Gooseberry Falls

Yet another majestic state park, DH and I almost didn't stop on our way back home on Sunday. The sunny weather though beckoned us to pull over to the park entrance that also serves as a wayside rest. We once took the big kids to Gooseberry Falls state park, 20+ or more years ago, long before they added walking paths and scenic overlooks and we just snapped a few pictures from an accessible place. I remember a kid from a 1979 wilderness trip after my 7th grade year, slipping off a rock tying to get to a better vantage point, twisting his ankle and banging his head severe enough to cut a gash. Nobody worried about concussions or head injuries back then; the chaperones slapped a gauze bandage over it and he went on about the rest of the trip. 

DH and I took full advantage of the new trail and walk way system, making a lop around the middle and lower falls area, to the upper falls, to the main road where when you look out, you can't even see the falls yet, but can see the vast forest area heading to Lake Superior. Gooseberry Falls too has a visitor center with amenities of a gift shop, information center, vending food and beverage options, and clean plumbed bathrooms. They didn't have those in 1979! 

I could have spent hours at the falls, but off the beaten path a bit where there were fewer tourists. On a weekday during the school year, I bet it is incredible to be there without the crowds. As we wanted to get home before dark, and still had more than three hours to go, we only stayed about 75 minutes. this park will be back on my list to go again. It was a nice  close to our weekend get away.

The top of the falls.Lake Superior in distance.

Middle falls. My phone cam didn't do justice.