Judge C.R. Magney State Park Reviews

Wow! Just amazing! The trails were well maintained and pretty easy to hike. We did not have to hike very far to see the spectacular views!!! The waterfalls are amazing! We also so enjoyed the variety of wildflowers that were blooming. We met some nice people along the way, but the trails were not overly crowded. Lots of people brought their dogs so I would say it is dog friendly.

The hike here is a bit over 1 miles from the parking lot. If you go all the way to the falls (not just the cascade area), there are over 200 steps. No worries, go slow if needed. It's worth it. The hike is a nice pathway and the falls so beautiful.

The hike is well worth the STAIRS! Most of the trail is very easy to navigate, just watch your step but the stairs will wear you out a little!! However, it is worth the trip to see the falls and be able to sit and relax on a bench to watch and listen with very few people around. They are not the biggest falls but the scenery is beautiful and it should be a priority when you are in the area.

By far one of our favorite waterfalls in Northern Minnesota. The stairs are killers, but definitely worth the hike.

Really a pretty hike up through spruce and balsam forest to the falls, then the stairs begin. Lots of down, then some up and then the reverse, but it's all worth it for the rushing waters and great overlooks along the way.

Sort of a strenuous hike with fabulous rapids and waterfalls at the end. Get ready for the last 1/4 mile.. Over 200 steps. Easy on the way down..hard on the way up.. Well worth it

We spent around two hours hiking the 2 mile round trip trail to Devil's Kettle. It can be done faster, but we took some time exploring Upper Falls (which is on the way) before we headed to Devil's Kettle. Go early to avoid crowds and bring bug spray. The trails were wide and well marked. The trail has tons of stairs so some could find it difficult (I counted well over 200 total just on the way back, so at least 400 for round trip). This park also had campgrounds which we did not utilize since they were full.

This is another great MN State Park along the North Shore with beautiful waterfalls. Hiking to the Devil's Kettle is a bit of a longer hike that a lot of the waterfalls along the North Shore. The hike also has more ups and downs and is more strenuous than say, Temperance River State Park. The Devi's Kettle is pretty cool though!

The mile-long hike to the Devil's Kitchen Falls has its ups and downs. Allow time for the walk, as well as time to sit and just listen to the music of the water. Where does half the waterfall go? If the park service knows, they aren't telling.

2 mile round trip hike up to Devils Kettle with a lot of uphill climbing as well as a lot of stairs.

An amazing hike! This hike will make you sweat. This long hike really shows you the beauty of nature. Lots of challenges for everyone and lots of rest stops. A must stop place on a hiking trip!

Another roaring fall. Trail to Devil's Kettle is about a mile. Bring water and walking stick, dirt path with inclines.

Devil's Kettle is a must if you're in the Grand Marais area. It's a tough 1 mile hike into the Kettle and Falls but definitely worth it. I recommend continuing another mile or so along the trail as it follow the river valley and is gorgeous! A hike along the trail along the river and back to the parking area is ~3.5 miles...

The kettle is only one of three waterfalls on the mile or so long path and is quite a cool thing to see. It's a relatively easy hike if you have a moderate level of fitness, but there is quite a long staircase near the end. It can also get kind of muddy, but no worse than any of the other parks in the area. Give yourself about an hour for the round trip, including time for photos and just taking in the roaring water.

This state park was a great intro to our hiking trip. It had some good hills and wasn't terribly long. Devil's Kettle was fantastic! We enjoyed having lunch along the river.

We also tried the longer loop to the west of Devil's Kettle, along Gauthier Creek, and we didn't feel it was worth the effort. Much of the trail was overgrown, so we spent most of the time trying to dodge different tall grasses and other plants. Our afternoon would have been better spent exploring a different state park.

The campground is terrible. There is no privacy between camps, no under brush to separate them. They back right up to each other. It's right off the highway and all you hear is highway traffic; not peace and quiet. Ranger office has weird hours, 2-5, and it's just a creepy campground. I will never stay here again. Grand Marais in general is awful.

We set out to hike the 5 mile route past falls to outside park on Superior Hiking Trail. We aborted that idea 2 miles in because the bugs were eating us alive even though we doused in bug repellent. We did do all the falls area and it's spectacular! Who ever complained about steps is ridiculous. The steps are a workout, but make the incline so much easier and accessible. The state park office wasn't manned until 9:40am and we were scrambling to find a pen to pay for park pass when she finally opened. So bring a pen in case!

What a nice park to visit!! There are several very beautiful mosses to view/photograph, beautiful waterfalls to enjoy and MAGNIFICIENT bIrdlife to watch!!! When I was there, there were three large eagles on the tops of pine trees and a red tailed hawk hiding from them in another pine tree on the rim of the small canyon. The seagulls were acting VERY cautious around the eagles. It was obvious who was/is at the top of the food chain with birds. There are a lot of steps to navigate to see the lower views, but if you have no mobility problems you should be fine if you pace yourself. This is the only park on Highway 61 I had to pay an entrance fee, but it was very reasonable for a short period of time. To me it was worth it. The woman at the entrance window was very helpful in sharing with me where a person can camp for free in rustic camp sites.

Great nature trail with nice views. It may be a tough climb for some and lots of stairs at the end. Be sure to bring water on hot days.

Did the Devils Kettle hike - what a great view. Lots of stairs, though! But, worth the trek and amazing view. Past the Kettle, the trail narrows and is a little less interesting but overall it's a great hike.

We just got back from the north shore and visiting Judge C.R. Magney State Park. The hike to the Devils Kettle wasn't to bad but be prepared to walk some stairs. They do have rest areas to stop at while on this trek so not to worry. The hike is a mile to the Devils Kettle Falls and of course a mile back. You can continue your hike along side the river once you get to the falls and it will run 10 miles into Superior National Park. Plan on spending a few hours here, the beauty of the falls and surrounding forest is breathtaking.

A lot of stairs, be ready to bring an inhaler if you need it. The end is worth it. The devils kettle is mysterious and breathtaking.

This is a phenomenal hiking experience. You hike about a mile in and get to view the highest waterfall in Minnesota. This hike is a bit difficult I must warn. At one point you go down approximately 125 or more steps. Not so bad until you had to go back up. I walk every day and I found it tiring. If you have time to rest, you must take your time and see this. It's very beautiful. And like all the state park attractions along the north shore, the gift shops are worth the stop and the staff were very helpful. This hike was all paved with decking.

Beautiful views, a little off the beaten path, but well worth it. Make sure you are up for the hike. If you are you won't regret the hike.

Awesome hike through the woods,following the river. There are LOTS of stairs but very doable. The falls are magnificent and well worth the stairs. My husband and i had our small dog with us and continued past the falls onto the SHT. We followed the river quite a ways and found a nice spot for lunch. I highly recommend this hike to anyone who enjoys the woods

Even with crowds, this place is easily accessible and serene. An easy hike- perfect rest stop for folks who are driving up further north!

It is a little longer hike than some waterfalls in the area, but it is worth a little longer walk. I felt it had such raw beauty that it is a must see

Easy hike to Devils Kettle Falls and well worth the walk. There are steps to climb at the end of the hike, but benches strategically placed if you need to rest.

Sometimes there are natural mysteries in this world that you need to see in person. Defiantly worth the hike. The spring melt, in my opinion, is always the best time to see any of the falls on the north shore. However, where does that half of the waterfall tunnel go?

WOW-- this had the biggest and toughest hike i have ever done but it was so worth the view. This was the #1 thing on my family list to see while we were in the area. Such a neat story behind this waterfall.

A hike to the Devils Kettle is an amazing and unearthly experience that every person should have on their hiking list. The hiking path was first forged years ago by the Conservation Camp workers. It has been updated and is quite nice due to recent improvements. The path is part dirt, part wood plank, but you are climbing... and you might be quite tired by the end of the line- which happens to be a epic waterfall. The waterfall falls into a hole in the earth, and has been studied by scientists. No one so far can state where the water from the waterfall goes. It is a guess that it falls to the center of the earth. It is rustic and spooky and a great and memorable walk.

Camped here night before hiking the northern section of SHT, then again as we passed through the park 5 days later. Good campground, toilet/shower facility. Ranger lady though at entrance very un helpful, waved another ranger off who offered to drive us up to camp because we'd bought two bundles of split firewood, so we had to walk the quarter mile up hill to our campsites...nice.

Excellent State Park. Nice campground and really cool trails. The hike to Devil's Kettle is worth the drive alone.

Beautiful park only 20-30 minutes from Grand Marais and the Canadian border. Great hiking trails, some gentle, others more challenging. The vistas and waterfalls are some of the best. Opportunities for fly fishing.

The hiking here is great, but make sure you are in shape for the all the steps. Plan on several hours if you want to do it leisurely. Devil's Kettle is worth the hike and you can cool your feet in the river before you return. Bring some water and a snack. You will need it. This is the North Shore at its best.

Went in September the trail is a bit rocky and it does have stairs as others have stated but just take your time it is worth the walk the falls were spectacular. Some had walking sticks which maybe an idea for some. This was our favorite of all the hikes we did that weekend.

If you’re willing to walk up hill both directions and add 178 steps on the ways back then Devil’s Kettle is a site worth stopping for. Get close and feel the mist.

By deciding to make this hike when it was rainy we made it a lot more difficult than it would have been if we'd selected a better day, but survived it easily enough. This is a very popular trail for a good reason, the view of the falls at the end is as exceptional as the reverse climb up the endless stairs is daunting. Take your time, wear better shoes than I did, and you too can get back alive!

Our curiosity for Devil's Kettle drew us to this state park. Be prepared for a lot of steps and possible mud in the wet season. Magnificent water fall and great places for photos.
Little did I know that it would also be the site of our engagement!

Beautiful well kept trail with lots of step! Great views of Devil's Kettle and surrounding landscape.

This is one of our favorite state parks on the north shore. The trails are well-maintained, and lead the visitor through some spectacular areas.

This park is beautiful with amazing hikes. The Devil's Kettle hike is worth it! We loved visiting this one and can't wait to go back!

