Devil’s Kettle Trail nominated for USA Today Best Hiking Trail

Devil’s Kettle Trail at Judge C.R. Magney State Park has been nominated for USA Today 10Best Reader’s Choice Awards in Best Hiking Trail.

The trail is one of 20 nominees, which also includes the Hollywood Sign via the Innsdale Trail, Fairy Falls Trail at Yellowstone National Park, and Miners Castle Trail at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

The list of nominees was selected by a panel of USA Today editors and subject matter experts, exposing a regional favorite to a national audience.

Gooseberry Falls State Park was also nominated by USA Today in the Best State Park category. In 2024, Gooseberry Falls was the most visited state park in Minnesota, welcoming 760,000 visitors.

“We’re so excited to receive these national nods,” said Ann Pierce, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Parks and Trails Division director, in a press release announcing the nominations. “Gooseberry Falls State Park and Devil’s Kettle Trail are iconic spots along the scenic North Shore of Lake Superior. This part of the state is where the power of nature meets peaceful beauty — thundering waterfalls, rugged shoreline, and trails that invite you to explore. These two locations are great examples of the many outstanding outdoor recreation opportunities in the state of Minnesota.”

Devil’s Kettle is a famous local attraction along the North Shore. The hike is a two-mile round-trip with approximately 175 steps. Visitors come for the views of two waterfalls, one of which is the titular Devil’s Kettle, named for the now-solved geological mystery which causes half of the water from the falls to look as if it disappears.

Voting for awards is open until Monday, May 12, at noon. People are allowed to vote once per day per category.

Devil’s Kettle was featured in a story from WTIP’s youth volunteer, Ezme Mundell, last summer.

Josh Hinke April 27, 2025