Grand Portage State Park Torrents of wild water plummet 120 feet over the High Falls down to the Pigeon River in this park on the U.S. - Canadian border. The falls, the highest in the state, presented a serious obstacle to river travel, so a 'carrying place,' or portage, was necessary. American Indians created the ancient nine-mile trail from Lake Superior to bypass the falls. This trail became known as 'The Grand Portage.' Today, visitors of all abilities can take a one-half mile trail and boardwalk to the falls overlook area. North Shore Scenic Drive