Caribou Falls
North Shore hikes are truly unlike any others around. Pair it with a spectacular 35-foot waterfall and you will be sure to remember it for years to come. Travel 60 miles north of Duluth on Highway 61 and the hike begins at the Caribou Falls State Wayside rest stop. As of fall 2017, the wayside rest stop has been redone. It now features a newly paved parking lot, bathrooms, and a new section of trail.
The trailhead is marked with a Superior Hiking Trail sign to the left of the bathrooms. About a half-mile into the woods where the Caribou River and gorge will appear. Despite some elevation gain, hikers of any skill level can complete this trail. Not much traffic comes through the park, so it can be a very peaceful hike if you go on the right day.
About a mile up the trail is a set of stairs on the left side that leads down to the bottom of the falls. This gives visitors an unreal vantage point. If the water is low you will be able to explore a larger area at the base of the falls. After witnessing the waterfall, you can continue on the Superior Hiking Trail and see Crystal Creek or you can turn around and head back to the wayside.
If you’re a fisher(wo)man, you may also want to bring your fishing pole. The Caribou River is a designated trout stream and it is home to many species of trout. The best time to catch these trout is in the fall.
How to get there
Highway 61 between Little Marais and Schroeder, MN
This stop is easy to miss! Access the falls via the Superior Hiking Trail from the Caribou River rest stop on Highway 61 (near mile marker 70).