gooseberry falls state park

DeniseT570

So different to see the area in winter - very pretty. We took the trail that went around the falls, so pretty. Afterwards, spent some time in the gift shop before heading home. Love seeing this State Park in the different seasons. Make sure you dress for the current weather - and walking conditions!

348emilyl

Frozen falls are a rare beauty! Despite the paths being a bit icy, it was just perfect! There were a few breaks in the ice where you could see the water underneath moving, and that was very unique too.

AmyW133

I have been to Gooseberry falls in the summer but never in the winter time. The falls were beautiful frozen! If you have never seen them in the winter it is a must see. The steps going down to the falls were icy. We wore snow boots and was managible with holding onto the railing.I checked the condition of the hiking trails with the ranger before we went on the trails to make sure we could do the 2 mile walk with snow boots. We went on the lake shore trail. This trail mostly snow covered and was not too difficult. I would come here again in the winter. .

890carriec

We travel along the north shore frequently and often stop to hike at Gooseberry Falls. The visitors center is always a hit with the kids (9 & 11) and the hike is plenty doable for them as well. On our last visit we headed up to the fifth falls and back. We also hiked along the shore of Lake Superior at the picnic area. Such a beautiful place, not a strenuous hike, though slippery in the winter. Well worth the drive north from Duluth!

802brandonl

Don't be afraid to get your feet wet! the " Island on the middle falls is nice and quiet place for a picnic. Beware the peek months, I feel something is taken away from the experience when there are 500 people talking and kids screaming while I am trying to listen to see the beauty that raw nature has to offer

grandmaf2014

This was a highlight on our 45th wedding anniversary in Sept. and we were just sorry that we didn't have more time to hike around the whole park and see all the waterfalls! The history intrigued us - yes, we are history buffs, the waterfalls and geology were fantastic and we'd love to come when the water would be higher! Well worth coming here again!

JanA621

This is a great place to visit in the spring, summer and fall. IT's nice when it's warmer out so you can walk through the water and explore everything!

Sergeant56

The falls are beautiful. If you are driving by it is worth the stop. I don't like crowded places and the day we were there was just packed with people.

LoisJ436

A real north shore experience with agate hunting thrown into the mix. Lots of waterfalls and interesting hiking trails plus one taking you out to the Superior shoreline.

MandJcarter

Our first time to gooseberry falls in January 2015. Lots to see and explore even in the winter and it was very quiet and peaceful. There is also a very nice gift shop and visitor center you will want to check out! Look forward to visiting again in the spring!

LJHob

Beautiful area with numerous waterfalls and march areas. Well marked and very good trails. Lovely visitor facility too. Looking forward to hiking more in the spring on a return trip.

AllenBradley

This was my first time in Duluth and we took the Superior Hiking trail, and we decided to go all the way to Split Rock Point and back. Which was about 15mi in total not counting the inclines. We covered it in about 5hrs but I would recommend planning more time if you’re looking to do that. I was impressed by the rolling hills, the rich vegetation, scenic views, and the enduring hike but the return hike was not as exciting. Sometimes the trails were not marked sufficiently and spent a good hour trying to figure out the right path, a good GPS device/phone with a marked map or trail would have proven useful. The trails were not well maintained either. Sometimes the grass was more than waist high and I would suggest wearing long pants if you go later in the summer. I would also suggest really good hiking boots, with the rocky hills, it seemed easy to twist an ankle and get stuck 5mi inside a trail. Anyways I can’t complain because it was all a part of the experience and I had a great time. What would have been even better was if we hiked to Split Rock Point and took a canoe or kayaks back, because the water was fantastic.

mdY3650AK

I have to write a review to sum a few things up:1. A lot of people complaining there isn't a park ranger observing the falls at all times; We have an entire park to keep track of, we can't lose a person to stand for 8+ hours in 1 spot.2. There is no fee, it is considered a wayside rest3. We try to keep up with the garbage, but this is one of the most - if not the most visited state park in Minnesota.4. Complaining about low water makes no sense to me. Of course it will change, if we don't have a lot of rain, the water is going to be low.5. Swimming is not advised, but it is not forbidden.That is my rant, believe me or not. I do hope everyone enjoys their visit to the park. If you have an issue with a staff member or the way we do things, you could contact the DNR at: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/index.htmlThank you.

periodictable2

Great scenery and walking paths to burn up a few hours. We did some winter hiking at subzero temps and enjoyed observing the tracks of wolves, coyotes, fox, squirrels, rabbits and mice in the fresh snow. Such a great excuse to get outside and burn a few calories. Friendly staff at the Visitor Center also.

EdM822

It's best to stop when there is a decent flow, but that is dependent on time of the year, rainfall, or the spring thaw.