A slice of geological intrigue awaits where one half of a river vanishes as if pulled into another world. Get ready to hike through mossy forest, approach twin waterfalls, and witness the swirling enigma known as Devil’s Kettle.
South along Highway 61 from Grand Marais, Judge C. R. Magney State Park carries the Brule River through ancient volcanic rock until it splits spectacularly: one branch plunges 50 feet over rock, while the other drops into a deep pothole and seemingly disappears. Until recently, scientists couldn’t say where the water went—but in 2017 they concluded it rejoins the river downstream—though nothing dropped into the hole ever resurfaces.
Trail & Waterfall Highlights
The most popular route is a roughly 1.9‑mile out‑and‑back trail that climbs nearly 400 feet and includes around 175 rugged stairs through forest moss and wildflowers. The forest corridor leads past Upper and Lower Falls before arriving at the reveal of the pot‑hole waterfall—dramatic, mysterious, unforgettable. Along the way, the river’s roar builds anticipation.
Arriving at the Devil’s Kettle, you will witness the Brule split dramatically around hard rhyolite bedrock—on one side, water falls into a deep pool in classic fashion, while on the other it plunges into a swirling abyss with no visible exit. The disappearing stream has captivated visitors for generations, sparking legends that it emerges elsewhere—perhaps even in Lake Superior or Canada.
In 2017, hydrologists measured the water flow above and below the falls and found nearly identical volumes, confirming that the water likely resurfaces underground just downstream. Yet items dropped into the hole—ping‑pong balls, GPS trackers, even logs—never reemerge, crushed or carried off by powerful currents.
Atmosphere & Décor
Forest surroundings feel secluded and lush: birch, spruce, and aspen mix with wildflowers in midsummer, while fall brings a glow of goldenrod and asters near the trail. The trail has rustic benches and stairs hewn into the hillside for rest stops amid scenic views.
At the waterfall’s edge, lighting through tree canopy and misty spray creates a moody, cinematic scene. The rugged gorge, carved by volcanic river flows, feels primordial. A rustic vibe—no railings at the kettle—adds an edge of adventure.
Other Considerations
So how’s the difficulty? The trail is rated moderate to medium‑high difficulty: expect about two miles total of hiking, steep climbs, stairs, and some uneven terrain. Bring water and be prepared if you’re sensitive to stairs or elevation gain.
What about time and permits? You’ll want a state park vehicle permit (~US $7/day or $35/year). The park is open year‑round, but parking and access roads may be limited in winter. Best visits are in spring for high water or fall for colorful foliage.
Is it worth a detour? Definitely. Even if you only have time for one stop in Magney State Park, this trail delivers both a scenic hike and a natural mystery—with real river sounds competing with nothing but forest. On busy summer weekends, expect more visitors; mornings and weekdays offer greater solitude
Any hidden gems? Look out for trout fishing spots along the Brule and occasional swimming pools beneath lower cascades. The wider park also supports rich birding during migration and night stargazing thanks to minimal light pollution.
Devil’s Kettle Waterfall
📍 Judge C. R. Magney State Park, Cook County, MN
Website: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00193
