Tettegouche State Park in Minnesota reopens its trail as the floodwaters in the Baptism River have calmed down over the weekend.
Kurt Mead, a naturalist at the park on the North Shore, said water levels of the river dropped around six to eight feet since Friday. Visitors can access trails in the park once again. However, some areas are still partially washed.
Visitors may have to wait a bit longer before crossing the Superior Hiking Trail bridges at Tettegouche and George Crosby Manitou State Park since both bridges were heavily battered and overrun by the floodwaters, according to a report.
Last Tuesday, the suspension bridge cables at the park were still held up while the water level underneath passed. The bridges at Lutsen Resort had significant damage because of the record run-off and heavy debris carried into Lake Superior this month.
Mead said it’s important for visitors to stay cautious when using the trails.
“It’s really fast, really cold water, and it’s higher than normal even though it has come down,” he said. “We just want to make sure people stay very, very safe around the river,” he said.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources warned visitors last Friday regarding the hazardous conditions of North Shore due to recent storms. According to its news release, it led to the closures of trails, roads, bridges, and portions of state parks to keep people safe.
“Our first priority is ensuring public safety and the safety of our staff,” Ann Pierce, Parks and Trails Division director. “Last night’s severe storms, paired with the late-spring melt, caused rivers to flood. These waters are dangerous and unpredictable and have the power to sweep away anything. Please stay safe by staying away from these areas.”
Other than Tettegouche State Park, the parks and trails affected by the closures were Gooseberry Falls, George H. Crosby Manitou, Temperance River, Cascade River, and Judge C.R. Magney State Park. It also included portions of Gitchi-Gami and North Shore state trails and the Superior Hiking Trail portions.
The department advises visitors to first contact park staff about the conditions for the destinations before visiting.
This article originally appeared on Bring Me The News.
Heard about those crafty squirrels in Tettegouche Park? Keep an eye out for their branch-tugging antics! Grab your lucky socks for the soggy spots. Let’s dodge those surprises together!