In the Land of 10,000 Lakes, we have no shortage of iconic trails, from the Superior Hiking Trail in the northeast to the Upper Cliffline Trail in the southwest, the North Country National Scenic Trail, which crosses the entire state - and everything in between. But there's one short, sweet trail that's not only iconic, it's accessible, which means just about everyone can hike it. And if you get the opportunity to do so, do it - because I think the High Falls Trail at Grand Portage State Park is one of the most iconic trails in Minnesota.

As I mentioned, you'll find High Falls Trail at Grand Portage State Park. The park is a joint effort between the DNR, MNDOT (it's an official state rest area), and the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. It's wedged between the Canadian Border, Grand Portage National Monument, and tribal lands. As you've probably surmised, there's a lot going on at this day use state park.

But the big draw is the High Falls of the Pigeon River. The 120-foot cascade, which straddles the Minnesota-Ontario border, is the tallest waterfall in the state. And visitors from Minnesota, Canada, and across the U.S. stop here to make the easy, 1.1-mile, out-and-back hike from the visitor center to the waterfall.

The trail is a combination of paved pathways and boardwalks that lead to three viewing platforms at the High Falls, one of which is wheelchair accessible. And believe me when I say the view is incredible.

For most folks, the best time to visit the falls is in late spring, when rain and snowmelt swell the Pigeon River, and you can feel the tumbling water thundering in your chest and mist glistening on your face. But don't get me wrong - summer is wonderful, too. The waterfall may not always be at full volume, but the Northwoods forest is alive with squirrels, black bears, foxes, and all manner of migratory birds that summer here, including several species of colorful warblers.

In autumn, the falls are often at a trickle of their normal flow, but the trees are bursting with color. And here's where I let you in on a little secret: My personal favorite time to hike the iconic High Falls Trail is winter, when the cascade's icy majesty makes the payoff most dramatic.

I've hiked to the falls in sub-zero weather, and there are few better ways to combine drama and serenity: little noise but the crunching of my boots on the snow, the creaking of the planks on the boardwalks, and water rushing behind the ice; air crisp on my face; and the vista stark and other-worldly.

I just don't think there's another trail in the Bold North that offers the same combination of drama, nature, and accessibility - which is why High Falls is one of the most iconic trails in Minnesota. Avid hikers who prefer more of a challenge need not fret, though! Fire up AllTrails Plus, and download the map (limited cell service up here) for the Middle Falls Trail. It's a rugged, moderately-challenging (more than 700 feet of elevation gain), five-mile hike that continues on from the High Falls. It's a long, out-and-back with a short loop at the end, and the payoff is another gorgeous, but smaller, waterfall.

Have you hiked the iconic High Falls Trail at Grand Portage State Park? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to toss out some other iconic hiking trails in Minnesota.