Gooseberry Falls Hidden Secret for Explorers

How to escape the crowds at one of Minnesota’s most visited state parks

After nine years of visiting Gooseberry Falls State Park, I have just now explored areas beyond the regular and found a hidden gem. I’m going to share the secret with you, but you have to promise me one thing. Explore even more than I did! My visit to this area came on the final morning of our camping trip and I just did not have the time to continue. The trail felt like entering a secret garden of sorts. That is, if the garden is rocky and only maintained to the level of allowing the natural plant lives grow.

Here’s the deal. Camping at Gooseberry Falls is our yearly tradition. Except for that one year when our summer baby was born. I was not about to go camping either 9 months pregnant, or with a one month old baby! Even then we took a day trip and walked around the falls. In the past I have woken up the second morning VERY early to watch the sun rise over Lake Superior. I’ve skipped this in favor of sleep the last couple of years though. If you enjoy a good sunrise, I highly recommend it! (make sure to head out before dawn, otherwise you’ll miss it!)

Back to the secret, this year I didn’t wake up for sunrise, but I’m an early riser by nature. So around 6am I decided to walk to the shore while my family was sleeping. I choose a new location this morning, and continued to explore beyond what is shown on the map. You’ll see below a zoomed in portion of the Gooseberry Falls State Park map.

If you aren’t camping you can park in the lot by the lake shore. From there start along the Gitchi-Gami bike trail. About half a mile in you will see this sign for the Davis Area on your left.

This is the start of our exploration! Having never traveled this far down the path, I wanted to check out what the Davis Area had to offer. After a short walk through the woods you will find yourself among picnic tables and a couple of fire pits. What a great spot for a meal! Seriously, if you want to avoid crowds at Gooseberry Falls, just head this way. We aren’t done yet though.

A couple of trails leading to the lake veer off of the Davis Area. I took the option closest to the lake and walked along the rocky shoreline continuing south just to see what I could see. The trail continues further than I imagined. None of it is on the map. NONE! However, it was all marked with park signs, so I knew I wasn’t traveling in restricted areas. Continue following the path until you reach Pebble Creek.

THIS. MY FRIENDS. IS THE SECRET!

Pebble Creek has a secluded rocky beach perfect for exploring away from the crowds. True to its name, the beach starts near the water with small pebbles just like at many Lake Superior shores. As you walk away from the water, the pebbles get bigger and bigger! The water here is just as good for swimming as the other beach area. Basically, if you are willing to brave the cold Superior water, more power to you!

Here is where I stopped that day. There are more trails that lead along more of Pebble Creek. If you take it, make sure to watch for the private property (dark gray area on the map). Next year you can find me here watching the sunrise.

(If you are a frequent Minnesota State Park traveler, check out the State Park Checklist here.)