There are numerous waterfalls on the Gooseberry River in Gooseberry Falls State Park. There are four in the entrance to the park that don’t require much work to visit and view. The fifth fall, aptly named Fifth Falls, takes more effort, though the hike is very enjoyable. I’m not sure that I would ever hike it again, though, as the first four falls are just more interesting.

When you get to Fifth Falls, there are multiple drops that can’t be viewed simultaneously, though they are close to each other.  As with some of the falls in the park, you can get pretty close to the falls, so the view is great. Neither drop is particularly tall, though.

Directions:

1. From MN-61, turn into the entrance for Gooseberry Falls State Park.
2. Head to the parking area for the visitor’s center, where you will be able to easily access the falls. There does not appear to be a fee to enter this park.
3. Follow the trail down to the first group of falls. To get to Fifth Falls, it can be helpful to get a map of the park. You will head west along a trail that goes along the Gooseberry River on both sides of the river. I took the north trail on the way there and then the south trail to complete the view full circle. The better views are obtained from the north trail.

Accessibility: 8/10 (easy/moderate)
Height: 35′
Length of Hike: 1.8 miles round-trip

The upper drop of Fifth Falls (May 2010)

The lower drop of Fifth Falls

Where in the World is Fifth Falls?