Staying up Gunflint Trail, we heard about Devil's Kettle. It is very impressive and worth the 2 mile round trip hike. I would rate the trail easy to moderate.

Our whole weekend was focused on waterfalls so we ended up doing a bunch of walking along with a few other cool sights. This park was beautiful!

The hike to the Devil's Kettle was challenging but worth it. Wear good hiking boots and bring water. There are plenty of benches on the trail and the stairs to rest and catch your breath.

As we entered the park, the rangers were so friendly. We bought wood for our campsite and they recommended a fire-starter for an extra $0.50. Definitely do that if you camp here - the wood is a bit damp and the fire starter stays lit for hours. Our site was medium sized for a tent site. Branches from two trees arced over the tent pad. There was moderate privacy on site - you don't share a tent pad with anyone but you can see your neighbors. The people on grounds were fairly quiet overnight. The hiking to Devil's Kettle is worth the time (1-3 hours). The fall colors were vibrant this past weekend, particularly in the cloudy and at times rainy weather. Be aware that there are maybe 180 steps down to get to one of the views along the trail and 180 steps to go back up to get to the main trail. While that main staircase is all standard stair heights, there are some stairs in other sections of the trail that are higher than standard height - these are a bit tough on people with joint pain in the knees. Definitely would go back to the trails here again with more time, particularly the sections of the Superior Hiking trail in the area. If you hike the Superior Hiking trails from the park, be ready for several downed trees across the trail at different points.

I didn't even know this place existed. We came across it while on our way to lunch. It was an unexpected surprise and we got some good hiking in.

I have to admit, if you want to see the cauldron you may want to be in decent shape. It's a good hike of up and down and many stairs to get there. we kept resting on the benches they offered along the trail, but it was still a work out.

We camped here for the weekend and enjoyed it in spite of a lot of rain! The campgrounds are clean and some of the quietest I've stayed in. (Usually around 10-11pm there are still fires going with quiet talking around them - here everyone seemed to be in bed promptly at 10pm!) The biggest issue we had with the campgrounds was that the hours of the front office in fall are very short - on Saturday we drove up just before 4pm and they were already closed - which makes it difficult to buy wood as there are no nearby gas stations. We did learn that the Nanibougee Lodge and restaurant across 61 has wood available with a deposit box, and it was good, dry wood. The hiking was nice here, with some lovely views of the river and waterfalls, but there wasn't a lot of it. We filled our weekend by also driving up to Grand Portage and down to Cascade River State parks, so it's still very do-able to camp here for a while weekend and entertain yourself even with only 5-6 miles of hiking trails. Overall this isn't my favorite park in the area - I love Cascade River - but it's worth a visit and is often easier to get a campsite at than some of the more popular parks.

I've been in love with Judge CR Magney since I visited the first time a few years ago. Last I visited we managed to find a camping spot!
The trails are some of my favorite in the state; so close to the river and so elevated, it almost feels like a mountain hike. Devil's Kettle is an obvious must, the stairs may seem daunting but they aren't as bad as they seem and are totally worth it!
I loved the campground. Very well maintained. The bathroom was very nice and clean.

This was a lovely wooded state park with easy hikes along the river to very scenic waterfalls. There were wooden walkways over wet areas. Lots of wildflowers.

went UP and Down to see the Devil's Kettle waterfalls - plenty of stairs (180 EACH way) plus the regular path/trail. Beautiful Sunday and great scenery...some leaves were turning colors here.
well worth the effort - give yourself 2 hours to appreciate!

Meh! So many trails. Not sure this is the one to take. Plenty of bugs and plenty of steps. Come prepared. Bring bug spray. About 2 miles round trip and you’re done. Quick and easy. Up climb baby climb!

Go see Devils Kettle! The walk was steep in places and there were a lot of steps but well worth it! Beautiful scenery!

This is something to see when you get to the Devil's Kettle. The views on the way are very nice, the hike isn't too far, but make sure you bring good shoes if it has been raining. There is a lot steps as well, so bring water too.

We had a great experience camping at Judge Magney State Park. Quiet campground with showers/bathrooms. Great hiking trails with uneven terrain along side the river. Beautiful waterfalls. Friendly people all around you. A nice drive up the north shore. Would definitely go here again.

This is not an easy hike...a mile out to the kettle and at least 120 steps (icy during our visit )...but the views are great. It was a great workout but I was disappointed that the kettle was covered by snow and ice still in early April. I will be back in summer or fall for sure. Don't feel guilty for pausing at the benches on those what seems like endless stairs! ;-)
There is a viewpoint at the base where the mist is creating an ice mound that you can summit

Loved this hike! Threw it in at the end of the day and was pleasantly surprised. Nice falls and good challenge. Such a great area for hiking

We stopped into this park to see Devil's Kettle. Be aware that this park is smaller so you must pay for use of the park through their envelope payment system. It was easy to find a parking spot near the trail head. The hike to Devil's Kettle starts out pretty easy, but if filled with stairs near the end. It's nice to be able to stop off and relax for a bit by the Upper Falls along the way. You can actually get down close to the Upper Falls whereas Devil's Kettle is viewed from afar. Come prepared with lots of water on a warmer day!

My wife and I took the hike to Devil's Kettle Falls on the Brule River. It wasn't a particularly long hike, but to get to the falls you must walk down 179 steps, take your photos, then walk UP the steps. My wife could feel it for a couple of days. Totally worth it.

Awesome frozen falls. Many steps and icy in February but worth the effort to see this Minnesota treasure. Falls have a mystery worth learning about before you go.

We vlsited the Devil’s Kettle falls at the Magney State Park. I had expected a visitor center here since at all there other Minnesota State Parks, there was one. Well . . . I was wrong. The Park just had a sign with a description of the trail. We parked at a wide area in the road across the street from the trail.

The trail quickly disappears into the forest. It’s a little over a mile to the falls. A nice trail, until the end! There are two sets of falls. At the end there are more than 200 steps going down to the base of the first set of Falls. Then there are more steps going up to a viewpoint of the second set of Falls themselves. So, what’s so special about the Falls? Well other than being pretty falls, with one half flowing over the rocks and down to the stream. But, the other half flows into a hole. Hmmm, where does it go? People speculated until a retired geologist and state ranger tested the amount of water above the Falls and the amount of water below the Falls. The amounts were nearly the same, indicating that the water going into the hole just oozed out into the stream flow. Quandary solved.

Beautiful falls. And a good cardio workout.

We hiked the Devil's Kettle trail in Judge Magney Park. It's 170 steps but definitely worth the effort. Great views!

It is a long trail and a bit challenging because of all the stairs, but I did see a lot of people coming back from the Devil's Kettle (they were my age 65-75) so I felt confidant that I could make it.

being a overweight not in the best shape 50 year old lol this was not my favorite hike to a falls trip...the Devils Kettle falls itself was not that great imo. I have been to many other falls and it didn't seem to me the best one around..I was quite disappointed I guess I was expecting a bigger falls then this. unless you are in good shape save yourself the agony of 185 steps and go to the high falls or gooseberry falls lol. we just went to the falls not sure how the rest of the park is.

We strolled around river, sat on rocks along shore, very relaxing and romantic! Husband even broke out fishing pole!

Most of the walk, about 1 mile each way, isn't too difficult. There are a number of stairs at the end (to take you down to waterfall) but it's set up well. There are railings and several landings (and benches) on the staircase where you can stop and catch your breath. Nice walk.

The main attraction here is Devil's Kettle. From the parking area it is a short but challenging (for some) hike up and down many stairs to reach the falls. We hike often and did not find it difficult. However, we saw elderly folks and children taking many rest stops along the way.

This is one hike that is worth the trip! A massive amount of stairs! We did get to see the salmon starting to travel up stream!

Reading about Devil's Kettle on the internet, it was a goal to see it in person so we made the morning of it! It was easy to get to plenty of parking and good signage. The trails were in good shape and I was amazed at all the stairs created. While you're not really close to "the kettle" it was really neat to go. Recommend!

This is a challenging hike as it is all uphill and at the end a lot of stairs to go up and down. The payoff is great and worth it. Take the time to make the hike.

Devil’s Kettle, the Brule River, and Judge Magney State Park never disappoint! We first visited almost 30 years ago on our honeymoon, and visited this weekend with our 20-year-old. She’s in love with it as much as we are. The North Shore state parks are some of the best in the country, and we are so lucky to have them. (Oh, and I have 2 artificial knees, so if I can go up and down the 175 steps and hike the trail, you probably can too! :-)

We spent a day here. First we hiked the well-known Devil's Kettle trail. Lots of steps! But a great hike with a fascinating view when you reach the Kettle.

After that we also did the Timberdoodle hike. It is a self-guided hike through the woods. It was not exceptional, but a pleasant stroll through the woods.

Then we hiked about an hour of the Lake Superior Trail from a spur in the Park. That was a very nice hike. It gradually went up to the ridge which is where it meets the Lake Superior Trail. Some steps, but mostly just slanting up.

Well worth a day here.

Spent one night here at the beginning of August because nothing else was available on the North Shore. This is a small campground with amazing sites. Walk to the falls and enjoy. In the morning we drove to the border for some more hiking.

We did the hike to devils kettle which was definitely work the 170 some stairs during the journey. This hike had more bugs than other state park hikes nearby. I would recommend full body bug stray. There are three different views of devils kettle that you should get. The frontal view from an observation area. A side view from the wooden railing area, and an up close view climbing down to before the water goes over falls. Once there you can sit in a big rock and see the water go in devils kettle but be careful.

This hike is marked as 1 1/2 miles in to Devil's Kettle. It seemed like the longest 1 1/2 miles I have ever walked. It is a rugged trail with an enormous stairway with three rest benches - I needed to stop at each to slow my gasping breathing rate. The last high section of the trail was also rather muddy from the recent three days of rain. You won't mind the effort when you see the falls and Devil's Kettle.

