Gooseberry Falls Looked Very Different After A Dry Summer
I decided yesterday on a whim to hop on my motorcycle and take a ride up Minnesota's North Shore. It's peak (or maybe a little past) fall colors up the North Shore, and it was a beautiful 70-degree, sunny day.
My plan was to go to at least Silver Bay and go to the top of the lookout area, but I didn't make it that far (I'll get to that in a bit). But I did make it to Gooseberry Falls. I figured since it was a Tuesday afternoon, it wouldn't be that busy. Boy, was I wrong!
I pulled into the parking area and discovered that many other people had the same idea I did. It was packed. Fortunately, after looping around the parking lot twice, I found a spot.
It's been a while since I've been to Gooseberry Falls. In my previous trips, the falls were ripping with high water levels, and it's always been exciting to watch the water rage through. This year was a dry summer, and the water was more of a trickle, but that provided a different experience.
About halfway up the falls, you could walk right to the middle of it. If I had felt more adventurous, I could have probably rock-hopped my way across, but I didn't want to push my luck. Remember, if you go to Gooseberry Falls, watch your step, especially if you're going off the beaten path.
The fall colors were pretty awesome, and even though the parking lot was packed, there was plenty of room for everyone at the park. I'd hurry, though, if you want to go before the fall colors are done, which honestly will be after this weekend.
Unfortunately, as I pulled out of Gooseberry Falls to head north, my chain came off my motorcycle, and I had to do a roadside repair, which cut my day short. I made it back home, and it was a pleasant ride along the scenic highway back into Duluth.
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Gallery Credit: Sarah Jones
