High Falls (Pigeon River) Hike
Waterfall · about 120 ft high | Minnesota
1.2 mi round trip
High Falls (Pigeon River) Hike at a Glance
The High Falls (Pigeon River) hike via the High Falls Trail is 1.2 mi round trip.
| Falls height | About 120 ft |
|---|---|
| Trail | High Falls Trail |
| Distance | 1.2 mi round trip |
Your time: about 25 min of moving time at Naismith pace (3 mph plus 1 hour per 2,000 ft climbed); about 30 min at a relaxed pace. A 160 lb hiker with a daypack burns roughly 230 kcal. No elevation gain is published for this route, so climbing time isn’t included.
Adjust for your pace and breaks →Route line not shown. The 1.2 mi distance for this hike is verified (files.dnr.state.mn.us), but we don't yet have a trail track we trust, so the map shows only the destination. Carry an official map.
About High Falls (Pigeon River)
High Falls (Pigeon River) is a waterfall in Minnesota, about 120 feet high, on land managed by Grand Portage State Park (Minnesota DNR). Its height is from files.dnr.state.mn.us.
The Hike
The hike to the falls follows the High Falls Trail: 1.2 miles round trip, from Grand Portage State Park visitor center. Distance from files.dnr.state.mn.us.
Before You Go
- A vehicle permit is not required. (files.dnr.state.mn.us)
- Pets must be kept on a 6-foot leash, picked up after and attended at all times, and only service animals are allowed in buildings. (files.dnr.state.mn.us)
- A 700-foot boardwalk provides easy access. (files.dnr.state.mn.us)
- There are three viewing platforms, and one is wheelchair accessible. (files.dnr.state.mn.us)
- There are cliffs, so keep children close. (files.dnr.state.mn.us)
- Rock around waterfalls is slick when wet; stay on the trail and back from the edge.
- Check Grand Portage State Park (Minnesota DNR) for current conditions, closures and parking before you go.
Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the hike to High Falls (Pigeon River)?
The High Falls Trail to High Falls (Pigeon River) is 1.2 miles round trip.
Where does the High Falls (Pigeon River) hike start?
It starts from Grand Portage State Park visitor center.
How tall is High Falls (Pigeon River)?
High Falls (Pigeon River) is about 120 feet high.
Is there a fee to hike to High Falls (Pigeon River)?
A vehicle permit is not required.
Are dogs allowed on the High Falls (Pigeon River) trail?
Pets must be kept on a 6-foot leash, picked up after and attended at all times, and only service animals are allowed in buildings.
Safety Information
Current Hazards
- Slippery wet rock near the falls
- Fast, high water after rain or snowmelt
- Check weather before departure
Turn-Around Time
3:00 PM
Plan to reach the falls by this time so you are back before dark.
Essential Gear Checklist
* Critical items - do not hike without these
Emergency Contacts
Emergency / Search & Rescue
911Point Forecast
NWS Point Forecast →In most of the US, backcountry search and rescue is dispatched through 911 — tell the operator you have a hiker emergency and your GPS coordinates.
Downloads
Sources for The High Falls (Pigeon River) Guide
Where the trail data, elevation and route line on this page come from.
- Verified against
- files.dnr.state.mn.us
- Distance
- files.dnr.state.mn.us
- Falls height
- files.dnr.state.mn.us
- Falls location
- gowaterfalling.com
Conditions change. Check the land manager for closures, fees and weather before you go.
Nearby Hikes
Other hikes within 30 miles of High Falls (Pigeon River).