State park located in Hovland Minnesota off of Highway 61. The state park offers a five dollar a day use pass or a $30 yearly pass. It is usually self service, stick the money in an envelope and drop it in a box. The park has a campground for RVs or tent camping, and I might add the sites are very nice. However, they do not have electric water or sewer they are dry sites. There are Park Rangers on site and there is a parking lot in the back of the park that allows for around 40 automobiles to park. They do have side RV truck and trailer parking, however most of the tourists can’t read the signs and park their cars in the RV parking.

As for the park itself it is heavily wooded and there are several rivers that run through the park. They have many hiking trails that vary from 2 miles round-trip and up to as far as you want to walk into the national forest. There are several waterfalls located within the 2 mile round-trip trails called the devils kettle, Devil balls, devil balls, something like that. For those who are used to walking and hiking these trails do rise and fall a couple hundred feet over the 2 mile trip. There are wooden stairs made out of railroad ties and also decks and through with the stairs that must be climbed to reach the falls. I believe it is estimated to be 175 steps to the first fall. It was definitely worth the five dollar entrance fee to walk and see the waterfalls. The majority of the trail is flat with rocks and gravel. There are several areas on the trail which drop off a couple hundred feet at a very sharp angle.

Not real busy as it is away from the major destinations. Hike is more strenuous than some of the other park trails. Plenty of water during a dryer time of year.

Be sure to wear your hiking boots and bring sunscreen and lots of water. While the hike to Devil's Kettle Falls is not for the faint of heart (there must be over 1,000 steps to traverse), it's SO worth it. One of Mother Nature's finest creations.

What a beautiful park. Not a beginner hike though... but devils kettle is amazing and the views are breathtaking.. glad someone had the foresight to guard all that beauty

We did the Devils kettle trail. The trail is easy but it is a forest trail not a path so some places are rough ie rocky tree roots to step on/over. To get to the falls you have to go down 170+ steps so it is not for everyone. But the scenery is very beautiful it is one of my favorite hiking trails.

My Scout Troop stayed here for one night - Friday, 3-July - on our way home from farther up the coast. The campground was full that night but we had reservations so no problem. The non-electric sites are reasonable size but are just okay for tents as the ground is all bare and hard-packed.

The campground was very quiet that night. The CG host walked around a few times and made a point to stop and talk to us telling us about the Devils Kettle and some of the history of the place.

The bathroom/shower house was clean and not too busy when we used it. The showers were average for a state park. One got nice and hot but the other did not. They use a push button to turn on the water for about 15 seconds at a time. Good for the environment (and the water bill) but cleaning up after a week of backpacking.

Would definitely stay here again if we are in the area.

Easy, easy paved path to the falls. And the falls are spectacular. Easily the most impressive in the midwest.

We hiked the trail to Devil's Kettle with two small children. It was definitely tough, especially with all of the stairs, but the view of the falls was well worth it!

Judge Magney State Park, Minnesota

This is a small state park near the shores of Lake Superior. Off Hwy 61, North of Grand Marais.
Best known for the Devils Kettle Hike where there's a double waterfall & one side disappears into a hole. It's very cool!
There's a large parking area at the trailhead. The trail is moderate due the many stairs by the falls.

The campground is very small - only 26 sites. This is primitive camping - no electricity. There's water available. No dump.
Dumpsters for trash.
The sites are suitable for tents & small trailers, popups, truck campers, camper vans.
We did see one larger trailer, but most sites are short.
There's a modern bathroom & shower house with 2 showers in both the men's & women's. Even though we never saw anyone - someone was keeping the bathrooms clean!
They also sell wood at the camp host site
We were here on a Tuesday thru Thursday. Everyone was respectful of quiet hours & no one was too loud. Most of the sites were full. Not sure about the weekends. There's 2 loops. The outside loop is close to the highway & that gets loud around 6am until 10pm when it quiets down.
There's paths to the bathhouse, which is nice.
The perimeter sites are the best for more privacy. We were in site 11 & I loved it! Site 12 was nice too.
I really enjoyed this campground & have to say it was my favorite one on our Minnesota vacation.

We came here on a sunny, beautiful Friday afternoon and walked up to the Devil's Kettle. The trail is gorgeous and really well maintained. There are a lot of steps so be prepared for a bit of an exertion but it will be worth it. The Brule river runs wild and is a treat to see.

The Devil's Kettle is an awesome short hike, not for people who don't care for stairs though. The waterfall is spectacular. The park is clean and well kept.

Have been coming here for years. Great location but this time the bathroom was gross. It was damp, smelly, a big fan was under one of the sinks so it was hard to use the sink; soap dispensers were empty. The toilet seat wasn’t something I wanted to sit on. The bathrooms felt uncivilized. We checked out after a day and will never be back.

There were two dramatic falls, plus Kettle Falls. The 175 steps were worth the effort. Bring your camera.

Devils kettle and upper falls hike, about precisely one mile from either the campground or parking space. The entire trail is 8 miles. We both are & are not in shape for a really good hike, but this was just right; not too bad. Seen a bunch of folks who made the trek and although out of breath you keep hearin "worth...it....so...so..worth ....it...." A lot of steps rocks or wood so be advised. Nothing insane but just more than we expected. Met elderly casual hikers so kept reminding ourselves "if they can so can we!" Stunning views. We were already planning our return trip and the 8mile hike before making it up the stairs. Go for it!

A short 2 mile hike round trip, the falls are beautiful. There are A LOT of stairs and elevation changes on this hike, so even though it is short it does inspire you to upgrade your fitness level. I saw people on the trail from 8 to 80. Highly recommend this short hike with family. Our little dog came along, too.

Hiked the 1-mile loop to Devil's Kettle Waterfall. Entrance fee of $7 was totally worth the visit. Amazing how much water flows into the Lake Superior watershed. The trail is a moderate hike, only strenuous part was the 180 staircase down to the waterfalls. You have to walk back up it on the return. I say this because is is a good hike for children. On your way up stop at one of the frequent rest stops along Lake Superior to search for agates.

We made a stop at Judge C. R. Magney State Park while visiting the North Shore and it ended up being my favorite park we visited. It's a 2-mile round trip hike to Devil's Kettle waterfall, moderate in difficulty with a lot of stairs at the end. Upper Falls is a smaller waterfall just downstream of Devil's Kettle, which is definitely the main attraction. The flow of Brule River splits into two streams at the waterfall. River left flow is a normal waterfall, but the river right side drops into a pothole, the Devil's Kettle, and disappears. No one is exactly sure where the water goes, though likely comes out just downstream of the falls. Beautiful area and definitely worth a stop if in the area.

Let's get the 178 (or so) flight of steps out of the way first. Yes - it's long. It does have several landings with seating to rest. I was impressed at seeing several people with canes (not walking sticks) and splints climbing on the way back from the kettle. It is worth the trip.

This park is beautiful and perfect for those who enjoy hiking. The featured area is Devil's Kettle, where water falls over several falls areas into a hole. The water is powerful and the river is beautiful, so the disappearance of thousands of gallons of water adds to the mystique.
It's quite a hike to get to the Kettle including uphill climbs and steps. There are areas to rest along the way and places to stop to view the river. Nevertheless, it took some perseverance for several of us over-60's to reach the top.

Love this park it is away from the chaos but not too far. Great campground and hiking trails, along the Superior Hiking trail!

Great day hike. While not accessible to all, the Devil's Kettle is a must see. You can hike as little or as much as you want.

The Devil's Kettle was an unsolved mystery until recently. The Brule River has a portion that apparently vanishes into the ground (into the underworld!) The Judge CR Magney State Park has this natural formation within a short hike from H 61. Recommended particularly if you stay at the Naniboujou Lodge. It s a bit remote unless you are driving too or from Grand Portage.

We loved the waterfall we saw, and the hike was a fun way to stretch our legs! We were a little surprised that state parks did not seem staffed on the Sunday of the holiday weekend. Disappointing, since we had purchased a state park sticker.

The hike to the Devils Kettle falls was great, moderate difficulty. Beautiful scenery. Be ready for many steps! Nice drive from Grand Marais.

The hike is easy, and the photography is great capturing this waterfall. The area is peaceful and quite, listening to the sounds of water rushing down the rocks.

This is a beautiful park with wonderful potential for flyfishing, it is also right on the Superior Trail. The waterfalls are quite beautiful and worth the going up and down the wooden stairs. If you plan on a long hike along the river make sure you carry a map and water with you as the trail can go for many miles.

I've visited a fair share of state parks with waterfalls. Some are pretty lame. But this however was awesome. With a little mystery and folklore about where the water goes (down and out, duh) it was worth the detour to check it out and get some exercise.

There are a couples falls to see. Decent vantage points. And they're big enough to cause that great roaring water sound!

Are they the best in the state, no. Are they worth seeing, yes. And I'd even recommend them to be seen.

This is one of many really nice state parks to be found on the North Shore. The hike to the falls on the Brule River is about a mile and worth the time it takes.

Love this park!! Small, quiet and clean showers! Of course hiking to Devil’s Kettle and beyond was amazing.

I brought my son (16) to the park so he could experience both the mystery of the Devils Cauldron and about 180 stairs to see it. We considered rain gear even though it was sunny and about half way into the 1 mile hike it poured. Oh well, the vistas are impressive and the Cauldron did not disappoint.

This hike is almost all uphill one way except for the 180 stairs to the bottom and another 700 feet uphill to see the Cauldron.

I thought this hike was easy compared to other parks in Grand Marais. Yes, there are a lot of stairs but it was manageable. You can get right up to the falls and feel the spray of the water.

The devils kettle is a soild hike, don't let the stairs scare you. They are overrated. It is a great hike and cool to see.

Wow if you like to hike stairs this is a trail for you. 175 stairs to the top but worth every step. the view was breathtaking.

Great hikes, Devils kettle is awesome! Many spots to stop and see the river, even dip your toes in-which is well needed after all those stairs!

Loved the hiking, interactive visitor center, and beautiful falls. Well worth the visit! We would like to camp here in the future.

