Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Hard
Trail Length
0.4 miles
About Curtain Falls
Curtain Falls sits tucked into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, along the rugged Minnesota–Canada border, and is managed as part of the Superior National Forest by the U.S. Forest Service. The falls spill over a rocky ledge in a curtain-like sheet that draws paddlers and wilderness seekers who prize quiet scenery and a backcountry feel. Because the site is reached primarily by water, visits feel remote and unplugged — a genuine northern Minnesota wilderness experience. Access combines lake travel and short on-foot approaches. The U.S. Forest Service maintains the IRON‑CROOKED Trail (Trail #6048) in the area; that official connector is a short, native-surface, Class 3 segment that helps link portages to the falls. Expect to combine paddling and portaging through interconnected lakes to reach Curtain Falls — the payoff is a serene, picturesque cascade well worth the effort.
The Setting
Curtain Falls sits at 1,260 feet within Superior National Forest, in the foothills of Minnesota.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Twin Falls (165 ft) lies 9.4 miles to the north. Also nearby: Rebecca Falls (19 ft, 1.4 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The hard hike follows Iron Crooked (#6048), a 0.4-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
IRON-CROOKED #6048
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
0.38 miTrail Description
Trail: IRON‑CROOKED (USFS Trail #6048). Surface: native material. USFS class: 3. Typical grade: 8–10%. GIS-recorded trail segment: 0.38 miles. Route notes: The commonly used approach to Curtain Falls is an out-and-back of about 2.4 miles total with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain and a moderate difficulty rating. While the official USFS trail segment is a short 0.38-mile native-surface connector (Class 3, 8–10% grade), the full approach usually involves paddling across interconnected lakes and completing portages before and after the trail section to reach the falls. Plan for uneven native surfaces and short steep pitches on the trail connector, and be prepared for water navigation and portaging in the Boundary Waters.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail involves steep, uneven terrain with significant elevation change and is not accessible to mobility devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Curtain Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $0.00
Permit required
A BWCAW permit is required for all visitors. Permits can be reserved in advance through Recreation.gov.
🏊 Is There Swimming at Curtain Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Curtain Falls is during late spring, summer, or early fall when the lakes are ice-free and the weather is more favorable for paddling.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Superior National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Visitors should be prepared for wilderness conditions, including unpredictable weather, potential wildlife encounters, and the physical demands of paddling and portaging. Always carry a first aid kit and emergency supplies.
Know when to go.
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Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
The bare-earth surface loses about 49 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The ground at the falls is roughly 1,260 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 47 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 8 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face east and catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,260 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 49 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- East
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading east).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Curtain Falls is accessible only by canoe or kayak as it is located within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Visitors typically start their journey from entry points such as Moose Lake or Crane Lake and paddle through a series of lakes and portages to reach the falls.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at designated BWCAW entry points, such as the Moose Lake or Crane Lake entry points. Visitors must plan their route and parking in advance.
Elevation
1,260 feet above sea level
Coordinates
48.236564° N, -91.906242° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Plan your trip well in advance, as permits are required for entry into the BWCAW. Bring a detailed map, compass, or GPS device for navigation. Be prepared for portaging and paddling long distances. Pack out all trash and follow Leave No Trace principles.
Where to Stay
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
FENSKE LAKE CAMPGROUND
16.7 miles away · 16 sites
Overview Fenske Lake Campground offers visitors an escape to a small, remote campground with large, majestic pine trees and easy access to water. It is a popular base camp for exploring, fishing, hiking, sightseeing and backcountry canoeing in Superior National Forest and the nearby Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The campground lies approximately 10 miles outside of Ely, Minnesota. Recreation Because of its proximity to access points into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and its
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Other notable destinations in the BWCAW include Basswood Falls, Lac La Croix, and the many scenic lakes and campsites throughout the wilderness.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including moose, black bears, bald eagles, loons, and beavers.
Cities near Curtain Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Curtain Falls
1 other waterfall shares this name across the U.S.
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