HIKING TRAILS & MAPS of:
Wild River State Park
SCIENTIFIC NATURAL AREAS
CHISAGO LAKES AREA TRAILS
WILLIAM O'BRIEN STATE PARK
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- SCIENTIFIC NATURAL AREAS
- CHISAGO LAKES AREA TRAILS
- WILLIAM O'BRIEN STATE PARK
WILD RIVER STATE PARK
More than 30 miles of hiking and cross country ski trails attract visitors to Wild River State Park. Opportunities exist for both novice and experienced trail users. About 14 miles of beginner trails, 16 miles of intermediate trails, and 3 miles of advanced trails await cross country skiers. Seventeen miles of trails are groomed for combined cross country and skate skiing. Twenty miles are available for horseback riding from May 1 – October 31. Lots of options exist for taking a short 10 minute jaunt or a longer three hour adventure.
Find your favorite trail!
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: easy
MITIGWAKI LOOP
TRAIL USES:
SUMMER: MULTI-USE
WINTER: MULTI-USE
The Mitigwaki loop begins at the Visitor Center. This loop is just over one mile in length and goes through oak woods on the ridge above Dry Creek. A spur trail connects the Visitor Center with the Trail Center. “Mitigwaki” is an Ojibwe word for oak woods.
TRAIL TYPE: FOOT TRAFFIC
TRAIL LEVEL: EASY
SURFACE: PAVED
PASS REQUIRED: YES
LENGTH: 1 MILE LOOP
NOTABLES: Spur Trail connects the Visitor Center
DIFFICULTY LEVEL:easy
AMADOR PRAIRIE LOOPS
TRAIL USES:
SUMMER: mULTI-USE
WINTER: MULTI-USE
The Amador Prairie loops begin at the Trail Center. These loops will take you through a level open grassland with scattered oak islands. A one mile or two mile loop runs north of the trail center. Tall prairie grasses and wildflowers can be seen on these loops.
TRAIL TYPE: FOOT & HORSE TRAFFIC
TRAIL LEVEL: EASY
SURFACE: GRASSLAND
PASS REQUIRED: YES
LENGTH: ONE OR TWO MILE LOOPS
NOTABLES: Look for Wildflowers
DIFFICULTY LEVEL:EASY
OLD LOGGING TRAIL (UNIVERSAL TRAIL)
TRAIL USES:
SUMMER: mULTI-USE
WINTER: MULTI-USE
This fully accessible asphalt-surfaced trail includes the Old Logging Trail and part of the Mitigwaki Loop. It provides access for all non-motorized uses other than horseback riding and links the Trail Center, Visitor Center, picnic area and campground. This mostly-wooded trail is just under three miles in length.
TRAIL TYPE: FOOT TRAFFIC
TRAIL LEVEL: EASY
SURFACE: PAVED
PASS REQUIRED: YES
LENGTH: 3 MILES LINEAR
NOTABLES: Fully Accessible
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: EASY
RIVER TRAIL
TRAIL USES:
SUMMER: HIKING
WINTER: MULTI-USE
This wooded trail provides access to the backpack campsite at Spring Creek and links up the picnic area with the river access. The river trail is 1 1/2 miles in length. A highlight on this trail is the Nevers Dam overlook and history display.
TRAIL TYPE: FOOT TRAFFIC
TRAIL LEVEL: EASY
SURFACE: NATURAL
PASS REQUIRED: YES
LENGTH: 1.5 MILES LINEAR
NOTABLES: Look for the Nevers Dam overlook
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: EASY TO INTERMEDIATE
RIVER TERRACE LOOP
TRAIL USES:
SUMMER: HIKING
WINTER: MULTI-USE
This wooded, scenic loop begins in the picnic area and is 1 1/2 miles in length. The trail provides access to the campground on the north end of the loop by climbing 164 winding steps. Excellent hike for spring wildflowers and birds. Winter hiking and snowshoe trail.
TRAIL TYPE: FOOT TRAFFIC
TRAIL LEVEL: EASY
SURFACE: NATURAL, STAIRS
PASS REQUIRED: YES
LENGTH: 1.5 MILE LOOP
NOTABLES: 164 WINDING STAIRS
DIFFICULTY LEVEL:coming soon
DRY CREEK
TRAIL USES:
SUMMER: HIKING
WINTER: mULTI-USE
This secluded trail along a north-facing hillside lies on the south side of Dry Creek. A historic cement structure is located adjacent to this trail which is a scenic route off the Pioneer trail.
