adventures just steps away from your hotel or downtown
Find scenic hiking trails, waterfalls, and lookout points within city limits, offering quick outdoor escapes without leaving town. While Robertson Cliffs, King Mountain and Lake Superior are just outside the city, you can still find stunning views, glassy in-land lakes, and incredible waterfalls, perfect for an adventure in Sault Ste. Marie!
Upper Crystal Creek Falls
- Easily accessible via a boardwalk with handrails and stairs from the Kinsmen Park parking lot.
- Well-maintained viewing platforms offer great photo opportunities.
- Ideal for families, casual visitors, and those looking for a quick, scenic stop.
Crystal Falls at Kinsmen Park is one of the top Sault Ste. Marie waterfalls, drawing thousands of visitors each year. With a total height of approximately 80 metres, this scenic waterfall in Sault Ste. Marie is easily accessible from the Kinsmen Park parking lot at Hiawatha Highlands. A boardwalk with handrails leads to the base of the falls, and steps provide access to multiple viewing platforms for breathtaking views.
Get directions to Crystal Falls on Google Maps
Lower Crystal Falls & Minnehaha Falls
- Located on the other side of Thayer Reservoir, requiring a short hike.
- No boardwalk or designated platforms—more of a natural, off-the-beaten-path adventure.
- Accessible from the TLC multi-use hiking & cycling trail, making it a great choice for those seeking a less crowded, more rugged experience.
On the opposite side of Thayer Reservoir in Kinsmen Park, Sault Ste. Marie, you’ll find the lower Crystal Falls, including the charming Minnehaha Falls. Reaching these hidden waterfalls in Sault Ste. Marie takes a bit more effort, requiring a short hike off the TLC multi-use cycling and hiking trail. But the scenic reward makes the adventure worthwhile!
Get directions to Minnehaha Falls on Google Maps.
For those looking to explore the full trail system, check out the Crystal Creek Trails loop on AllTrails for maps, difficulty ratings, and trail conditions.
Odena Lookout & Odena Loop Trail at Hiawatha Highlands
The Odena Lookout and Odena Loop Trail are part of the Voyageur Trail system in Hiawatha Highlands, Sault Ste. Marie. The Odena Loop is a 4.2 km hiking trail that starts at Sixth Line and winds its way to Connor Road, offering a scenic forest trek.
For a quick but rewarding hike, the Odena Lookout Trail is a short 400-metre uphill climb leading to a breathtaking panoramic view. In autumn, the lookout showcases a stunning mix of maple fall colors and vibrant coniferous greens, making it one of the best spots for fall adventures in Sault Ste. Marie.
Get directions to Odena Lookout on Google Maps.
Beaver Loop (Farmer Lake Trail) at Hiawatha Highlands
Explore the Beaver Loop, a 4 km out-and-back trail featuring a scenic lookout at Farmer Lake. As part of the Voyageur Trail system in Hiawatha Highlands, this multi-use trail welcomes both hikers and cyclists.
The trailhead is located at the end of Connor Road, with ample parking available. The route initially follows the Odena Loop Trail before branching off to the right, leading you through serene forest landscapes.
Get directions to Beaver Loop on Google Maps
Attikamek Trail on Whitefish Island
The Attikamek Trail on Whitefish Island, Sault Ste. Marie, offers a scenic and easy-paced hike, perfect for immersing yourself in nature. The trailhead starts at the Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site, where you’ll cross the famous locks to reach the island.
Whitefish Island, part of the Batchewana First Nation Reserve, has long been a traditional Anishinaabe meeting ground, known for its rich natural resources and abundant fish in the St. Marys River. This tranquil trail provides a unique opportunity to experience the area’s cultural and ecological significance.
Get directions to Whitefish Island on Google Maps.
Gros Cap Conservation Area Lookout
Just outside Sault Ste. Marie, the Gros Cap Conservation Area offers an incredible lookout where Lake Superior flows into the St. Marys River. From here, you can take in panoramic views of the Gros Cap Lighthouse and watch massive Lake Superior ‘lakers’ passing by.
While the tree species here don’t feature the bright reds and oranges of Hiawatha, the mix of fall colors creates a stunning natural backdrop. This lookout is part of the Saulteaux-Goulais section of the Voyageur Trail, which extends west and north toward Red Rock.
Get directions to Gros Cap Conservation Area on Google Maps.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Are the urban trails suitable for beginners?
Yes, many of the trails within the city are beginner-friendly, with well-maintained paths and shorter distances. Some trails, like Odena Lookout, have slight inclines but are still accessible for most hikers.
Where can I go hiking without leaving the city?
Hiking trails like the Attikamek Trail on Whitefish Island and the Odena Lookout Trail offer great views and a nature escape without leaving the city. Read more about these trails here.
What’s the best time of year to explore mini urban adventures in Sault Ste. Marie?
Sault Ste. Marie offers year-round outdoor activities. Summer is great for hiking and exploring waterfalls, while fall provides incredible colors. In winter, many trails are open for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.