Big and Little Manitou Falls

Big Manitou Falls Trailhead
4.5
2 Reviews
Big and Little Manitou Falls
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Details

Distance
3.56 miles
Elevation Gain
318 ft
Route Type
Loop

Features

Groups
Waterfall
Family Friendly
River
Lake
Forest
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About this place

Added by Joe Whitson

Discover three waterfalls in Pattison State Park including the 165 ft. Big Manitou Falls. Hike through red pine and cedar forest. Paddle the lakes and explore the many islands and inlets.

Pattison State Park is a Northwoods paradise. Home to Big and Little Manitou Falls, water is a main attraction here. Big Manitou Falls is across the highway from the main park (accessible by a tunnel) and is the fourth tallest waterfall east of the rocky mountains. This is a great place to start your day - a quick walk and big return on your investment. The 165 ft drop flows into a foggy canyon, making it difficult to capture the entire falls in a single photograph. Cross back to the main part of the park and hike up the river a mile or so to Little Manitou falls. While only a trifling 31 ft drop, the smaller falls is the more impressive. The river, swollen with snowmelt, is worth spending some time exploring as well and an easy trail loops around the park, crossing the river near the falls. Head back to Interfalls Lake for some paddling or swimming.

Skip Superior, WI on your way back and head into Duluth, MN for dinner, a beer, and some music at Fitger's Brewhouse.

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Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and be sure to follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly.
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Katherine Floyd
4/27/2025
Not Crowded
Amazing Views
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Flipst
8/24/2016
Beautiful!
The waterfall is the tallest in Wisconsin. The state park is beautiful with a little beach on the lake. You can take a little ...
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