Allison HerreidExplorer

Gooseberry Falls State Park is the first State Park you hit traveling up the North Shore after leaving Duluth. Located 13 miles north of Two Harbors on Highway 61, Gooseberry Falls State Park a quick turn off of the highway which is very well marked with signs. Follow signs for Falls parking.You can stop by the Visitor’s Center to pick up a map of the park, visit some of the exhibits they have,...

To get there, make your way up the Blue Mountains from New Kingston until you reach Holywell Park. The drive is very scenic and and follows a winding road with lots to observe along the way up.Upon arriving at the park, there is a visitor's center where you can obtain more information about the park, the plant and animal diversity, and have the opportunity to take a guided tour.The 0.7 mile loo...

This straightforward, yet scenic hike follows a paved trail to the falls, which is among the most popular in the park. This trail can be especially crowded during the summer, so be sure to arrive early. Keep an eye out for a few steep drop-offs on either side of the trail along the way. There have also been black bear sightings in this area.

One of the trailheads for this hike begins at Temperance River State Park. Parking can be found alongside Highway 61. The Superior Hiking Trail passes through this park and this is the trail you will follow to reach Carlton Peak. The trail follows the Temperance River and is relatively flat until it turns right and starts to ascend up to Carlton Peak (325 ft. elevation gain). As you get closer,...

Just off of Highway 35 near Sandstone, Minnesota, Banning State Park provides several areas to explore including the Kettle River, Historic Sandstone Quarry, and my favorite - Wolf Creek Falls.While the Kettle River is a popular attraction for hikers as well as kayakers, the scenic hike to Wolf Creek Falls is well worth the trip. Added time to explore other areas of Wolf Creek is highly recomme...

The Quarry Loop is an easy hike in Banning State Park, which draws its name from the abandoned sandstone quarry you pass along the way. The trail's rival attraction is the whitewater of the Kettle River, visible as you hike, including the Blueberry Slide, Mother's Delight, and Dragon's Tooth rapids. Accordingly, this also makes the park a popular place with canoeists and kayakers.

After you drive past Tettegouche State Park, continue until you reach Highway 1. Turn left and continue on the road for 1.6 miles until you see a small gravel pull-off on the lefthand side of the road. Follow the path that leads to the river (easy to hear the waterfall). The trail will go past a cabin and continue into the woods. It is only about .2 miles to get to the top of the waterfall. Fro...

This waterfall and observation deck are just a short walk from the west-most parking lot off of Grove Street. Just to the right of the same lot is a suspension bridge, as well. To stretch the legs, afterward, take one of the park's six trails to other scenic sites, like the Redwood Falls Bridge and overlook.

Temperance River State Park is located near Schroeder, and parking can be found alongside Highway 61 for easy access to the trail following the riverbed. There are two main falls that shape the gorges -- one just north of the highway and the other below the footbridge that is just south of the highway. It is only about a quarter of a mile from Highway 61 to the mouth of the river. Further trail...

The Valley View Overlook Trail is located in the Tucson Mountain District (which west of Tucson) of Saguaro National Park. The access to this trail is about 3 miles north from the Red Hills Visitor Center.  From the visitor center travel 1.5 miles north on N. Kinney Road, then take a right on Hohokam Road for another 1.4 miles.  Parking for the trail will be on your left.   This trail is quite ...

The Kadunce River provides visitors with several waterfalls and rapids in the summer, and when the river freezes over in the winter, snowshoeing up the canyon becomes a possibility. The Kadunce River is located just north and east of Grand Marais on Highway 61. There is a pull-off parking lot on the lake side of the road. After you park, cross the road and look for the Superior Hiking Trail sig...

Getting to the trailhead:The trailhead for the Honeymoon Bluff trail is just off of Co 66 (Clearwater Rd) which is 30 miles up the Gunflint Trail. From Grand Marais, turn north on the Gunflint Trail (Co Rd 12) and go about 27 miles until you reach Co 66. Turn right and continue for 3.25 miles to reach the small parking lot off the left side of the road. The parking lot is right after you go pas...