Just hiked the Devils Kettle falls trail and did not stay at the park. It was a bit more challenging than some of the other park trails so be warned. But if you are in decent shape or just willing to take your time then you can do it. Cool looking falls. The picture you see posted by people here just do not do it justice. And I'd say that for a lot of these falls along the North Shore. Just go see it for yourself.

This is truly one of the "Must See" state parks on the North Shore! The Devils Kettle Waterfall is truly an enigma! It truly blows your mind that scientists still haven't figured out where half of the Brule River goes once it's swallowed up by a giant pothole of unknown depth! You most certainly will have some steps to tackle but it's well worth the mini workout!

A beautiful park. The falls and the trail to the falls is amazing. I would hit all four seasons. Looking forward to a winter trip.

Love this park! Devil's Kettle was roaring during visit! Wonderful campground and pleasant camp hosts. Super clean bathroom/ shower facilities and great water source!

As with all state parks for non-residents there is a small daily fee for visiting. Ours was no more than five dollars. This park has a parking lot a relatively short distance from the entrance area and has a great hike to what is named Devils’ Kettle Falls. It is about a mile one way and gains a little elevation. The trail is rated strenuous primarily due to the 150 plus steps on a very long descent to the fall area. The wood steps do have full handrails, which are in very good condition. So if you cannot negotiate stairs well, you may not want to try this hike. It is certainly worth the exercise to see the falls. You may also site a bird of prey or other wildlife along the way. Enjoy!

Lots of stairs but it's worth it! The falls are gorgeous, there's a little one like half way through to keep you motivated to see the big one.

This is a great hike! We got up early and made the hike to the falls. On the way down, we saw a few families with strollers. This is not a stroller-friendly path as there are a fair number of stairs you must climb down to get to the falls. But if your kids can handle a hike, they can handle this one.

I would highly recommend it!

The falls are very impressive and there is a good overlook to see them from but norhing else to the trail.. if you ignore the closed signs you could get to the banks of the water and have different angles... much like high falls in grand portage just with 200 wood steps in place of the pavement.. very easy compared to the other trails in the area

We hiked to Devil's Kettle. It is an easy hike with wide maintained trails. Near the falls are wooden steps that make the inclines and declines easy. The views are magnificent and provide plenty of photo opps. It's about a 2 mile hike that can be done in an hour if you hurry. If you take your time and want to take more pictures and relax at the top of the hike near the falls, then plan for 2 hours.

We drove through the state park campsite and it looked clean with RV and tenting dedicated spaces with running water and bathroom facilities on site. If you make it this far up the MN North Shore, it's a recommended stop.

If you'd like to learn more about trips including stops like this, check out the services from WanderFitTrip.com

Very nice park. The long stair runs had convenient benches to rest between flights. You get to see the falls from above then get right up close!

Visited during deer hunting, so definitely wearing blaze orange.

A great short hike to a fabulous view of the falls! It was a perfect hike to break up the drive! I highly recommend it!

These waterfalls were a great hike, multiple inclines and declines but over all it was not the most challenging that we have done on the north shore.

This stop was suggested to us by another tour person. It was beautiful! The FALLS are well worth every step! Do NOT miss this place!!!!

Steps are a challenge but if your knees can take it, the reward of seeing one of Minnesota's greatest treasures!!!

The hike into Devils Kettle is a bit much but if you take your time it is fine. There are 200 steps going down to the river which means you also have to go back up the steps on the way back. Well worth the hike to see it.

The trails are great and very well maintained - and there are plenty of benches along the pathway for those who need to stop and take a break. The stairway down to the river / falls are long and fairly steep, though they are in good shape. I wish they would add some benches to the long stairway - especially for those of us who are older. The landings are great - benches would be even better! Wonderful stop. Great hike. Bring your own water.

Fun morning hike up to the Devils Kettle Falls on Brule River. Beautiful Fall Colors and unusual waterfall ‘hole’ where the water disappears! Very much at ‘Atlas Obscura’ waypoint to examine

It is hard to understand how Gooseberry Falls draws more people than any other state park in Minnesota when you can travel a few more miles to visit the Devil's Kettle. This is a truly spectacular hike. It takes about 30 minutes to reach the main attraction, and it is a mildly strenuous hike. You'll definitely work up a sweat on the return walk when you climb the 179-step staircase. But it is worth it. The kettle is a geologic curiosity -- no one knows where all of that water goes. You can swim in the river above the kettle or lounge on the river bank. Awesome spot for a picnic lunch. We saw about two dozen people during the two hours we spent hiking and gawking. It was a Tuesday, but ranger said weekends are not significantly busier. This hike is worth the 14-mile drive from Grand Marais.

This was our second visit. It's beautiful and the hike up to the falls is well worth it. Lots of steps down and you can take your time going back up. There is a trail that leads down to Lake Superior but it doesn't look like too many people go down there. Too bad--pretty wildflowers and vista looking out onto the lake.

We stopped with our 2 dogs on the way to Grand Portage and hiked to the falls and devil's kettle. Awesome hike, lots of stairs and muddy after a day of rain the day before....but so worth it! It was a great time!

This state park south of Grand Marais is a wonderful stop to camp or take a hike, The waterfalls here are magnificent! Be aware though that the 2.5 mile round trip trail can be strenuous for some. There are around 250 steps on the trail and one stairway alone has 183 steps....yep I counted them! The trail follows the Brule River to the Devil's Kettle Falls. It is actually the upper portion of the falls and that one alone drops 50 feet. It is magnificent!! There are other trails as well: Timberdoodle Trail which is mostly flat and a 1-mile loop. The Gauthier Creek Trail is wooded and you will likely encounter wildflowers here. The Devil's Kettle does connect to the Superior Trail where you could go even much, much further. Campsites here are wooded and just average in scenery but does connect to the Gauthier Trail. Overall a very beautiful park and close to the fun little town of Grand Marais.

We have hiked to the Devils Kettle Falls 2 times now. We just love the trail itself, the stairs to get to the falls, and the falls themselves. We will be back!

A true wonder along the North Shore, just be prepared to climb a lot of stairs on the way down to the falls and on the way back!

Devil's Kettle is a pleasant spot, not too far off the main road, with a little over a mile (easy) walk to reach it. Good trail, with lots of stairs. There was a significant amount of water when we visited in September. All in all, a nice outing along US 63. If you get a pass for the state park, you can visit others during the day.

This is the supreme 2-3 hour walk thru pristine wilderness of Northern Minnesota. Be prepared to hear and see.
Watch the ground for beautiful mosses, lichens, ferns and other plants, and the skies for birds and other animals that climb. Near the end you will encounter The Devils Kettle with the stream and waterfalls. This walk never fails to excite after many many walks.

Hiked this since I was a little girl, still feel as excited and enchanted as I did then every time I climb and run the stairs up to this magic place.

loved our hike. . .so refreshing to put our feet in at the falls. .. easy hike. . .might want to recount the steps to the falls. . .we counted 250+. . when they advertised 175

We visited this waterfall to have a unique experience. This fall did just that. Seeing the Devils Kettle was what was very unique. The hike to the falls was beautiful and there are a nice set of stairs at the end that allows you to get to a lookout point to see the falls.

Nice place to hike. Short visit and walk to the falls. Most abled people should be able to make hike.

Beautiful and well worth the hike to see the sights. The hike takes a person up and down many stairs and unstable ground. Little kids and older adults may not be able to make the hike to Devil's Kettle. Bring bug spray lots of mosquitoes.

Enjoyed the day seeing devil's kettle waterfall..They still haven't found out where the water goes..The over a mile walk and over 170 steps and the small viewing area was the only downfall.

The walking paths where fairly easy to walk and the falls were pretty. The Brule and the rapids were very nice.

We hiked to Devil's Kettle. The path is well maintained. Parking was no problem. There are bathrooms at the very start of the hike but none after that. The hike is strenuous with a lot of steps. We took young children (age 5 and 7) and they did OK but they complained a lot.
There is not much to look at until you get to the falls. But once you get there it's spectacular! There are lots of photo opportunities. If you are in the Grand Marias area, don't miss this attraction!

My daughter and I went for a hike at this park to the Devil's Kettle. It's a nice hike with lots of steps! We enjoyed the views, you really can't go wrong hiking at the state parks on Minnesota's North Shore.

Went hiking to and past the Devils Kettle. I always recommend going in the morning if you like to hike with less people around. Either way this is a great state park with excellent trails!

This was our second visit to the park and won’t be our last. The hike to and from Devil’s Kettle isn’t easy but is well worth it. There are many stairs to go down (and subsequently go back up) to get the best view of the falls. Pace yourself, take breaks on the benches along the way, and drink plenty of water and you’ll be fine.

Stayed at Judge Magney campground this past September. Nice campsites—some are more open than others. No electric. One shower facility. Multiple out house style toilets. Nice hiking trails within the park. The stairs on the trail to Devil’s Kettle aren’t that bad. There’s opportunities to rest along the way. It’s worth the trip.

Let me preface this with this caution. The trail from the parking lot to the falls is a mile each way with lots of elevation change and stairs.

That being said, this is a nice walk and great for the kids to stretch those legs and work off some energy.

There are bigger falls and higher falls but hey, this is a nice trail.

Devils Kettle Waterfall is a must see! Well worth the 175 stairs to get there. Make sure to wear good shoes and bring tons of mosquito spray. There were swarms of the blood suckers when we were there!

Great state park. Camping, hikes, and really helpful staff! Trout fishing with in walking distance. Devils kettle hike amazing.

We had a great hike to the Devil's Kettle waterfall! It's about a mile each way with many stairs to climb. Lots of people out and about at this state park but most people were wearing masks. Beautiful river, waterfalls, and forest.

It was amazing !!!!!! Yah me and my family had an amazing and fabulous time. We love hiking and this is the perfect place to go hiking.

Although there were many many stairs to climb it was worth it. Devils Kettle falls is breathtaking and mysterious...where does that water go??

We went on a cycling expedition through the park. Great place for a gravel ride. Low motor traffic, well maintained roads. Beautiful scenery. Appeared to be a number of hiking trails from off the roads in to some lakes and streams.

