Cascade River State Park, State park in Cook County, Minnesota.
Cascade River State Park is a Minnesota nature reserve where a river descends through a series of waterfalls and rocky canyons on its journey toward Lake Superior. The water cuts deep gorges into the bedrock as it flows downward, creating natural formations that hikers can explore along multiple established trails.
The park was developed in the 1930s during the New Deal era when work crews built infrastructure and trails to open the area to visitors. This early development shaped the way people experience the waterfalls and canyons today.
The Superior Hiking Trail connects through the park, offering visitors extended hiking options while linking multiple natural landmarks in northeastern Minnesota.
The park offers hiking trails of varying difficulty, from gentle walks to challenging day hikes with overlooks and viewpoints. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and bring extra clothing since paths can be slippery after rain and water spray from falls is common.
The waterfalls expose rock layers millions of years old, showing how water shapes stone over geological time. These exposed layers are clearly visible from viewing areas and tell the story of how this landscape was carved.
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