Small cascades, mossy ledges, and fern-fringed pools—Lester River Gorge is Duluth’s secret retreat, just minutes from your porch at Gitche Gumee. All trails are open in summer and easy to navigate, making it perfect for a porch-to-waterfall day trip:
1. Eagle Ridge Falls
A slender chute drops into a clear, swimmer-friendly pool surrounded by layered rock. The trail from the parking lot at Lester Park leads you upriver past tree-shaded paths. It’s a short hike with big payoff (Lake Superior Circle Tour, Pinterest, sotacap.com).
2. Echo Cascade
A mossy ledge over the river creates low-flow cascades and shallow pools ideal for wading. The forest cushioning your steps makes Echo Cascade feel quiet, cool, and private—yet it’s just off the main Lester River Trail (Visit Duluth, sotacap.com).
3. Trillium Terrace
In spring, trilliums carpet the forest floor around a gentle waterfall drop—but even in summer, the point where Amity Creek meets Lester offers shaded serenity. The surrounding ferns and stones feel curated by nature itself (northshorevisitor.com).
4. Mossy Creek Pool (extended walk)
Further upriver, rocks draped in thick green moss form a deep basin beneath a small but steady waterfall. A perfect spot to let cool water swirl around your ankles as you catch your breath and listen to the forest.
Trails & Facilities: All systems are go
- Lester Park’s trail system offers over 9 miles of paths weaving between Amity Creek and Lester River. From paved beginners’ loops to longer rugged trails, everything is open throughout summer (duluthmn.gov).
- Parking & amenities: Free parking at 61st Ave E & Superior Street, with restroom facilities, picnic tables, and playgrounds at the trailhead (northshorevisitor.com).
- Swimming & hiking: Summer months welcome hikers—though winter months may restrict access where trails groomed only for skiing (sotacap.com).
Why Gitche Gumee Guests Love This Trail Day
Each waterfall offers its own secluded pause in the woods—cool dips, gentle roars, soft moss underfoot. Start with Eagle Ridge Falls, wander upstream to Mossy Creek, and then head back with riversong fading behind you.
Once the trail is behind you, it’s time for the perfect finish: back to The Inn on Gitche Gumee, where the porch is ready—hot-tub-warm and waiting. Share waterfall tales under spinning fans, sip limoncello or lemonade, and let your body and heart follow the rhythm of forest waters.
Conclusion
Lester River Gorge and its waterfalls are fully open and summer-ready, with trails and park facilities functioning normally. From hidden cascades to swimming pools framed by dripping moss and trillium blooms, it’s nature just steps from your cabin.
