Nerstrand Big Woods State Park hike
Mon, Oct 21, 2024, 9:30am
The location of our October 21 hike will be Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, located 15 minutes southeast of Northfield, Minnesota, and about one hour from the Twin Cities northern suburbs. Hike will be led Jon Christianson. The fall colors are just reaching their peak beauty to provide us with a spectacular day!
In 1945, the creation of Nerstrand Big Woods State Park protected one of the last remnants of Minnesota’s Big Woods. A visit today reveals the ancient forests of pre-settlement Minnesota. Walk beneath sugar maple, basswood, elm, green ash, and ironwood trees. Find over 50 varieties of wildflowers and many species of ferns and mushrooms along the rolling hills and glacial-cut valleys. Prairie Creek flows through the park, its picturesque Hidden Falls just waiting to be discovered.
We will hike the two-mile Hiking Club Trail to Hidden Falls and tack on a couple additional loops for a total of approximately 4 to 5 miles. This is a moderate hike; we will accommodate all paces and stop to enjoy the wildflowers, stunning views, and gorgeous scenery along the route. The trail is mostly flat but a few sections have lots of roots. Hiking poles are not necessary but may be helpful. We will walk the following trails: Hidden Falls-Beaver-White Oak-Maple-back to the Visitor Center. The total of these is a bit less than 4 miles. The good news is that there are several loop trails that could be used in addition to Maple (or instead of Maple) so that the last leg of the hike can be adjusted to yield a total length and time desired by the group! All hiking paces and abilities are welcomed for this hike.
We will meet at the picnic tables near the Pavilion (across the street from the Visitor Center) at 9:30. It's about an hour drive from the Twin Cities; try to arrive before 9:30 if you can. We will arrange carpools from the Twin Cities so please indicate in the comments section of your registration if you wish to drive or ride in a carpool.
Optional lunch together after the hike will be at The Ole Store Restaurant in Northfield, a Nordic-inspired restaurant established in 1889. Charm galore!
Sign up here for this fun hike at a great state park (required). Indicate in Comments if you want to drive or ride in a carpool. Your completed form will be used to be sure everyone has arrived. Registrations will be accepted up to 24 hours before the hike.
Questions? Contact Bev Moe at [email protected]. Or call or text Bev at 612-387-4004.
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