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high falls baptism river tettegouche

 

Cascade, Two Step and High Falls of Baptism River

mile 58.7

The Baptism River has three waterfalls — including the highest entirely within Minnesota at about 70 feet — and three different trails. All three rush and roar during spring snowmelt and make for scenic hikes throughout the summer and autumn. The main trail is semi-strenuous uphill climb with lots of stairs. Just as you wondering if you are there yet, a tenth-mile spur trail brings a little relief and scenery at the attractive Two Step Falls. Carry on the final leg to king daddy High Falls which can be viewed from below [shown here], up top and via a swing bridge over the river. This 3-mile hike is all downhill on the way back.

Options to the High Falls:

  1. from the Superior Hiking Trail on MN Hwy 1; this trail is much flatter and half the distance. Very limited parking however.
  2. drive through park to Trailhead parking; 1.5 mile round trip, hike northto intersection with Superior Hiking Trail, follow it east/right

A great leg stretcher is the 2-mile there-and-back trail from the Visitor Center to Cascade Falls (smallest of the 3 waterfalls).

 

		

Amenities: picnic areas, visitor center
Length: 1.5 – 3.0 miles
Difficulty: easy, to moderate due to stairs

The High Falls bridge is CLOSED indefinitely due to flood damage. Superior Hiking Trail thru-hikers will have to detour down toward the park office to cross the river on the park road bridge. Note - you can still hike to the High Falls from both sides; you just can't cross the river. The Cascade Falls Trail is also CLOSED indefinitely due to flood damage on a bridge. There is no detour.

 

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