The Sugarloaf Trail begins at the Sugarloaf trailhead on Zealand Road off of US 302. There are two trails that begin at this trailhead--be sure to cross the bridge over the Ammonoosuc and look for the "Sugarloaf Trail" sign. The trail begins following the Ammonoosuc River for a short while before turning left and climbing up to North Sugarloaf and Middle Sugarloaf peaks. It is 0.9 miles until t...

Mount Pierce (elevation 4312 ft.) is part of the Presidential Region in the White Mountain National Forest.  Upon reaching the summit, you will be rewarded with 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains.  To begin your hike, park at the Crawford Connector Trailhead. You will follow the Crawford Connector for 0.4 miles to Crawford Path. Just before reaching Crawford Path you will cross a foo...

Upon arriving at Porcupine Mountains State Park (from Highway 107) in Ontonagon, Michigan, follow signs to the Lake of the Clouds Overlook parking lot. From this overlook you will get a taste of the many views of Lake of the Clouds that are to come. The Escarpment Trail begins here and parallels the lake above the two rocky peaks, Cloud and Cuyahoga, for the majority of the hike.Along the trail...

Getting There:The entrance to St. Croix State Park is located 15 miles east of Hinckley, Minnesota on Highway 48. It is another 5 miles to the Park Office.The Paved Bicycle Path:The path is 5.5 miles long one-way and runs from the campground to Lake Clayton Beach Picnic Area. Be sure to stop at the park office for directions. The path is mostly flat which makes it ideal for a family outing. ...

This hike combines the East and West River Trails for a scenic hike along the Presque Isle River, which runs through the Porcupine Mountains State Park. The river has strong currents and sections of rapids, as well as three main waterfalls, Nawadaha Falls, Manido Falls, and Manabezho Falls, which measures 25 feet high.Your hike will include sections of boardwalk, forested trail, and a suspensio...

Cascade Falls is a must-stop if you are passing through Osceola, Wisconsin. The falls can be accessed on Cascade Street (Highway 35) near 1st Avenue in downtown Osceola. You will see a sign for the Falls at the deck by Chief Osceola. Continue down the 135 steps that lead from this platform down to Cascade Falls. This waterfall has a 25 foot drop into Wilkie Glen. You can continue following the ...

Siskiwit Falls is located on the Siskiwit River in Cornucopia. There are a few different drops and slides along the river that can be easily explored. To access the falls (from Bayfield), follow Highway 13 to County Rd C, and take a left on Siskiwit Falls Road. There is a bridge shortly after the turn onto this road where you can access the river. Park alongside the road and explore upstream a...

While many visitors view the mainland Apostle Island Caves via kayak, this trail provides an alternative view of the caves. The Meyer’s Beach Sea Cave Trail follows 2.3 miles of the Lakeshore Trail, which begins at the Meyer’s Beach parking lot near Cornucopia, Wisconsin. The first 0.7 miles of the trail is on a boardwalk. Views of the Lake are rare until you get close to the cave overlooks. Af...

This trip through Willow River State Park shows off beautiful views of Little Falls Lake and Willow River on your way to the falls. In the spring, wildflowers won't disappoint. An overall scenic and rewarding hike.

Sullivan's Knob is just one mile north of the popular Devil's Canyon Overlook, so be sure to add this short hike (only 0.75 mi round trip) to your list if you're in the area. Coming from Devil's Canyon Overlook, the parking lot will be on the right side of the road. The trail begins from the parking lot, is relatively flat throughout, and approaches the edge of the canyon quickly. Take in the ...

Begin your kayaking tour at the Northshore Mining Access (http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/kayaking/lswt_map2.pdf) in Silver Bay, right after you pass the Northshore Mining facility. From here, begin paddling north towards Palisade head. The paddle from the launch to Palisade Head is just over 2 miles, and passes smaller cliffs and old fishing shacks. Right before you reach Palisade Head you w...

Cool off in the summer on Kadunce River Wayside Trail, a hike with small waterfalls that is accessible for the whole family. Follow the trail itself, or navigate down to the riverbed and wade your way upstream!