitable for most visitors.
• Is Duluth, MN worth visiting?Duluth, Minnesota is definitely worth visiting, as it offers a wealth of scenic beauty, cultural attractions, and recreational opportunities. With its stunning natural landscape, including the North Shore of Lake Superior and the Sawtooth Mountains, Duluth is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.The city is also home to several museums, art galleries, theaters, and other cultural institutions, making it a great destination for families and those interested in the arts.