High Falls of the Baptism River (August 2015)
The High Falls of the Baptism River is a definite must see for North Shore waterfalls. It’s a truly powerful waterfall that is accessed by a beautiful hike. I hadn’t planned on visiting this waterfall until later, but since I was passing Tettegouche State Park, I decided to check out the falls. I had already walked some distance, and my feet were hurting after changing to a new pair of shoes.
At first, I was slightly confused about where to access the falls. I was using the book “Waterfalls of Minnesota’s North Shore”, and the book is rather useful, but I think that in the last year or so, some changes must have been made to the way to access the falls? I would check out the website for directions, but essentially you should enter the rest area for Tettegouche State Park and drive past the visitor’s center (and pay the fee if you haven’t). You’ll drive under the M-61 bridge and you should just keep heading down this newly-paved road to the end of the road, where you’ll see a sign for the trail center. This is where you start your short journey.
After visiting the beautiful falls, you can continue on to Two Step Falls from either side of High Falls. I would suggest following the path that is on the south side of the river. You can cross the Baptism River and go see the falls on the north side of the river, but the only way to get back to the parking lot after visiting those falls is to retrace your steps, which is why I would just go on the south side. I ended up not visiting Two Step Falls because it was getting late. (I did get a chance to visit Two Step Falls in August 2015.)
Directions:
- From M-61, enter the rest area for Tettegouche State Park. Head past the visitor’s center and drive down to the end of the road to the trail center. Consult the visitor’s center if you want better directions. It’s not that hard to access.
- Follow the signs to High Falls.
Accessibility: 5/10 (moderate, consistent up-and-down)
Height: 70′
Length of Hike: 1.4 miles round-trip
High Falls of the Baptism River (May 2010)
Where in the World is High Falls of the Baptism River?
The Waterfall Record 
I am headed home in June and we already have a north shore waterfall trip planned. I am really lucky this year because my mother just bought a cabin near Grand Marais and we will base out of there.
That is absolutely awesome! Having a cabin near Grand Marais will be great! Even without the waterfalls, it’s a really beautiful place to stay…with the waterfalls it’s even more amazing.