Well worth all the steps! Hiking sticks are so very helpful and a few were available for loan at the trail head. Caution... use the 'green room' as the one toilet was NASTY!! Wreaked of amonia odor so badly my eyes and throat burned. This was a disgrace to the state park system!!!

This is a interesting hike to a unique site. There is a good waterfall and the Devil's Kettle, that is a hole that the water enters and never exits. The hike is difficult but short for non-hikers and moderate and short for experienced hikers. Worth seeing.

The hike to the falls was very beautiful. It was a really great experience overall, the only downfall was that we wanted to keep hiking after the falls and see some more nature, but the path ended at the falls. Our only choice was to turn around and go back, so we had to find some other trails to hike afterwards.

It might be farther to the falls than you think! Most of the hike to the steps is slightly uphill - then you go down 179 steps, and THEN you go uphill a little bit more to get to the falls overlook. It was doable with our 3 kids, but a little more than we expected. Beautiful well marked trails though! Very scenic!

Though it was a tad nippy (in the 30's) our hike to the falls was a great experience. About a mile, it is moderately exertional, but for those who enjoy a vigorous hour or so of hiking this is nearly as good as it gets. Along with a picturesque trail through the forest, this hike includes a big long staircase of maybe 200 or so steps that gets the hikers down close to the falls. Be sure to go all the way to the Devil's Kettle, well named for an area where there seems to be a lot of water going straight down into some unknown cavern. Well cared for, this is a nice park. Good work, Judge!

Hiked to Devils Kettle. Trail muddy from all the rain, but still easy to navigate. Lots of Stairs at end of Trail. Must use to actually see Devils Kettle. Many dogs on Trail the day we were there. All were leashed, but one was Dog Aggressive. Posed a challenge navigating past it with my Lab puppy. Primitive Unisex Restroom off Parking Lot. Gross!! Other then Bathroom, very nice Park. Paid $5.00 for a Day Pass.

Everyone warned us of the step count to get to Devil's kettle. We got to the top of the stairs and thought.. oh boy this will be ok. Then we got to the bottom of the steps and realized we have to go back up another hill before we see the falls. We did it and seen the waterfalls. My husband is pretty sure the water just bubbles back up underwater. :-)
I do recommend the the upper falls. Very nice place for photo ops.

Don't miss these falls..... and the hike. Our group of four did it in chaps and harley rain gear IN THE RAIN! So pretty, so incredible. Totally recommend this on your waterfall tour of the North Shore.

Great place with a fantastic view of waterfalls. There are alot of steps on the trail but well worth the effort to see both falls.

After a morning of hiking south of Grand Marais, we headed north to Judge Magney State Park to hike along the Brule river to a series of falls that includes the Devil's Kettle where half the river goes down a hole or kettle and disappears. The hike is a little over a 2 mile round trip, mostly uphill on the way out. What makes the hike particularly strenuous is the series of stair steps down to the first falls and then back up to Devil's Kettle falls. They number around 500 for the round trip! That is a lot of steps. Be prepared and be in shape and take it slow. This is a very nice hike with a good payoff at the end. You can easily hike down to the base of the first falls and the amount of water pouring over is impressive and you can get a little wet from the mist.

The path along the river and through some woods to the falls is quite scenic. As you rise along the glacial escarpment, you can see the river below. It's been a while since I went to the falls because my knees can't take going down the stairs, but if you can manage it, it's worth a visit. I like to go and sit at the top of the stairs and enjoy the view while younger folks tackle the stairs.

So glad we stopped here, Devils Kettle Falls was well worth the hike! We drove to Grand Portage to visit the National Monument and High Falls at the state park. From there on our way back down Hwy 61 we stopped here and so glad we did. Bring water because the hike is 2 miles round trip with over 175 stairs. But it’s such an amazing site, truly unique to see the 2nd waterfall disappear in the hole. There is a place to swim at the lower falls. There were teenagers swimming when we were there I’m not sure of the depth.

My husband and I hiked this park to the Devils kettle falls. We were told that there were 175 steps to the falls...this sound like a lot...but, we have hiked and climbed far more. It was not a difficult hike...but, very scenic. We enjoyed it very much. We highly recommend it.

Stayed here for 3 nights. Smaller campground with less amenities. Showers not as nice as Cascade River. Water took a long time to heat up and was quite cool in the bathroom area, but they were clean. First night the water spigots were all covered with garbage bags but removed the rest of the weekend.

Short hikes from the campground. The nature trail was a one mile loop, easy walking with nice interpretive signs for plants and wildlife.

Devils Kettle was a little more rigorous. Uphill most of the one mile distance. You go down a set of stairs to the lower (High) falls. More stairs to see the next falls - one goes into a hole and one continues over the edge. Beautiful and unique. We saw lots of people using hiking poles.

This is my favorite hike/river on the north shore as it has a beautiful hiking trail and amazing waterfalls, and of course the Devil's Kettle. A little tip: be ready for a couple stairs on the way back.

Excellent hiking with a couple of great views of waterfalls. There are a lot of steps so you will definitely get your work out in.

We hiked the somewhat strenuous Devil's Kettle route- only a mile each way but a lot of up and down. Views of the falls were nice.

We had a our family and a friend with her family join in on this adventure hike. Our children's ages ranged between 4-17yrs. They all loved It! The hike is a combination of dirt trail and stairs.... a lot of stairs. We had some complaints but once they all saw the falls it was worth It!

Very rustic but we did have elec. There were lots of trees and we had shade. The sites come with table and fire ring. Lots to do around this area for entertainment exercise wise. Trails and sites to see. Great place to take the children. They all seem to greatly enjoy having the freedom to ride their bikes all around.

Gauthier creek was ok but after reaching the creek path not well traveled thus hard to pass at times.

Devil's Kettle waterfall is beautiful - but it takes a total of 267 steps coming back! a lovely hike and not too far; worth doing.

Started or journey in a morning rain by the time we made it half way up to destination the rain stopped, was happy for the cool morning as am a bit out of shape and the 1.1 mile hike is challenging, the trip there is up a lot of rockie trails but the end is most challenging as you go down approximately 200 steps to river then climb back up about 700 feet and finally end up at the overlook, very cool to see, on the way back we detourd off to lower falls, there is so much water being pushed thru falls it generates a nice misty cool breeze which was a real relief to me especially before climbing back up the 200 steps, actually not as bad going up as I thought, once you get to top pretty easy sailing back to parking lot.

Hike to the Devil’s Kettle was challenging, but not ridiculous. With all the stairs it would be tough for someone with knee problems. You can safely get right up next to the waterfall, which was really cool! Definitely a must see if you’re into great waterfall hikes!

Visited the Water Falls within the park. Falls were nice. Walk to them is somewhat difficult. Worth the trip but be aware the path to the falls is somewhat challenging.

We stayed here for a few days in our travel trailer. The location was perfect for exploring upper Minnesota and Canada. There is no electricity in the camp sites. The restroom is modern and has flush toilets, electricity and showers. The showers are set on a timer where you have to keep pushing the button to keep the water flowing. The timer was set way too short to ever warm the water up much or to even soap up before it turned off again. It is set this way to conserve water, but ultimately I think more water is wasted trying to warm the water up and stopping from bathing to push the button again. The host and hostess were super friendly and helpful. The camp sites were level and well maintained. If you go to this park and are physically able you need to take the hike up to Devil's Kettle. The waterfall is magnificent and so powerful. Half the river continues down the fall the other half disappears into a cavern. Be aware that the hike can be challenging. My husband and I counted a total of 303 steps along the way--one way. Bring water and a lot of mosquito repellent. Take your time and enjoy the scenery. It is worth the hike to see it.

Loved our visit to this state park. We hiked to Devil's kettle falls. It was challenging and well worth the hike. Just do it!

We were there shortly after the peak of fall colors, but it was still beautiful. The hike is short (2 miles round trip) but relitively strenuous. The trail is well maintained. The last part before the upper falls and cauldron is 90 plus well built steps. We have not experienced any other parts of the park so we cannot review them.

This maybe listed as moderate hike but don't believe it. Many stairs and uphill. When you think you are finally there, guess what, more stairs down 267 of them! Of course you must come back up too. Just kidding. It was a pretty falls but saw many others that required less stress to knees of a 70 year old person. Take water and insect repellent. I did have cell phone signals the whole way.

This waterfall is beautiful with all it's twists and turns! Beautiful hike back to get a view of the falls.

This trip to this Judge CR Magney State Park changed my feelings about the park and camping forever. The bugs were terrible but the mosquitoes were the size of dimes. Ferocious. Obviously they do not spray at all. The bathrooms are filthy. The women's showers give you a mist, not water so you can get clean, they spray a mist that actually hurts your eyes when you look towards it and have to hold down the entire time, you get 9 seconds of mist before it turns off and you have to press it again. What a joke. You must have exact change to get firewood from the hosts of the campground. Where do you get that in the middle of no where? $6.99, yep I got that in my back pocket. The hosts are nice and kind and helpful. Never again...

We had a great hike up to the waterfalls. Eventually you have to climb down about 180 stairs, then up another 20. Worth the hike but remember you have to climb up those 180 stairs when you leave. I am 70 and had to take my time. Just do it!

Beautiful park with great hiking, a lot of steps but worth the time. Great views of Lake Superior -- The Devils Kettle is an amazing geological mystery.

Camped here one night this summer. Clean, quiet, new bathrooms. Hiked up see the waterfall and devil's kettle. There are a lot of stairs and signs with fair warning before the hike. You climb down to see the falls, which means you are not tired and can enjoy them. We didn't find the stairs too bad.

A very beautiful park. The waterfall is great, but a lot of steps down (and then up) to access. Do remember tjhat n Minnesota you must purchase a state parks pass.

What a beautiful tucked-away location! Right off the lakeshore drive, this campground is well-maintained with clean bathrooms and showers.

