The best walks and hikes around Grand Marais

There are over 8 hiking routes around Grand Marais, offering diverse experiences from easy lakeside strolls to moderate climbs in the Sawtooth Mountains. The komoot community has explored these trails over 69 times, providing an average rating of 4.7 stars.

Yes, the Grand Marais area is rich with waterfalls. You can find several cascades at Cascade River State Park, the unique Devil's Kettle waterfall at Judge C.R. Magney State Park, and the dramatic High Falls on the Pigeon River at Grand Portage State Park. Closer to town, the Devils Track Falls and Fall River waterfalls are also popular spots.

For families, the easy walking paths at Artist Point offer lighthouse and Lake Superior views. The Grand Marais Lighthouse – Artist's Point loop from Grand Marais is a gentle 1.9-mile (3.1 km) trail. The Magnetic Rock Trail, located on the Gunflint Trail, is also described as a quirky and fun option for families.

Yes, Grand Marais offers several excellent loop hikes. A popular choice is the Pincushion Mountain Loop — Superior National Forest, a moderate 4.6-mile (7.5 km) trail providing elevated overlooks of Grand Marais and Lake Superior. Another option is the Grand Marais Lighthouse – Artist's Point loop from Grand Marais, which is shorter and easier.

Grand Marais hikes offer stunning views of Lake Superior and the Sawtooth Mountains. Trails like the Pincushion Mountain system provide elevated overlooks of the town and the lake. Artist Point offers unique perspectives of the lighthouse and the rugged shoreline. For sunset views, Honeymoon Bluff up the Gunflint Trail is highly recommended.

Grand Marais offers unique hiking experiences year-round. Fall is popular for vibrant foliage. Spring brings blooming wildflowers and rushing waterfalls. Summer provides pleasant temperatures for exploring. Winter offers opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on many trails. The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, accessible via the Gunflint Trail, is also recognized as a dark sky sanctuary, making it ideal for stargazing on clear nights.

Many trails in the Grand Marais area, including those within the Superior National Forest, are generally dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept on a leash. However, specific state parks and wilderness areas may have their own regulations, so it's always best to check the rules for your chosen trail or park in advance.

While many local trails do not require specific hiking permits, you will need a vehicle permit to enter Minnesota State Parks such as Cascade River, Judge C.R. Magney, Temperance River, and Grand Portage State Parks. If you plan to venture into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness via the Gunflint Trail, specific permits are required for entry and overnight stays.

The wilderness areas around Grand Marais, especially along the Gunflint Trail, are known for potential wildlife sightings. Hikers might spot moose, black bears, foxes, and various bird species. Along Lake Superior, you may see eagles and other waterfowl.

While many trails in the rugged Grand Marais area involve varied terrain, Grand Portage State Park, about 40 minutes from Grand Marais, is home to High Falls on the Pigeon River, Minnesota's tallest waterfall, which features an ADA-accessible trail to the viewing platform.

Parking is generally available at trailheads for popular routes like the Pincushion Mountain Trail System and Artist Point. State Parks also provide designated parking areas for visitors with a valid vehicle permit. For trails along the Gunflint Trail, specific parking lots are usually marked at trail access points.

Beyond the stunning Lake Superior shoreline and Sawtooth Mountains, you can explore Artist Point, a fascinating tombolo with a unique plant community and the iconic Grand Marais Lighthouse. The region also features unique rounded pebbles along the Lake Superior beaches instead of typical sand.