Devils Track Falls State Wayside

Tucked into the rugged North Shore landscape of Cook County, Devils Track Falls State Wayside offers a compact but rewarding stop along one of Minnesota’s most scenic corridors. Established in 1961, this wayside park centers on the Devils Track River as it carves through ancient basalt and rhyolite rock, tumbling over a series of cascading falls that draw photographers and hikers year-round.

The falls are the main attraction here — a dramatic drop where the river squeezes through a narrow gorge before spilling into pools below. A short trail from the parking area leads to overlooks where you can take in the falls without a strenuous hike, making it accessible for families and visitors of all fitness levels. The surrounding boreal forest of birch, spruce, and cedar creates a canopy that’s especially striking during fall color season, typically peaking in late September.

Spring snowmelt transforms the falls into a thundering spectacle, making May and early June ideal for witnessing the river at its most powerful. Summer brings a quieter flow and warmer conditions for lingering along the trail. Winter visitors will find the gorge draped in ice formations that rival any North Shore destination.

While the wayside doesn’t offer camping facilities, it sits just minutes from Grand Marais and the extensive trail systems of the Superior Hiking Trail, Judge C.R. Magney State Park, and the Boundary Waters entry points — making it an easy addition to any North Shore itinerary.

Explore Nearby

• Grand Marais Light — Lighthouse in Minnesota
• Rock of Ages Light — Lighthouse in Michigan
• Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness — Dark Sky Site in Minnesota
• Superior National Forest — National Forest in Minnesota
• Wisconsin Lake Superior Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in Wisconsin