You have to work hard climbing stairs and walking rugged trails to see the Upper Falls on the Brule River. A shorter distance beyond will take you to another falls which dumps into a bottomless pit called the Devil's Kettle. This is the second falls you will reach if you come from the State Park Office. It would be wise to retrace your way back from Devil's Kettle once you see both falls, because that is the shortest path. Pace yourself there are some benches as you approach the Upper Falls. You may need them
Once you leave the park you may consider stopping at The Naniboujou Lodge. Meals are delicious. This is a resort, but visitors are welcome to stop for a meal.

This is a good hike for someone who wants a good hour to 2 hour hike with a beautiful payoff at the end. Just note that there are a ton of stairs to traverse to get down to the devils kettle.

The hike is strenuous to reach the Devil's Kettle. The trail is probably about 75% uphill to reach the falls. Once you reach the top, there are 192 stairs (according to someone with a marker that wrote it on the post!) that go down to the falls. Once you get to the bottom of the stairs, there is more climbing to get up to the Devil's Kettle. The falls are well worth the hike.

This is a great trail, with a slightly challenging hike to get to Devil's Kettle. We were told it would be challenging... but as we hiked, we met a couple.... he was in his 80's, & she in her 70's, that were having no problems navigating the area. We were in our forties. That being said, there are a lot of stairs, & some steep inclines to traverse to get to your destination.

Explored Devil's Kettle trail with my 5 and 8 year old girls. The 5 year old griped on the stairs. I think there were approximately 175 on the entire trail. The 2 mile round trip loop was a great stop to stretch our legs and get out in nature a little bit. There really aren't too many overlooks of the water until you make it near the falls, so definitely do the entire trail if possible. Not too crowded so able to get good photos. I would definitely visit again and try to explore more to see if the trail goes further.

This park always seems quieter than the other state parks south of Grand Marais, but it is worth the drive and the hiking effort to view it. There are other trails in this park, but the Devil's Kettle is the main attraction. The views are very good along the entire trail, as the path follows the Brule River to the main attraction of the Devil's Kettle waterfall. The hike is difficult at times, with moderate inclines and includes over 200 steps (on wooden staircases) one way. The fall colors are mostly yellows and some oranges from birch and mountain maples right now.

We only were at the park for a few hours but we had a pretty hike of about two miles round trip. The views were beautiful and well worth the hike! Be aware of many steps both down as well as up to get back to the falls.

The hike to the waterfalls/ cauldron is beautiful. Well worth staying here for the hike alone. Fairly secluded & quiet as well, and heavily wooded.

Nice quick hike just north of Grand Marais. Follow the river up to the waterfall... Nice and quiet in the spring.

Great hike, but somewhat rigorous! 177 wooden steps and 50+ built into hill to get to the Devil's Kettle!

The waterfalls and hiking were amazing! The showers in the campground are freezing, but otherwise the campground is nice and well kept up.

The Devil's Kettle falls hike is well worth the effort. Be aware that at the end of April there was still snow and ice. Also be aware of many steps up and down to get there! Very beautiful and strong falls!

We walked the Devil's Kettle hike. I'm used to flat land walking so this was a bit challenging for me. Not really difficult but strong inclines going there. Beautiful falls!

Beautiful park, well kept trails and toilet (outhouse style), and nice views of waterfalls. Definitely not for the faint of heart with wooden steps galore to the falls! Going down is always easier than coming back up. Climb, climb, climb. But, it’s all worth getting outside (especially during autumn) and working up a little sweat with some occasional breaks. Glad we went!

Beautiful falls! Didn’t enjoy all of the steps (due to an old knee injury) but otherwise an easy hike. Wild flowers were blooming along the path. Bugs weren’t bad - just a couple. Went mid morning. People had walking sticks but I didn’t see the need for one.

Visited multiple rivers and waterfalls over the past 2 days and this was our last and favorite stop. Trail in great shape, easy to hike. Simply stunning!

We went to see the falls. Not for everyone. A long trek in a very hilly terrain.luckily there are several side places to view some of the river.

Devils Kettle was amazing! It is quite the trail with loads of hills and stairs so one mile seems more like 10 but so worth it!

Requires some stamina because there are lots and lots of steps (but no obstacles like tree roots or rocks). The journey is worth it because when reaching Devil's Kettle you will be in awe.

Long hike for not that much to see. 205 stairs both up and down after hiking a mile to get there. that doesn't even include the steps to see the kettle from above. It was pretty but there are other parks that offer more for less physical activity

This was beautiful and an easy hike stairs and all. Winter hike so bring yak tracks and poles if you have them. Took our puppy and did it with ease. Absolutely recommend.

Beautiful park. Uncrowded and jaw-dropping scenery. Lots of stairs, but worth it! Take a Naniboujou lunch with you and enjoy it while you try to solve the Devil's Kettle mystery

This is an excellent state park that we have visited a number of times over the years and just visited again in October. Good photography and nice trails.

This park is very busy on weekends, so drive slowly to the parking area. The hike up to Devil's Kettle is very pleasant, but don't just view from above. Walk down along the river's edge and enjoy the mist. If you park in the main parking area, the restroom that appears on the park map does not exist: Never fear, there is one just across the river at the beginning of the trail, and there's also one at the campground just a 5 minute walk away.

The word "strenuous" always shows up in descriptions of this hike, but don't let that scare you off. Other than a few flights of stairs - which include handy resting areas along the way - this is a really nice, easy hike with a spectacular payoff at the end.

Hiking or walking shoes strongly suggested. Leave sandals in the car. Lots of stairs up and down. Go to the bathroom before the trip as there’s one and it’s not very clean. Found a better one at a camp site.

Spent two nights at Judge Magney S.P. Would have stayed for three, but there was no running water for 36 hours, which put a damper on things. I could hear the waves on Lake Superior one night, and another night I could hear the rushing water from the falls. All of the campgrounds along Highway 61 seem pretty close to the highway, which means there is definitely road noise, but I thought the campsite was great, and the hike to Devil's Kettle was really spectacular.

Devil's Kettle is a sight to behold. An easy hike to the falls, and a beautiful place to spend an afternoon!

But remember to see Devils Kettle you must there are 179 stair steps. Lots of landings to take a break.

The hike to devil's kettle was easy until you got to the stairs and then it went to extreme mode! (only kidding, partially) the site is beautiful and if you take your time climbing the stairs it not a bad hike at all.

The round trip hike of just over 2 miles is well worth the effort to see the falls. The hike is moderate to easy as it has some uphill sections and a series of steps near the top end. Care should be taken on the cliffs with small children to avoid a tragic accident. The Devil's Kettle is a site noted in many travel articles and represents a geological mystery that remains unsolved. Very picturesque and enjoyable for nature lovers.

This is an interesting park, especially Devil's Kettle. Part of the river disappears into a hole while the remainder continues down the river. All kinds of stories about where the water that disappears into the Devil's Kettle goes.

Great views but hard walk. Several tops and downs with lots of rocks, rows, in tail. Tyne waterfall views were great, and the payoff was good. Definitely worth it, especially for combining does and views.

Beautiful Brule River, challenging hike. not for everyone due to physical demands, but it is worth the hike. Lots and lots of steps.

While in Grand Marais we drove just a bit north to this lovely state park.we did one hike to the falls due to time/heat/dogs.
Well worth the time and effort. A beautiful hike with ferns and moss in the forest.Exceeded our expectations and loved the rushing river and falls.

Yes, there are a lot of stairs, and yes, the hike in is mainly uphill (but not obnoxiously so). Take the stairs at your own pace, and the trip back is down hill. The views and the mystery make it worth every step. I am not in shape, but will hike to the ends of the earth to see a good waterfall. The descriptions of the hike had me a bit worried about my abilities, but not to worry, it was a lovely hike, and my in shape son waited for me at the top of the stairs while I did it in my time.

Get ready to climb a million steps but totally worth it! Absolutely stunning! Devils Kettle did not disappoint!

We stopped here on our way to Grand Portage from Temperance River State Park. I asked the employee at the entrance to recommend a trail which would take us an hour to walk. She recommended the Devil's Kettle Falls. It was beautiful! There is some geological mystery about where the water from one side of the falls ends up.
If you are driving along the north shore of Minnesota or heading to Canada, take time to stop here and hike. You will be glad you did!

Did the Devils Kettle/Brule Rive Trail, mostly easy, shaded, one tough (on a hot day) spot of 175 steps down and up. Follows the water most of the way, and you can go 3-4 hours comfortably.

Camped (tent) here a few nights. Very nice, quiet and clean campground, except for one little chipmunk who knew exactly when to visit (mealtimes!). LOL Lots of families and some couples.

Hiked Devil's Kettle - well worth it and the stairs/climb is not that bad. Lots of places to stop and rest if people need to.

Yes there are a lot of steps, but it is so awesome! There are plenty of places to sit down and rest while enjoying great views.

My mother and I took a trip along the North Shore, hitting up all the state parks on our way while in one of the coldest weeks in November. We took the trail to Devil's Kettle Falls. It may be a short trail, but much of it was slicked over with ice, which made ascending and descending an adventure unto itself. We were aware of the 177 stairs involved to get to the view of the falls. My mother did wonderfully on them and appreciated that the stairs were broken into shorter sections with some benches interspersed in there. The construction of the stairs was very well done, and thankfully, they were not too slick. The view of the lower falls was awe-inspiring covered in ice and snow. Very cool! Remember to wear blaze orange the first two weeks in November since hunting is permitted in the park!

This is a beautiful group of waterfalls. Unfortunately, our day there was really rainy and so the hike was a bit more stressful than it would've been normally. The trail was really slick and muddy due to all the rain. We were able to get to the Devil's Kettle but it was slow going. I would recommend hiking boots for sure on this trail.

I had been told that it was a "fairly easy" hike. I am not in shape by any means and it wasn't "fairly easy" for me. There are multiple elevation changes and stairs, which put some strain on my knees but I would do it again in a heart beat.

It was simply beautiful and amazing to see something that can't yet be explained. I would just recommend taking your time if you have poor knees/ankles.

They have well maintained paths, plenty of warning that the path is a little difficult, but it is sooooo worth it!

