Fifth Falls

Lake County, Minnesota

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height: 15 ft (4.5 m)
Location: Lake County, Minnesota
Access status: Published state park trail route and distance
The walk: About 2 miles return
Ground & access: Paved at first near the Upper Falls, then hilly gravel and boardwalks, per the DNR map.

The Outbound: Hike to the Fifth Falls of the Gooseberry River

Start at the Gooseberry Falls State Park visitor center and follow signs for the Upper Falls. The paved trail passes under Highway 61 at the Upper Falls. Keep following the trail upstream beside the river. Fifth Falls is where the trail reaches a bridge over the river and meets the Superior Hiking Trail. Return the same way or cross and follow the Superior Hiking Trail back to the Upper Falls.

Plan your visit

Gooseberry Falls State Park visitor center past Upper Falls along the Gooseberry River to the Fifth Falls bridge

The DNR map lists the Fifth Falls Trail as a 2-mile loop. The Outbound gives about 2.0 miles round trip out and back from the visitor center.

Paved at first near the Upper Falls, then hilly gravel and boardwalks, per the DNR map.

Where to start

Visitor center / DOT Wayside parking lot on Highway 61, 13 miles north of Two Harbors. The DNR map says vehicle permits are not required in this lot.

Timing & water

Year-round state park; winter trail conditions vary.

Before you go

No vehicle permit needed at the visitor center / DOT Wayside lot per the DNR map. Permits are required elsewhere in the park.

Visitor information

Visit sources

More waterfalls nearby

Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.

Explore Minnesota

Waterfall location

Lake County, Minnesota.

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