Palisade Head
Rhyolite cliffs rise roughly 300 feet above open water, creating immense lake views, peregrine habitat, climbing routes, and an edge with almost no forgiveness.
Artwork inspired by George Morrison
Palisade Head is part of the ancient North Shore volcanic complex, its vertical rock exposed by erosion and glacial history. The summit road makes the scale surprisingly easy to reach, which can conceal the seriousness of unguarded cliff edges and sudden gusts.
Walk away from the parking cluster before composing the view, but remain on durable rock and well back from cracks. Climbers need appropriate experience and local guidance; birders should avoid disturbing nesting peregrines. Fog can erase the horizon within minutes.
- Relief
- About 300 feet
- Management
- Tettegouche State Park
- Wildlife
- Peregrine falcons
Quick guide
- Geology
- Read North Shore rhyolite above deep water
- Safety
- Keep well back from every unguarded cliff edge
Respect how quickly easy access becomes vertical exposure
- Start with
- Approach the rhyolite cliff slowly and use foreground rock to understand the drop’s true scale.
- Look closely at
- Hold the Lake Superior horizon against the cliff edge to see how weather changes depth perception.
- Connect the story
- Watch peregrines from a distance without approaching nests or allowing bird activity to distract from footing.
- Plan around
- Expect unguarded edges, strong wind, fog, and a narrow access road with limited maneuvering room.
Good to know
The summit has open, unguarded drops; children and pets need close control even steps from parked cars.
Notice these
- Sheer rhyolite cliff
- Lake Superior horizon
- Peregrine flight