TRAIL TYPE: FOOT TRAFFIC
TRAIL LEVEL: EASY
SURFACE: NATURAL
PASS REQUIRED: YES
LENGTH: .7 LINEAR
NOTABLES: Scenic route off the Pioneer Trail
DIFFICULTY LEVEL:EASY
PIONEER TRAIL
TRAIL USES:
SUMMER: MULTI-USE
WINTER: MULTI-USE
The Pioneer trail itself is just over two miles in length but is reached via a 3/4 mile access trail beginning at the Trail Center and running through oak woods, savanna, and a small prairie. The Pioneer trail runs along the edge of an open grassland area. This is a popular horse trail. The Meadow Vista backpack campsite is located adjacent to this trail.
TRAIL TYPE: FOOT & HORSE TRAFFIC
TRAIL LEVEL: EASY
SURFACE: NATURAL
PASS REQUIRED: YES
LENGTH: 2 MILE LINEAR
NOTABLES: Popular Horse Trail
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: intermediate
DEER CREEK LOOP
TRAIL USES:
SUMMER: MULTI-USE
WINTER: MULTI-USE
This three mile loop trail is reached via a 1/2 mile access from either the Visitor Center or the River Access. The trail crosses the scenic Deer Creek bridge and part of the trail is located along the historic Point Douglas to Superior Military Road (Old Military Road). The trail also provides access to Deer Creek and Buck Hill backpack campsites.
TRAIL TYPE: FOOT & HORSE TRAFFIC
TRAIL LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE
SURFACE: NATURAL
PASS REQUIRED: YES
LENGTH: 3 MILE LOOP
NOTABLES: Crosses scenic Deer Creek Bridge
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE
SUNRISE TRAIL
TRAIL USES:
SUMMER: MULTI-USE
WINTER: HIKING, SNOWSHOEING
This trail extends north ten miles from the Trail Center to the Sunrise River. The trail crosses Amador prairie and passes through pine plantations, bottomland, and upland hardwood forests. Two Adirondack trail shelters are located along this trail.
TRAIL TYPE: FOOT & HORSE TRAFFIC
TRAIL LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE
SURFACE: NATURAL
PASS REQUIRED: YES
LENGTH: 10 MILE LINEAR
NOTABLES: UNGROOMED WINTER TRAILS
DIFFICULTY LEVEL:INTERMEDIATE
SUNRISE LOOP
TRAIL USES:
SUMMER: MULTI-USE
WINTER: HIKING, SNOWSHOEING
The Sunrise Loop can be accessed from the Sunrise picnic area and river access parking lot. This rugged five mile loop crosses a large beaver dam area through bottomland hardwood forest and can be seasonally wet.
TRAIL TYPE: FOOT & HORSE TRAFFIC
TRAIL LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE
SURFACE: NATURAL
PASS REQUIRED: YES
LENGTH: 5 MILE LOOP
NOTABLES: Accessed via the Sunrise Picnic Area
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE
GOOSE CREEK LOOP
TRAIL USES:
SUMMER: HIKING
WINTER: mULTI-USE
This three mile loop provides access to the Goose Creek campsite. It goes through bottomland hardwood forest along the river and receives minimal summer trail maintenance due to difficult access and a high water table. Winter hiking and snowshoe trail.
TRAIL TYPE: FOOT TRAFFIC
TRAIL LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE
SURFACE: NATURAL
PASS REQUIRED: YES
LENGTH: 3 MILE LOOP
NOTABLES: Minimal Summer Maintenance
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: intermediate
ASPEN KNOB LOOP
TRAIL USES:
SUMMER: HIKING
WINTER: mULTI-USE
This two mile trail begins at the Trail Center with access through an oak woods and scattered white pines adjacent to the park office. Steep hills and rugged terrain make this an expert skate ski loop. The trail provides access to Aspen Knob and Breezy Valley backpack campsites.
TRAIL TYPE: FOOT TRAFFIC
TRAIL LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE
SURFACE: NATURAL
PASS REQUIRED: YES
LENGTH: 2 MILE LOOP
NOTABLES: Steep hills and rugged terrain
DIFFICULTY LEVEL:coming soon
WHITE PINE RIDGE TRAIL
TRAIL USES:
SUMMER: HIKING
WINTER: mULTI-USE
This very scenic 1/2 mile loop trail is just south of the Pioneer Trail. A spectacular view of the river valley can be seen from the bench located at the top of the hill.
TRAIL TYPE: FOOT TRAFFIC
TRAIL LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE
SURFACE: NATURAL
PASS REQUIRED: YES
LENGTH: .5 MILE LOOP
NOTABLES: View of St. Croix River
DIFFICULTY LEVEL:EASY
AMIK'S POND
TRAIL USES:
SUMMER: HIKING
WINTER: HIKING, SNOWSHOEING
Self-guided trail that begins at the visitor’s center.
