Judge C. R. Magney State Park – MN State Parks

If you make it far enough north to visit Grand Marais than you need to take a half-day trip just a bit further north to Judge C.R. Magney State Park.  An incredibly popular park with gorgeous vistas and waterfalls it’s one of those places that keep calling you back. The walking trails are well laid out, but a great work out that will wear out even the most fit. Plus it seems to be a popular park for dog owners, so bring along the pup- you’ll thank me later!

Judge C. Magney State Park

The feature of Judge C.R. Magney State Park is by and large the Devil’s Kettle Waterfalls, but there are several picturesque spots along the Brule River to enjoy- including rapids and a smaller waterfall.

Devil’s Kettle Falls:

Enjoy views of the Brule River from the hiking club trail as you follow it upstream to Devil’s Kettle Waterfalls- a mysterious waterfall where half of the river falls 50 feet into a pool, while the rest pours into a huge “kettle”- or hole. A hole from which no one has been able to determine the water’s exit!

This article and this article from Smithsonian Magazine describe the falls and discuss a few descriptions and ideas as to what the “kettle” is and where it originated.

Camping:

There are 27 camping sites available at Judge C. Magney and because it’s located in the beautiful north woods, they are heavily wooded so it feels a little more private than some campgrounds might.

Hiking Club:

The hiking club trail follows the Brule River upstream and takes you straight to the main attraction at Judge C. R. Magney State Park: Devil’s Kettle Falls (see above) so it’s a path you’ll want to take whether doing the hiking club or not.

That being said, it isn’t an easy hike. There are over 100 stairs that you need to climb up and down and parts of the trail can become pretty muddy and slippery depending on the season (rain and snow will do that). Plan on giving yourself time to take a few rests at one of the 3 or 4 benches and resting areas sprinkled along the trail. Plan for a half day hike and definitely bring your dog along- this is a very popular trail for dog lovers so you’re bound to encounter a pooch or two!

The entire hiking club hike is 2.5 miles, which means 1.25 miles to the falls and 1.25 miles back.

Nearby Sites of Interest:

Hovland and Hovland Arts Festival
Naniboujou Lodge
Superior Hiking Trail

Passport Club

Learn more about my goal to visit all of Minnesota’s State Parks this year.

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