Upper Poplar River Falls

The Upper Poplar River Falls is a series of cascades that is easy to access from a bridge on the Superior Hiking Trail. It is a short hike to the bridge, about a third of a mile round trip. Parking for this shot hike can be found at the near the Lutsen Mountains Ski Resort. From Minnesota Highway 61 take County Road 5 (Ski Hill Road) for two miles to the end past the ski resort’s gondola. There is a small parking area here as well parking available on the side of the gravel road.

Hike down to the Superior Hiking Trail taking the connector trail; this is the trail to the left at the Mystery Trails sign. Once the spur trail hits the Superior Hiking Trail, you will see the bridge to the left. From the bridge take in the beauty of the cascading Poplar River. There are great views both upstream and downstream.