High Falls of the Baptism River
North Shore, Minnesota · 782 ft
The tallest waterfall entirely inside Minnesota drops 60 feet into a basalt gorge, with cedar and birch leaning over both rims. A suspension footbridge upstream gives a second angle looking down the length of the gorge.
Typical peak
Sep 25 – Oct 3
Long range. Treat as a planning estimate only.
Best light
Best under flat overcast
Crowds
high
Busy through peak. Be parked before sunrise or expect to walk in.
Getting there
Park at the Tettegouche State Park visitor center off MN-61 and hike the High Falls Trail about 1.5 miles each way to the overlook and bridge.
What turns here
- sugar maple
- paper birch
- northern white cedar
Color progression
Typical peak Sep 29Typical color progression for High Falls of the Baptism River. No change from Aug 22 to Sep 8. First color from Sep 8 to Sep 17. Approaching peak from Sep 17 to Sep 25. Peak from Sep 25 to Oct 3. Past peak from Oct 3 to Oct 13. Bare from Oct 13 to Oct 27.
Color starts around Sep 8.
Light at peak
High Falls of the Baptism River on September 29, the day it typically peaks. Knowing when color arrives is one thing. Knowing where the sun will be is another.
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| First light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 6:30 AM |
| Sunrise Rises E · 93° | 7:00 AM |
| Morning golden hour ends 41 min of low, warm light | 7:41 AM |
| Solar noon Highest sun, flattest light | 12:55 PM |
| Evening golden hour starts 41 min before sunset | 6:08 PM |
| Sunset Sets W · 267° | 6:49 PM |
| Last light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 7:19 PM |
Times in America/Chicago · day length 11h 48m · computed from NOAA solar equations
Which way to point the camera
Sun rises E, sets W.
Aim within 45° of those and the canopy glows translucent. Turn your back to them for flat, accurate color.
Location pages name the light directly.
Shooting conditions
Glassy water, wind blur, and what the cloud will do to your light.
Recent reports
What people actually saw here. Been recently? Add yours.