We just hiked to devils kettle and didn’t go on any of the other trails. It was a nice hike, only about a mile to get to the falls. There are lots of stairs, but my 4 and 5 year old had no trouble navigating them. Nice for a short easy hike.

While this park does have a very nice campground with modern shower & toilet facility, the location just off the highway results in traffic noise, especially from trucks and motorcycles. However, the remoteness of the park means highway traffic levels are light in the daytime and extremely low after dark. The walk along the river trail back to the falls and Devil's Kettle is of moderate difficulty and worth the hike. A visit to the historical Naniboujou Lodge across the highway from the park is an easy walk and provides a place to get a meal in their beautiful dining room, or to shop the gift shop to gain access to their extensive private Lake Superior and Brule River frontage.

I surprised myself walking up and down the trail to the waterfall that disappeared into the earth, unfortunately all we could see was the waterfall we could not see it disappear into the abyss.

A beautiful park with the river and waterfalls! Hiking trails are well maintained and we just love this park! Hike it every time we are in the area. Such gorgeous views!

There is a nice scenic hike up to this area to enjoy the wildflowers and other sites. There is also a campground in the State Park that looked like a good place to camp.

Lots of stairs to get to the Devil's Kettle - but worth it to see this waterfall! Lunch at Naniboujou Lodge (right across the Hwy) was a great way to end the afternoon!

It really is a short hike to see the falls but boy its a lot of uphill and downhill! To start you'll go down steps (wooden steps and railings with benches to rest along the way) to the lower falls. Great place for a selfie or get someone else to take a pic of you! then its uphill through the forest to get to the upper falls area. Its a slog for sure. No steps but uphill all the way. The upper falls has a great place to look out over the falls. But you can actually take the trail much further than the falls. On your way back from the upper falls its downhill at least until you get to those stairs! About two hundred steps (I counted). Up. Straight up. Ugh. But we made it and only rested once. the view of the falls really i worth those steps. I got some great pictures that day.

We were on the Minnesota Waterfalls trip and this was one of the stops. Our timing worked out perfect, as the hike to Devils Kettle was much more rigorous than we had planned, but we were ready for it! The kids are 11 and 13 and did great on this long hike with a lot of incline! Worth the stop!

The hike to the falls was very good, though my husband and I had achy legs after the hike, it was an enjoyable hike. The five year old daughter had to be carried on the dad's shoulder when she got tired.

Hiked to the summit of Eagle Mountain, gorgeous views! Most of the uphill is at the end, but it's worth it.

Camped here one night in July 2021 and it was lovely! The campsite was wooded and very pretty. The bathrooms were very clean. You can hike right from the campground to see the Devil's Kettle. It's such a pretty trail and the Kettle is really cool.

Beautiful hike. There are lots of stairs though so this is not for people who dont like any huffing. The main hike is fairly short and highly rewarding with powerful waterfalls.

Very nice hike but there were a lot of people on the trail the day we were there. Also there are way to many steps for our liking, I prefer more natural trails instead of man made steps.

Hiked to Devil's Kettle. I'm not a person who works out at the gym on a regular basis, and I'm in my 60's so the hike was a little bit challenging to me. Especially the steps. Still made it there and back in a couple of hours. The view of the falls was great and well worth the hike. Bring water! (We didn't.) Also, paper towels or kleenex are nice because some people can work up quite the sweat. (Not me - just an observation.) My calves were sore for 3 days after this hike!! A follow up to a massage parlour would have been nice :)!!!

We can't stop talking about this hike and the views! Be warned it is a harder hike with lots of steps but take your time, pack water, good shoes, and your camera and you won't regret it! We even saw bear scat on the trail and lots of birds.

To say this Falls is not amazing is not seeing the true nature the falls on one of the biggest rivers on the North Shore where over 1/2 of the River falls into a gigantic hole in the ground never to be seen again! Open your eyes and understand. The "Lots of Stairs" are worth every single one!

Trail to Devil's Kettle is well maintained and partially made with wooden constructed stairs. It felt odd to see those stairs in the middle of the park, but I guess more people can access to the waterfall thanks to those stairs. The trail seems to become narrower and more challenging after Devil's Kettle, we did not have time to go further so only checked it out a little.
The permit is required and you should pre-purchase if you know you are visiting the park. We didn't know if we were visiting, so got it at the entrance. But there is no parking at the entrance. I imagine If everyone tries to buy the permit there, there will be a long line of cars on a busy day. Luckily for us it was not a great weather day and not a busy day.
We did enjoy the short walk and the view.

Great hike to some beautiful waterfalls! The trail is partially uphill with quite a few stair (both ways). It's not a difficult trail, but not great for people with knee problems, etc.

So, I'd been to this a couple years back. Brought my husband this time. He does 100 flights every other day on the stair climber. This little hike to the Devil's Kettle starts out OK but in short order the lame are separated from the "in shape". I'm of the lame crowd. My husband of the in shape. It gathers slowly but then suddenly.....wham! You are now no longer considered a novice. It is WELL worth it! The mile goes quickly but ends in sort of a torture vs fantabuloso! The last "700" ft are worth it. Don't think of it as 2+ football fields (straight uphill) but a last step to the heavens.....you can sit and soak your weary feet! I did. I now can say that my foot wash went all the way down and presented at the mouth of the river at The Naniboujou! It is well worth the trouble. Go for it. It is glorious! Part of the water makes it down to the lake but the "Kettle" itself has a mystery attached. No one knows where that water ends up. Take a look and give it a try. Go outside. It's wonderful.

The hike to the falls was a good one. It was challenging but a great hike. The falls were awesome and a must see. As the brochure says, you will be rewarded when you get there.

The falls here are spectacular to see, the trail is well maintained but the hike can be strenuous, with lots of steps/stairs. We only walked the Devils Kettle trail the day we visited, and saw a young fox walking in the woods near the trail we were on! It was fun to discuss the "mystery" of the Devils Kettle with the family while we were there

Traveled here with my 21 year old son. It was his idea. And, yes, no mater where you live, this is a long drive. But it's worth it. Beautiful waterfalls with no crowds. Except for the Mosquitos. Even with Deet, you will be attached to them till the point you're losing weight from blood loss.

I'll admit I was curious about this place after watching 'Jennifer's Body'. I decided to check it out while staying in Grand Marais. It was beautiful. A great walk and hike along the river to the falls.

Excellent hike, very scenic and good trail, one section with a few stairs but worth it to see the view. Less than 90 minutes round trip if you are short of time like I was, but very enjoyable.

A fairly steep climb to see Devils Kettle. I would worry if my small children were along, there was a very steep drop off from the side of the trail.

I visited 3 parks during my 7-day vacation in Minnesota. Reaching the waterfalls of this park is the most CHALLENGING for me - uphill hiking of 1 MILE. We walked at the cleared pathways, climbed down wooden staircase (179 or 180 steps!) and hiked more uphill steps to reach the Devil's Kettle Waterfall. Please see my enclosed pictures.

Going back to the Parking Lot was more problematic for me, particularly the climbing up the 180 steps/staircase. I had to stop twice to catch my breadth and rest my tired legs/feet. Regularly working out, I thought I would not feel winded and tired doing this hike.

Tips: 1.Decide if the 1 mile hike is worth your time and energy. If not, explore other parks where the waterfalls do not involve long and difficult hiking. Examples = Miniehaha Park in Minneapolis and Cascade National Park near Grand Marais.

2.Bring water to quench your thirst, hats for cover and insect repelant.

3. Go to the public rest rooms near the entrance of the Park before starting your hike as there are no restrooms along the way and near the waterfalls.

4. Go early in the day when the temperature is cooler and to avoid other hikers using the same stairs/steps.

Minnesota has many amazing state parks along its northern shore, but only one has the Devil's Kettle. Like so much of the North Shore, Magney State Park is a beautiful setting of mountains and woods along Lake Superior with amazing creeks and incredible waterfalls. However, it has a waterfall like none other where the creek is split into two waterfalls and optically, one side drains into a mysterious kettle never to be seen again. In fact, for decades the phenomenon was a natural unsolved mystery that baffled everyone.

While there are campgrounds and many trails to enjoy in the park, the main trail everyone visits to see is the Devil's Kettle which is a short manageable 2-mile round trip in and out, with nearly 400 of elevation. While the trail begins with a crossing of the Brule River shortly before it empties into the lake and meanders along the creek's side to the bifurcated waterfall, there is considerable elevation change, up and down, which provides great views of the river valley from the cliffs along it. While the trail continues much beyond the Kettle, most people stop just above the falls for great pictures of the creek before venturing to a point with a great overlook of the falls.

Here you will see the creek split with the right fork falling to the creek below and the left fork falling into a rock. Again, it was commonly thought for decades that the left fork disappeared underground only to reappear before the lake. However, in experimentation, it was determined that the fork actually reconnects with the right fork in the Kettle out of direct sight. Still is it a fun natural phenomenon to see. If you are on the North Shore, you really need to visit Judge Magney State Park and hike to the Devil's Kettle.

Great workout to upper Falls and devils kettle. Quite worth it. We took our dogs so they were spent on a warm day but there are good stops along way for them the drink and lay in the river.

Steps are a big negative. Too many of them! It used to be an amazing hike, but not anymore. I wish Mother Nature would hurry and dissolve them so hikers can once again enjoy C R Magney State Park, and all the other state parks now maligned be stairs, like Tettgouch. Steps are unnatural and a big expensive mistake.

Not the easiest state park to visit on the North Shore; there are close to 200 steps to see the falls and Devil's Kettle. We took our time and had no trouble. It was worth it.

What a great stop of our family vacation. Great hike and breathtaking views. Remember to pack walking shoes it's a great hike with lots of stairs. But so worth the workout 😉

Hike Devil's Kettle and upper falls. Gorgeous views. Hard on the legs but worth the travel. Dogs, kids, young and old were all hiking in high heat and managed it well.

Another beautiful MN state park with amazing scenery and spectacular waterfalls. Google this park and read all about the mysterious waterfall!

