If you’re looking for a sublime Minnesota winter hike, complete with frozen waterfalls and snow-frosted rock formations, head up to the Kadunce River State Wayside near Grand Marais. This is a fantastic outdoor adventure for a Grand Marais, Minnesota, winter. Read on to see why this is one of the best hikes in Minnesota.
To get started on your winter hike in Minnesota, park at the wayside, where the Kadunce River flows under Highway 61 and commingles with the waters of Lake Superior.
Before you head up the gorge, cross the highway and check out the mouth of the river. Often the lake creates stunning ice formations along the shoreline that are, themselves, worth the trip to see during winter in Minnesota.
Although you’re likely to find an established winter trail in the gorge, you will be walking on layers of ice and snow. You should, therefore, use caution and consider wearing snowshoes or traction devices and using trekking poles on your hike up the gorge.
At first, the river and its small valley will be wider, and you’ll enjoy a quiet hike in the north woods when you head here during winter in Minnesota.
But the valley will grow narrower, and the walls of the gorge will start to rise above you on both sides. This dramatic landscape is one of many reasons why this trail is considered one of the best winter hikes in Minnesota.
As you follow this trail in Grand Marais MN during winter, we suggest that you stick to the sides of the gorge and avoid any open water you may encounter.
As you explore this winter hike in Minnesota, you’ll encounter several small waterfalls, as well as some larger cascades.
You will have to clamber over some of these on your way to the trail at the top. But with appropriate footwear and trekking poles, you shouldn’t have too much trouble.
If the frozen waterfalls weren’t enough of a reward, when you reach the top of the gorge, you’ll be treated to stunning views back down the river to Lake Superior. This breathtaking scenery makes this unique trail one of the best winter hikes in Minnesota.
The canyon portion of the hike is relatively short, coming in at around a mile. To return to the parking area, you can go back the way you came, or you can follow the spur trail down along the Kadunce River that connects the Superior Hiking Trail with the wayside. After your hike, treat yourself to some of the state’s best fudge at Gunflint Mercantile in nearby Grand Marais.
If you're looking for more to explore, take a look at these winter hikes in Minnesota too. To prepare for your outdoor adventures, check out our ultimate winter packing list, as well.
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