Hike to Big and Little Manitou Falls in Pattison State Park
Big Manitou Falls Trailhead - Search Nearby - Added by Joe Whitson
Discover three waterfalls including the 165 ft. Big Manitou Falls. Hike through red pine and cedar forest. Paddle the lakes and explore the many islands and inlets.
Pattison State Park is a Northwoods paradise. Home to Big and Little Manitou Falls, water is a main attraction here. Big Manitou Falls is across the highway from the main park (accessible by a tunnel) and is the fourth tallest waterfall east of the rocky mountains. This is a great place to start your day - a quick walk and big return on your investment. The 165 ft drop flows into a foggy canyon, making it difficult to capture the entire falls in a single photograph. Cross back to the main part of the park and hike up the river a mile or so to Little Manitou falls. While only a trifling 31 ft drop, the smaller falls is the more impressive. The river, swollen with snowmelt, is worth spending some time exploring as well and an easy trail loops around the park, crossing the river near the falls. Head back to Interfalls Lake for some paddling or swimming.
Skip Superior, WI on your way back and head into Duluth, MN for dinner, a beer, and some music at Fitger's Brewhouse.
2 Miles RT
Out-and-Back
Stand Up Paddle, Camping, Photography, Kayaking, Swimming, Snowshoeing, Hiking
Nearby Lodging
Community Photos
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Reviews
Overall rating:
Beautiful!
The waterfall is the tallest in Wisconsin. The state park is beautiful with a little beach on the lake. You can take a little walking tunnel to get to the waterfall from here. There are many places to view it along the Big Manitou Trail (.05 miles). I recommend walking across the foot bridge to the south side and taking the trail all the way down to the stream! Would definitely go again.