Devils Kettle Falls are interesting and beautiful but not for the faint of heart. There are many steps, up and down, but are worth it. Take plenty of water if you plan to do the hike.

Really lovely and very easy hike to a falls and cascading river. Hike past the last designated stop to find places to sit right by the river

Another beautiful and happy hike to the waterfall. There is a parking fee for this park so you might want to park on the road.

Don't forget your hiking shoes and camera if your headed to Devil's Kettle. the trail is well maintained with groomed paths, stairs, and ramps. We were overdressed as it was suppose to be a cooler June morning, but the hike warmed us up real fast. The hikers are friendly, there is plenty to see form the trail, and the many overlooks at Devil's Kettle give you a variety of great views. We visited seven state parks on our trip and this was one of our favorites.

I've been here in the past, way back in the 70's. Back then, there were no stairs.
But, now there are stairs going down to the first falls, and from there, back up to a viewing location to see Devil's Kettle, and it connects to the Superior Hiking trail also.
The trail is a moderate mile in and mile out to see both the first falls and the Devil's Kettle. (Always wonder why the devil gets so much credit for things.)
Anyway, the kettle is a place in the river where it splits, part of it as a waterfall, and the other part dives into a big hole. The water from that comes out in Lake Superior through an underground channel. There is only one convenient (and safe) location to see it well, so a lot of the photos will look alike.
The trail starts fairly level from a parking lot. There is a kiosk there saying you need a park permit, but nowhere to buy one at that location, or even a day pass, or anything else for that matter. So, be aware of that.
Once you get to the first falls, there will be a small sign, with a small hand made arrow pointing to the stairs. And there are stairs, and stairs, and more stairs. But the falls and the kettle are beautiful and if you can handle stairs, worth the hike.
Past the view spot for Devil's Kettle, the trail continues on as the Superior Hiking Trail, often abbreviated as the SHT. This goes the length of Lake Superior in Minnesota.

Hiking along the Brule River is one of the top destinations if you are staying in Grand Marais. Judge Magney State Park has several trails and they are mostly shaded so it's good hiking in spring, summer, and especially fall. Devil Kettle Falls is just one of the great spots to stop and enjoy the water. Have fun and soak in nature! There are a few steps so the hike is not for the very weary but the $5 park fee is worth it!

What a beautiful place. We decided to do the stairs down to the Devil's Kettle and it is totally worth it. It was a beautiful fall day with a relatively easy trail up to the falls. Then came the stairs down and there are more than they announce but they have good hand rails and are easy to handle. We are over 70 and did just fine.

The High Falls are Magnificent. This is a must stop destination when at the upper North Shore. It’s an easy half mile hike to the High Falls from the parking lot, the path is paved and stairs are wooden constructed.

This is another great park on the MN North Shore. The popular hike is the one out to Devil's Kettle and back which is a 2 mile roundtrip hike. It is a bit strenuous. The first part is uphill hiking and at the end there is about 197 steps to see Devil's Kettle. It is a very nice hike but not as easily accessible as several of the other popular waterfalls like Gooseberry Falls or High Falls on the Pigeon River (Grand Portage State Park). It wasn't too busy when I was there and the hike along the top of the gorge in the trees was very peaceful.

This park should be on your list of things to do. We were there last week, and visited the famous Devil's Kettle waterfall. As others have written, make sure you have comfortable shoes as you do ups and downs on the hike. We had a very nice visit.

Great scenic hike along the Brule river in this state park. Moderately strenuous uphill grade - with about 6 sections of uphill stairs to get you to the top near the end of the hike. Plenty of places to stop and rest. No problems if you are in moderately good condition. Well worth the hike. Coming back down is a breeze with great views!

This is a great hike into the falls. Gorgeous views. There is a in the rock that holds a mystery. Scientists have tried to find out where it goes out and can't figure it out.

First time to this state park up the north shore in Minnesota. Well kept trail options for all levels of hikers. The gem of the park is the trail that leads you to two views of some beautiful waterfalls. The trail includes some stairs, but nothing most can't easily manage. The view locations along the trail offer distant and up close views from above and from water level. A good exercise activity as well as a chance to just sit and listen to the roar of the falls. Lots of wild flowers in bloom in late June-July as well along the trails. Worth the time to take this one in!

Park has a bit of shoreline, but is mostly following the Brule River deep into the North Shore. A good hour hike (with view stops) is to walk to the Devil's Kettle along the Brule. Be prepared, there are about 170 steps down to the waterfall. It seems like twice that when you're coming back up. Why Devil's Kettle? In low water times the river divides and the left side disappears into a cauldron. Doesn't come out. Somehow it must outlet to Lake Superior...right?

Park and is just up the road from the Naniboujou Lodge. Great place to hike around. Devil's Kettle was very interesting. There is a fairly long staircase to climb when coming back, but there are spots to rest on the staircase.

So the reason I came to Trip Advisor about this hike is to figure out if this was a doable hike for me. For context, I am a late 40's mom with average knees, slightly overweight and pretty out of shape. :) I won't say the hike was easy, but it was doable for someone like me. The hike is more challenging heading to the falls, with a few stairs and a couple of steepish hill climbs, but they were short and not horrible. Once you get closer to Devil's Kettle, there is a long stairway down. Obviously these will have to be tackled on the way back. There are several benches for resting on the way back up. The upside is that once you complete that, the rest of the trek back is pretty much downhill, so you get all the 'hard stuff' over with. The trek is about two miles and took under two hours for us, including time to view the falls.

Overall, this hike was worth it. The official lookouts have some blockage by trees/vegetation but if you go down to the river and do a short scamper a couple of river boulders you can get a much better view.

Be aware no ranger station just a little shack and NO MAPS. Lots of envelopes. Not sure you need a map. The devils kettle is 1 mile one way. Worth going but be aware the hike is fine but you have to climb down a lot of stairs to see the falls. That’s the easy part remember you have to climb those stairs back up. When in Rome?

Very good North Shore Hike. Not an easy one, but worth the effort. The Devil's Kettle has to be seen to be believed. Lots of stairs and a pretty strenuous hike with great views..

Judge C.R. Magney State Park's star attraction is the hike to Devil's Kettle a beautiful waterfall about a mile from the trail head.

This was our first visit to this particular state park, and I am sure we will be back. The hike to Upper Falls and Devil's Kettle is a little over 2 miles round trip and is mostly an easy hike...until you encounter the 150-200 steps to get to Devil's Kettle. The steps are sturdy and have many platforms and benches to give hikers a rest if needed. We hiked with our just over one year old daughter (in a carrier) and were able to complete the hike. Unfortunately for us, prior to our visit the park, it had been raining quite a bit. So where we would have been able to see the swollen river split and see half going down a waterfall and continuing to Superior, and the other half draining down the pothole, we saw one giant waterfall. Still a beautiful sight! We will just have to come back to see the famous pothole, of which experts have no clue what happens to that half of the river that seemingly disappears.

If you’ve got the stamina, you should do the hike to see Devil’’s Kettle. Though it’s basically like other falls, it has the other feature of part of the flow disappearing underground.

Devil's Kettle is a section of the river where, after going over a falls, part of the river "disappears" into a hole. It is accessible by a hike of just about a mile (one way), including ~200 stairs down to the river, followed by an additional climb back up to the Kettle. (Remember you'll be going UP those 200 stairs on the way out). But, the hike is a perfect North Woods experience, with views of the river, and pine forest. If it's wet, be careful on the stairs and boardwalk sections, as it's easy to slip.

We enjoyed the park and it is well kept. It is a lot of stairs which was difficult for some of us and the dog but we made it and it was beautiful.

Another great Minnesota waterfall! We hiked all of the Northern Minnesota State Parks this trip, I would rate this 2nd most strenuous. It's a moderately difficult hike but worth it! There are a lot of steps, but there are landings so you can take a breather if necessary. The day we hiked it was hot and humid. You're not going to look photo perfect after your hike, but it's a great workout if you come prepared. Bring water, you're going to need it. There is a lower waterfall on the Brule River on the hike out and then the main attraction, where half of the river plunges 50 feet into a pool, while the rest pours into a huge pothole. No one seems to know where this water ends up. The view was well worth every step. The trail is well kept. The park itself is rustic, but there are outhouses and the parking isn't paved.

Great hike up the Brule river to the top of the waterfalls! The river splits in two, half tumbles 200 feet down the cliff, the other half goes into a cauldron, the "devil's kettle" to some where they have not been able to determine. LOTS of water. The sites at the campground are close and open, water spigots and vault toilets. Bear frequent the area.

At the mouth of the Brule river is a nice rock beach.

We didn't spend a lot of time at the park but it was very nice with some scenic vistas. The park attendant was friendly and informative.

We are not regular hikers getting up in our middle ages and found the hike and stairs well worth it. The falls were spectacular!! You can easily take the steps at your own pace with many rest stops/benches along the way. We did it in less than two hours.

You can walk as far as you want, the trail goes a long way. Great views. Terrain is quite rugged at times. We climbed on the rocks on the river, it was super fun.

Four of us "non-hikers" went to the falls. It is over 2 miles round trip with what I would call strenuous portions. After going up on the trail you go down (and returning, go up again) 175 stairs. Devil's Kettle falls were very impressive. The trails was well maintained.

Hiking is the mane of the game, wear the correct shoes and off you go. Was there when snow and ice still around but warmer temps make it interesting, cant wait to go back and do the trek to the falls.

If you enjoy water falls you MUST hike to the Devil's Kettle! Roughly 2 miles round trip but lots of elevation climb and 179 steps but truly well worth your effort. The falls break into two sides...on the right you can see the pool, but on the left the water falls into a kettle and no one seems to know where it goes. Bring some water, the climb back up the steps is taxing but otherwise an easy hiking trail.

Well worth the trip! Devil's Kettle is amazing! Well maintained gravel trail with spectacular views. 180 stairs.

Great up north camping, but not really on the shore of Superior which can be good in the colder months of camping. Nice showers, quiet vibe.