Split Rock Lighthouse State Park | North Shore Visitor (2024)

mile 46.0

Split Rock Lighthouse State Park Office

mile 46.0

Split Rock Lighthouse State Park Campground

mile 43.4

Split Rock Falls

The Split Rock River waterfalls feels like you’re really out in the woods, but you can be there and back in a half hour. The hike starts on the west side of the river climbing a half-mile through birch forests to the falls tumbling 20 feet over grey rock into a rock-edged pool. You can turn around here [1+ mile total] or hike another three-quarter mile to an impressive red rock [rhyolite] gorge with 50-foot cliffs and twin red pillars. This is another point where you can turn around [2.6 mile total]. If you choose to continue you will see a few more waterfalls over the next 3/4 of a mile. At that point you have to cross the river [in the water] and pick up the high east trail which showcases wide open Lake Superior views.

Highlights: now two hikes, one up each side of the river, with the option of crossing during low water [most of the summer – but can flow after rains] to make it a loop; the west side trail runs above the river past rock cliffs, and on the east side you get river valley views and Lake Superior overlooks
Amenities: at state park 1 mile away
Length: 5 miles round-trip
Difficulty: moderate to more difficult [some steep grades]
Surface: hard pack with roots and rocks

The eastern side of the Split Rock River Loop will close September 1 and impact 1.8 miles of the main SHT corridor between the eastern junction of the spur trail to the Split Rock River Wayside Trailhead and the river crossing at the top of the loop. You CAN hike up to the falls and back on the west side.Trail users will be able to bypass the closed section on spur trails, the same reroute suggested when the river is running too high to ford safely. This closure includes the Southeast and Northeast Split Rock River Campsites. Overnight trail users should plan to use a different campsite on this section for the duration of the closure.When these trail sections will reopen is project dependent.

mile 51.3

The river drops 300 feet in a series of cascades and falls above the Highway 61 bridge, then enters the sedate Beaver Bay. A wayside rest is located on the northwest corner of the bridge. It is a few steps to front-and-center views from the pedestrian walkway on the north side of Highway 61. Don’t want to stop? At least look out the window. This is one of to drive-by waterfalls on the North Shore.

Amenities: restrooms, picnic tables, shops nearby

mile 46.0

mile 51.0

Beaver Bay to Illgen City

This route explores the backcountry including northern hardwood forests of oak, maple, and basswood, and boreal forests of pine, spruce, cedar, aspen and birch. You will ascend to the top of the hills, then drop down for a woodland drive. Watch for deer – and maybe a rare moose – on this winding, low-traffic road. I suggest starting in Beaver Bay and working counterclockwise so you can enjoy the views descending MN Highway 1 towards Lake Superior and Highway 61.

This drive is lovely anytime during the season, showcasing ridge line maples early and poplar and birch later.

Option: at MN Hwy 1, turn left and go to Finland for a visit and lunch; return on MN Hwy 1, or on Co Rd 6, where the final few miles of descent are also impressive. All roads are paved. Click on the map for a larger

mile 46.0

Split Rock Lighthouse

mile 46.0

Fees: MN Ski Pass required and if you park in the State Park, a Park Permit is required; both sold at office
Hours: Daily 9am – 4pm, with the office manned Friday-Sunday; weekdays, the lone employee can be found in the office, plowing, shoveling, trimming trails, and so on.
Difficulty: more & most difficult
Amenities: trail center open daily with restrooms and a fireplace; Split Rock Lighthouse center open afternoons throughout the winter