Wednesday, June 25 – Waterfalls, Wrong Turns & Wild Northern Trails

Another early morning wake-up (surprise, surprise), and I decided it was time to head into uncharted-for-me territory: the far northern trails. Most hikes I’ve done in this region are based near Grand Marais, but since we’re staying in Hovlandthis time around, it only makes sense to explore what the real North Shore has to offer.

The original plan? Hike the Mount Josephine Trail in Grand Portage. What actually happened? We almost drove straight to Canada. Totally by accident. I blame my complete trust in GPS and the spotty Wi-Fi up here in the great northern wilderness. Apparently, “north” can turn into “international travel” real fast if you’re not paying attention. Whoops.

On the plus side, our accidental detour took us down a scenic byway with an absolutely jaw-dropping view of the Susie Islands. I mean, I wasn’t even mad. Nature just keeps handing out these unexpected gifts like, “Here, have a postcard moment.”

After checking the trail map on a kiosk (real paper, real signage—bless), I made the call to keep going north and check out Grand Portage State Park instead. First stop: the High Falls Trail, a paved, easy path that leads to the highest waterfall in Minnesota. Yes, it has built stairs. Yes, the views are 100% worth it. Yes, Kenobi approved.

Feeling accomplished (and curious), we pressed on to the Middle Falls Trail, which came with a sign that gave me a whole new level of appreciation for northern Minnesota. The sign basically said, “Hey! There’s some wild stuff waiting in that lake. Here’s a list of possibilities. Proceed however you want.” No fences. No flashing warnings. Just a polite heads-up. Nature’s version of “enter at your own risk.” Honestly, if I wasn’t already head-over-hiking-boots in love with Minnesota, this would’ve sealed the deal. Darwin would’ve been proud.

The Middle Falls Trail was everything I love in a trek: a mix of human-made stairs and those root-and-rock steps that keep you humble, twisting forest paths, and the constant hum of mosquitoes reminding you that you’re very much alive (and delicious). The payoff? Another gorgeous waterfall, a big loop through the woods, and a feeling like we had the whole wild place to ourselves.

Between both trails, we clocked over seven miles and climbed the equivalent of 32 flights of stairs, according to my Fitbit. My legs felt it, but my soul was thriving.

We headed back to the cabin muddy, sweaty, and completely blissed out. This is what road trip dreams are made of—accidental border runs, epic waterfalls, and the kind of wilderness that stays with you.