Pigeon River High Falls - USA

Pigeon River High Falls is located within the Grand Portage State Park, which requires a State Park Permit for entry. This article explains access to the falls from the USA side. The waterfall is located on the Minnesota border between the USA and Canada. The river divides the two countries. A daily permit can be purchased for a nominal $5 (2009 rates). A better option is to purchase a yearly vehicle permit for $25 providing unlimited access to all 72 Minnesota state parks for a full year from the month of purchase. See Minnesota Shore State Park Guide for more information.

The entry to the Park is located along Highway 61 just before entering the US-Canada border crossing. The trail from the Park entry to the High Falls is constructed of blacktop and is level for easy walking. Wheelchairs and strollers would work just fine here. There are multiple park-type benches along the trail for resting. As the trail approaches the High Falls, the magnificent roar of the water plunging over 100 feet can be easily heard. The blacktop trail changes to gently sloping wood deck walkways with handrails. This allows easy access to an elevated lookout platform that has a picture-perfect view of the waterfalls.

For more adventure, there are multiple side-trails down to the river along the main trail as it  parallels the river. The ancient stone walls carved out by the fast-flowing river show the immense power of water over time.

Near the falls the trail contains wooden steps up to the highest lookout for viewing the waterfalls. My wife preferred waiting at the lower lookout platform while I took photos from the higher platform.

For more information regarding Grand Portage State Park, Click Here

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Pigeon River - High Falls	Pigeon River - High Falls 2009