15-04-2025
North Shore state park, hiking trail in the running to be named best in the US
A Minnesota state park and forest hiking trail, both on the North Shore, are in the running to be named the best in the nation.
Gooseberry Falls State Park and Devil's Kettle Trail at Judge C.R. Magney State Park are among the nominees in this year's USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice awards. The destinations are nominated in the best state park and best hiking trail categories, respectively.
In a statement, Ann Pierce, the director of the trails division at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, said the agency is excited to receive national nods for these iconic spots along the North Shore.
"This part of the state is where the power of nature meets peaceful beauty — thundering waterfalls, rugged shoreline, and trails that invite you to explore," Pierce stated. "These two locations are great examples of the many outstanding outdoor recreation opportunities in the state of Minnesota.'
Gooseberry Falls was Minnesota's most-visited state park last year, with nearly 760,000 visitors, according to the DNR.
The park, just north of Two Habors, offers over 20 miles of hiking trails and breathtaking views of the iconic Upper, Middle and Lower falls.
Further north, in Grand Marais, North Shore visitors can find Devil's Kettle Trail.
The moderately challenging hike offers views of Devil's Kettle, the stunning point where the Brule River splits in two and half of the water cascades down a waterfall and the other half vanishes into a deep, swirling hole before reemerging downstream.
For years, no one knew where the water went, according to the DNR. That adds to the destination's feel of mystery and magic.
The winner will be decided by online voting, which is open through May 12 at noon.
You can vote for Gooseberry Falls State Park here and Devil's Kettle Trail here.
