Grand Marais, MN is home to some of the best canoeing, cross country skiing, and hiking in the world. Located on the edge of the Superior Hiking Trail and Boundary Waters, Grand Marais is a great place to put in some miles. From waterfalls to peaks, here is the best hiking near Grand Marais, Minnesota for day trips!

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What to pack for a hiking trip in Grand Marais:

Summers on Lake Superior can be chilly, particularly in June and early July! Pack for a variety of weather conditions. I recommend…

• 2 lightweight, long hiking pants. I wear a size 8 and am short, and find the REI trailmade to be super flattering as well as the Kuhl freeflex.
• A pair of shorts, and yoga pants with pockets 
• A fleece. Any fleece will do, but I really love my Patagonia Synchilla
• Wool baselayers. Five years of heavy paddling and my Smartwool baselayers are the only wool baselayers I’ve had that have really stood the test of time. For seven days, pack four baselayer tops. 
• Study hiking boots. I like my Briger Mids. Working in outdoor retail I literally never had anyone try on these shoes and not buy them. Pair with Darn Tough hiking socks and pack at least five pairs. In the alpine areas, trekking poles are also a great choice!
• hiking sandals
• Quick dry shots: I like Patagonia Baggies
• A puffy jacket. It can be cool even in the summer near the lakeshore, especially evenings. My partner Andy (also a wilderness guide) swears by the Patagonia Nano Puff. I like my Helly Hansen Liftloft. 

Leave No Trace in Grand Marais, MN:

The North Shore of Minnesota is the ancestral homeland of the Anshinaabe Indigenous People, and we are all guests on their land. Be aware when recreating on the North Shore that many sites have historical and cultural significance and should be treated with exceptional respect and care. Avoid hiking on unofficial trails as it may contribute to erosion, and only park where official parking spots are available, rather than make new parking spots widening roads. Take care not to damage trees and other plant life, even if they seem to be blocking the view. 

All trash, including toilet paper, orange peels, banana peels, etc, needs to be packed out. Many hiking trails on the Superior Hiking Trail are rigorous; be sure to pack enough food and water for your group. Cell service is not guaranteed in the area; neither is a quick rescue in the event of an emergency. To learn more about the general principles of Leave No Trace, click here. 

A detailed guide to Leave No Trace on the North Shore!

Best Hiking Near Grand Marais, Minnesota

Grand Marais, Minnesota is incredible in any season, but summer is the best time of year to hit the trails! One of the best things about hiking near Grand Marais is that there is something for everyone. Nearby trails include hard, high milage trips or easier options for those limited on time or with small children.

This guide will be organized from easiest hike to hardest, with suggestions for nearby food after or other sights you should hit along the way!

Looking for the best hiking, sea caves, waterfalls, road trip routes and more on the North Shore? Check out the Exploring the North Shore eBook and Interactive Map!

1) Artist’s Point, Downtown Grand Marais

An easy walk from downtown Grand Marais, Artist’s Point and the Grand Marais Lighthouse is a great place for the whole family to visit. To the east, you’ll find interesting geology along the breakwater and a small patch of boreal forest. To the west, you can walk out to the Grand Marais Lighthouse.

While the point and lighthouse aren’t ADA accessible, the parking lot and surrounding picnic areas are and offer beautiful sunset views of the lighthouse.

This hike is less than one mile!

2) Cascade River State Park

Just south of Grand Marais, the Cascade River tumbles over rock shelves in a dramatic series of waterfalls on it’s way to Lake Superior. In about one mile, you can see seven different waterfalls, making Cascade River State Park one of the best day hikes near Grand Marais, Minnesota for families!

Stop by Cascade Lodge for a delicious breakfast. For a more challenging hike, continue hiking along the Cascade River via the SHT to reach the “hidden falls” on the Cascade River, or hike up to Lookout Mountain, also in the State Park.

Cascade River is beautiful in all seasons, but most impressive on rainy spring days after the snow melts.

Check out 30 Things to Do on the North Shore for more!

3) Honeymoon Bluff, Gunflint Trail

Honeymoon Bluff is a short but impressive trail located off Clearwater Road on the Gunflint Trail. This hike is less than one mile round trip but with significant stairs on the way up. Overlooking Hungry Jack Lake, this trail is one of the best hiking trails near Grand Marais for a Boundary Waters experience.

Honeymoon Bluff is not only a great place to watch the sunset, but also a good spot to view the northern lights in the winter.

4) High Falls on the Pigeon River

For the tallest waterfall in Minnesota, head to High Falls on the Pigeon River in Grand Portage State Park. Grand Portage State Park is managed in partnership with the Grand Portage Band of North Shore Ojibwe/Anishinabee People. Located on the Canadian Border, there are several excellent hiking trails in the State Park and beyond.

The hike to High Falls is just over one-mile, and paved the majority of the way. High Falls is one of the most impressive and easily accessed waterfalls on the North Shore, making it one of the best day hikes near Grand Marais, MN.

High Falls is the best ADA Accessible hiking trail near Grand Marais!

5) The Devil’s Kettle

Tucked away on the Brule River near Hovland are two very impressive waterfalls. Judge CR Magney State Park is home to both Upper Falls, an impressive cascade in all seasons, and the mysterious Devil’s Kettle. At the Devil’s Kettle, the Brule River splits, and one half of the river seemingly disappears into a cave and never resurfaces.

The hike out to Devil’s Kettle is around two miles round trip, and includes a horrible set of stairs to climb. Personally, I prefer the Upper falls (pictured above) to the Devil’s Kettle itself.