TRAIL TYPE: FOOT TRAFFIC
TRAIL LEVEL: EASY
SURFACE: NATURAL
PASS REQUIRED: YES
LENGTH: 1 MILE
NOTABLES: Brochure pick-up available at trailhead.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL:easy
WINDFALL TRAIL
TRAIL USES:
SUMMER: HIKING
WINTER: hIKING, SNOWSHOEING
Self-guided trail that begins at the visitor’s center.
TRAIL TYPE: FOOT TRAFFIC
TRAIL LEVEL: EASY
SURFACE: NATURAL
PASS REQUIRED: YES
LENGTH: 1 MILE LINEAR
NOTABLES: Brochure pick-up available at trailhead.
As a seasoned outdoor enthusiast with a deep understanding of hiking trails and natural areas, I can confidently delve into the details of the article about various trails and maps in the specified regions, such as Wild River State Park, Scientific Natural Areas, Chisago Lakes Area Trails, and William O'Brien State Park.
The article highlights the diverse range of trails, catering to both novice and experienced hikers, cross-country skiers, and horseback riders. Let's break down the concepts mentioned in the article:
1. Wild River State Park:
- Location: 39797 Park Trail, Center City, MN 55012
- Contact: 651-583-2125
- Trails: More than 30 miles for hiking and cross-country skiing.
- Trail Difficulty:
- 14 miles of beginner trails
- 16 miles of intermediate trails
- 3 miles of advanced trails
- Other Activities: 20 miles for horseback riding (May 1 – October 31)
2. Mitigwaki Loop:
- Start: Visitor Center
- Length: Just over 1 mile loop
- Trail Type: Foot traffic
- Surface: Paved
- Notables: "Mitigwaki" is an Ojibwe word for oak woods.
3. Amador Prairie Loops:
- Start: Trail Center
- Length: One or two-mile loops
- Trail Type: Foot & horse traffic
- Surface: Grassland
- Notables: Scattered oak islands, tall prairie grasses, and wildflowers.
4. Old Logging Trail (Universal Trail):
- Access: Trail Center, Visitor Center, picnic area, and campground
- Length: Just under 3 miles linear
- Surface: Paved and fully accessible
- Notables: Connects various points, suitable for non-motorized uses.
5. River Trail:
- Access: Backpack campsite at Spring Creek
- Length: 1.5 miles linear
- Surface: Natural
- Notables: Nevers Dam overlook and history display.
6. River Terrace Loop:
- Start: Picnic area
- Length: 1.5-mile loop
- Surface: Natural, stairs
- Notables: 164 winding stairs, excellent for spring wildflowers.
7. Dry Creek:
- Location: South side of Dry Creek
- Length: 0.7 miles linear
- Surface: Natural
- Notables: Scenic route off the Pioneer trail, adjacent to a historic cement structure.
8. Pioneer Trail:
- Access: 3/4 mile access trail from Trail Center
- Length: Just over 2 miles linear
- Surface: Natural
- Notables: Popular horse trail, Meadow Vista backpack campsite.
9. Deer Creek Loop:
- Access: 1/2 mile from Visitor Center or River Access
- Length: 3-mile loop
- Surface: Natural
- Notables: Crosses scenic Deer Creek Bridge, access to Deer Creek and Buck Hill backpack campsites.
10. Sunrise Trail:
- Length: 10 miles linear
- Surface: Natural
- Notables: Crosses Amador prairie, Adirondack trail shelters.
11. Sunrise Loop:
- Access: Sunrise picnic area and river access parking lot
- Length: 5-mile loop
- Surface: Natural
- Notables: Rugged, crosses a large beaver dam area.
12. Goose Creek Loop:
- Length: 3-mile loop
- Surface: Natural
- Notables: Provides access to Goose Creek campsite, minimal summer trail maintenance.
13. Aspen Knob Loop:
- Start: Trail Center
- Length: 2-mile loop
- Surface: Natural
- Notables: Expert skate ski loop, access to Aspen Knob and Breezy Valley backpack campsites.
14. White Pine Ridge Trail:
- Location: South of Pioneer Trail
- Length: 0.5-mile loop
- Surface: Natural
- Notables: Very scenic, offers a view of the St. Croix River.
15. Amik's Pond:
- Start: Visitor’s center
- Length: 1 mile
- Surface: Natural
- Notables: Brochure pick-up available at trailhead.
16. Windfall Trail:
- Start: Visitor’s center
- Length: 1 mile linear
- Surface: Natural
- Notables: Brochure pick-up available at trailhead.
For more details, visitors are encouraged to check the official MN-DNR website. The trails vary in difficulty, providing options for all levels of hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
