The North Country National Scenic Trail is a 4600-mile route between Vermont
and South Dakota. A portion of this trail passes through Wisconsin between
Upper Michigan and Duluth MN. Pattison State Park hosts 2.1 miles of this
trail which follows the Black River between Little Manitou Falls and Big
Manitou Falls. Big Manitou Falls is Wisconsin's highest waterfall at 165
feet.
This trail is an easy hike and can be completed by anyone of almost any level
of fitness. It is an ideal nature walk for active families with young
children. The route identified in this post is a 3.75-mile lollipop
trail if combined with the Beaver Trail and will take approximately 1 1/2
hours to hike. Camping is available at several backpacker campsites, a
shelter, and a family campground. Pattison State Park also offers a large
beach area, concessions, potable water, showers, and restrooms.
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North Country National Trail at Pattison State Park
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The NCT section at Pattison is among the very best scenic hikes in Wisconsin.
It may be a long drive for most of Wisconsin's population, but boy is it worth
it. Hikers are rewarded with two of the most roaring and beautiful waterfalls
in the State.
Big Manitou Falls is the starting point for most day hikers. It's just off the
highway, across from the ranger station and beach area. There are stunning
views and overlooks on both sides of the river. Waterfallers will delight in
mountain-like scenery surrounding this dramatic waterfall.
From the falls, a pedestrian tunnel leads under the highway to the beach area.
The NCT trail follows other named trails within the park. You'll stay on track
by following the blue blazes. Initially, the trail follows the Beaver Trail
which is a loop around Interfalls Lake. After crossing the Black River, NCT
hikers follow the Little Manitou Falls Trail. This trail follows closely along
the forested banks of the Black River providing excellent scenery all the
way.
Little Manitou Falls represents the end/beginning of the NCT Pattison Section.
Though smaller in height than Big Manitou, this waterfall is another massive
natural fall over an ancient stone escarpment.
To make a lollipop trail, return to the Little Manitou and Beaver Trail
intersection and finish the Beaver Trail loop on the west side of the lake.
This portion of the Beaver Trail is a bit more difficult, but still an
easy-to-moderate hike.
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Little Manitou Falls at Pattison State Park
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North Country National Scenic Trail - Pattison Segment
COUNTY: Douglas
COMMUNITIES: Superior
TOTAL MILES: 2.1 miles linear (3.75-mile lollipop)
DIFFICULTY: Easy
NEXT NCT SEGMENT EASTBOUND: NCT
St. Croix River to Gordon Dam
NEXT NCT SEGMENT WESTBOUND: Superior
CAMPING: 3 Backpacking Campsites Reservable and 1 Backpacker's Shelter. Car
camping sites at Pattison State Park
Directions and Trail Map
Click Map Image to load the full interactive map.
If viewing on a mobile device, open the trail map above to load into
Google Maps App by touching the expand rectangle in the upper right
corner.
Address for your GPS: 3518 E County Rd B Superior, WI 54880
| coordinates:
46.535118, -92.122797
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From Milwaukee |
6 Hours |
From Madison |
5 Hours |
From Green Bay |
5 Hours |
From Wausau |
3.5 Hours |
From Minneapolis |
2.5 Hours |
From Chicago |
7 Hours |
Photos
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Big Manitou Falls at Pattison State Park
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North Country National Trail at Pattison State Park
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North Country National Trail at Pattison State Park
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Dedication at Pattison State Park
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Dedication at Pattison State Park
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North Country National Trail at Pattison State Park
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Big Manitou Falls at Pattison State Park
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North Country National Trail at Pattison State Park
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Interfalls Lake at Pattison State Park
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North Country National Trail at Pattison State Park
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North Country National Trail at Pattison State Park
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North Country National Trail at Pattison State Park
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Nemadji River at Pattison State Park
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North Country National Trail at Pattison State Park
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Little Manitou Falls at Pattison State Park
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North Country National Trail at Pattison State Park
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Little Manitou Falls at Pattison State Park
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Related Posts
NORTH COUNTRY NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL IN WISCONSIN
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includes an interactive Google map of the Wisconsin portion of the trail
with connecting route roads including camping, lodging, resources
available.
WISCONSIN HIKING TRAILS
A directory of favorite hiking trails found throughout the state.