6) Pincushion Mountain

Located less than a mile from Grand Marais, Pincushion Mountain is a four mile hike on the Superior Hiking Trail out to a beautiful overlook of Lake Superior. On the clearest days, you can see Isle Royale National Park from this overlook. In the winter, this hike transforms into a beautiful snowshoeing route.

Out to the overlook and back is only four miles. Continue one mile along the Superior Hiking Traill to reach the Devil Track River with small cascades and waterfalls, a canyon, and a beautiful a-frame bridge! This trail wins for variety of views making it one of the best day hikes near Grand Marais!

Note: Keep your dogs leashed on the Pincushion Mountain Trail! You’re in wolf territory!

7) Lutsen Mountains

South of Grand Marais you can find a little slice of Colorado in Minnesota! The Superior Hiking Trail winds through the Lutsen Mountains making for more difficult hiking routes. Head south on the Superior Hiking Trail to Mystery Mountain (and take the gondola back down!), or north to Glove Overlook and Poplar River. Continue for overlooks of the river, and eventually on to Lake Agnes for a more challenging hike.

Note: You can access the Poplar River Falls (pictured, left) without hard hiking. Park by Lutsen Mountain and follow the SHT to the footbridge over the Poplar River, less than a quarter mile round trip. From here, you can decide if you are north bound or south bound; both directions have significant elevation change.

8) White Sky Rock & Lake Agnes

One of the prettiest fall hikes in Grand Marais, White Sky Rock and Lake Agnes is a moderate hike featuring several overlooks and moderate uphills. Park at Caribou Lake off the Caribou Trail and cross the road to reach the SHT Spur with access to White Sky Rock, an overlook of Caribou Lake.

Continue on from White Sky Rock to Lake Agnes, Hunter’s Overlook, and an overlook of the Poplar River Valley.

9) Fantasia Overlook

One of the most beautiful, difficult hikes near Grand Marais is Fantasia Overlook on the Superior Hiking Trail. This trail is just north of Tettegouche State Park, and has some of the best views near Grand Marais. On the way to the overlook, you’ll head straight uphill for what feels like miles (in reality, it’s a mile and a half).

The entire last half mile of the spur trail is around the rim of Fantasia Knob with beautiful views of Lake Superior, Palisade Head, and the valley below. End at the incredible rock outcropping overlooking a beaver pond.

10) Magnetic Rock Trail

Looking for a family friendly, 3-mile hike near Grand Marais to a giant standing stone that happens to be magnetic? Head up the Gunflint Trail to Magnetic Rock Hiking Trail! This trail is moderate, with some elevation change and several overlooks of the Boundary Waters and Ham Lake Fire regrowth.

This beautiful Grand Marais Hiking Trail is a great place to spot wildlife, and experience the unqiue Magnetic Rock, which is indeed Magnetic.

11) Caribou Rock Trail

Located at the edge of the Boundary Waters on Hungry Jack Road, the Caribou Rock Trail offers two incredible overlooks of Bearskin Lake and Moss Lake respectively in the first 2 miles. Then, the trail continues into the BWCA on to Rose Falls and overlooks of Rose Lake, for nearly 8 rugged miles round trip.

The hike to the Moss Lake Overlook (pictured above) is a moderate 3 miles around trip. If you continue on to Rose Falls, it is a difficult 8+ mile trip that should not be attempted without a map, compass, water, snacks, and an emergency plan. The distance is not the difficult part; the trail is incredibly rugged and challenging for even seasoned hikers. Day use permits as well as overnight permits are required.

After this hard hike, head to Trail Center Lodge for some delicious greasy food, or to Poplar Haus (reservation only) for dinner and drinks.

12) The Border Route Trail

Are you an experienced backpacker looking for a challenging but rewarding trail? Journey into the BWCA and strap on a backpack and hiking boots instead of a canoe! The 65-mile Border Route Trail (BRT) is one of the most beautiful backpacking trails in the country, featuring dramatic waterfalls, sweeping views, and some of the most difficult to follow terrain in North America!

This hike is not well maintained and has many areas with difficult footing. Some maps have the trail marked incorrectly. This backpacking trail is best attempted only by experienced backpackers. Permits are required in the BWCA.

The Border Route Trail is easily the most beautiful hiking trail in Grand Marais, but probably also the most difficult!

13) The Superior Hiking Trail

For one of the best backpacking trails near Grand Marais, hike the Superior Hiking Trail! The Superior Hiking Trail is a 300-mile trail that runs from the Canadian Border down to Duluth along the ridges and highlands near Lake Superior! 

Most of the best hiking on the North Shore is along the Superior Hiking Trail. Whether you tackle a day trip, a few nights, or carve out a month to tackle the whole trail, you’re sure to have an awesome experience on this difficult hiking trail!

Looking for a unique Superior Hiking Trail experience? Check out Boreal Backcountry Cabins, hike-in cabins accessible from Oberg Mountain Trailhead or Britton Peak Trailhead. These cabins are screened-in with well water, firepits and wood, with solar-powered lights and a place to charge your phone. These cabins are perfect for thru-hikers, glampers, and/or basecampers looking to explore a beautiful section of the Superior Hiking Trail

Check out the Midwest Adventure eBook Bundle for over 300+ pages of detailed adventure planning including hidden waterfalls, the best campsites, off-the-beaten-path adventures, and more covering Sleeping Bear to the end of the Gunflint Trail and everything in-between!

Love reading about the best hiking trails in Grand Marais? Hike here next:

• check out 30 Things to do in the Apostle Islands
• visit the Incredible Pictured Rocks
• read about the best day hiking routes on Lake Superior

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