Pattison State Park
Trail Descriptions

Pattison State Park has a total of 10.2 miles of trails, nine miles of which are open to hiking. The Black River begins its winding journey about 22 miles southwest of the park at Black Lake on the Wisconsin-Minnesota border. As it passes through Pattison State Park, it drops 31 feet over Little Manitou Falls, forms Interfalls Lake, and then reaches the spectacular Big Manitou Falls. Hike the trails along the Black River for spectacular views of the falls.

Big Manitou Falls Overlooks

A pedestrian tunnel takes you from the park's main picnic area under Highway 35 to short trails that give you many views Big Manitou Falls from both sides of the river. This trail is 0.5- miles long. A self-guiding booklet is available to help you discover more about the geology and history of the falls as you hike.

Big Manitou Falls River Trail

This moderately steep wooded trail leads 0.75-miles downhill to the Black River, 0.25-miles downstream of Big Manitou Falls. At the river, the adjacent cliffs give a pronounced view of the Douglas Fault.

Beaver Slide Nature Trail

This trail, 2 miles long, circles Interfalls Lake. Discover the plants and animals that thrive in the boreal (northern) forest.

Little Manitou Falls Trail

This trail continues from Beaver Slide Nature Trail south along the Black River.

Logging Camp Trail

This trail, 4.7 miles long, explores the upland hardwood forest and lowland boreal forest, with glimpses of the Black River from overlooks. A spur trail from the Logging Camp Trail leads to three backpack campsites.

Cross-country Ski Trails

When snow conditions permit—and Pattison is in the Lake Superior snow belt—the park maintains 5.5 miles of cross-country ski trails. Trail difficulty levels range from beginner to moderate. Three linked loops begin at the campground. Ski Trail Map [PDF].

Snowshoe Trails

Pattison State Park has a number of informal trails available for snowshoeing in winter.