60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Minneapolis and St. Paul: Including Hikes In and Around the Twin Cities
32860 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Minneapolis and St. Paul: Including Hikes In and Around the Twin Cities
328Paperback(Revised)
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Overview
The best way to experience Minneapolis and St. Paul is by hiking them. Get outdoors with Minnesota author and naturalist Tom Watson, with the full-color edition of 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Minneapolis and St. Paul. A perfect blend of popular trails and hidden gems, the selected trails transport you to scenic overlooks, wildlife hot spots, and historical settings that renew your spirit and recharge your body.
Marvel at the awe-inspiring waterways of the St. Croix and Mississippi Rivers. Experience the breathtaking views at Afton State Park and Barn Bluff. Go birdwatching on the slopes and hills at Frontenac and Lake Maria State Parks. Immerse yourself in history along the old railroad routes of the Douglas State Trail and Cannon Valley Trail. With an award-winning outdoors writer as your guide, you’ll learn about the area and experience nature through 60 of the Twin Cities’ best hikes!
Each hike description features key at-a-glance information on distance, difficulty, scenery, traffic, hiking time, and more, so you can quickly and easily learn about each trail. Detailed directions, GPS-based trail maps, and elevation profiles help to ensure that you know where you are and where you’re going. Tips on nearby activities further enhance your enjoyment of every outing. Whether you’re a local looking for new places to explore or a visitor to the area, 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Minneapolis and St. Paul provides plenty of options for a couple hours or a full day of adventure, all within about an hour from Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the surrounding communities.
Product Details
ISBN-13: | 9781634041225 |
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Publisher: | Menasha Ridge Press |
Publication date: | 05/15/2018 |
Series: | 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles |
Edition description: | Revised |
Pages: | 328 |
Sales rank: | 485,476 |
Product dimensions: | 5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.60(d) |
About the Author
Read an Excerpt
CARLOS AVERY TRAIL
DISTANCE & CONFIGURATION: 8.7-mile loop
DIFFICULTY: Easy
SCENERY: Classic marshlands with a scattering of trees along perimeter and on “islands” throughout the marsh
EXPOSURE: Little shade once out on the marsh
TRAIL TRAFFIC: Multiuse trail serves motor vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians. Note: There is no access to the wildlife-sanctuary area at any time.
TRAIL SURFACE: Packed gravel with some sandy sections
HIKING TIME: 3.5–4.5 hours
DRIVING DISTANCE: 30 miles from the state capitol
ACCESS: Daily, sunrise–sunset; no fees or permits
MAPS: An excellent map that I recommend highly is available at both the trailhead at the WMA headquarters and at the entrance to the Old Game Farm complex, 2 miles from the trailhead on County Road 19
FACILITIES: There are no amenities or shelters, so dress and prepare appropriately; be sure to take plenty of water and snacks
DOGS: On leash April 16–July 15 to protect nesting birds; allowed off-leash at other times
CONTACT: 651-539-3300, dnr.state.mn.us/areas/wildlife/carlos_avery_wma.html
LOCATION: Zodiac Street NE at Headquarters Road, Forest Lake, MN 55025
COMMENTS: This is one of the best places close to the Twin Cities to see flora and fauna in an expansive marshlandgreat for watchers of wildlife and birds!
IN BRIEF
With more than 50 miles of roads and half as many miles of trails, this hike is the only one that will take you around the edge of the restricted sanctuary portion of the wildlife management area. You’ll find fantastic opportunities to view birds and other creatures throughout 6,000 acres of wetlands, contained by more than 26 miles of dikes.
DESCRIPTION
The 23,000 acres of the Carlos Avery State Wildlife Management Area offer some of the best wetlands viewing of birds and other wildlife close to the Twin Cities. More than 275 species of migratory and resident birds inhabit or visit the area. The land area is made up of about two-thirds marsh and wetland and one-third hardwood trees, oak savannas, and grasslands. This hike is in the southern unit of the Wildlife Management Area and uses the roadway around the protected, restricted area of the wildlife sanctuary. The northern unit, Sunrise, has a few trail spurs off the roadways that run through that unit.
More than 26 miles of dikes contain and direct water throughout Carlos Avery Wildlife Management Areaconnecting pools and water canals that are adjusted to provide life-giving water to the area’s flora and fauna. Funding for some of these dikes was provided by Ducks Unlimited and the Minnesota Waterfowl Association.
The hike through Carlos Avery’s southern unit begins 0.5 mile to the right of the driveway into the headquarters area, down the gravel road to the first parking turnout; there are more turnouts along the roadway where you can pull off and park. Hikers will share the road with those touring by car, so give them plenty of room to pass.
The first mile passes through a mixed forest of spruces, maples, oaks, and other deciduous trees. The trees on the left side of the roadway were initially part of an organized plantation planting of pines and cedars. Grassy clearings between rows are used to grow prairie grasses for seed, which is harvested and planted throughout the management area.
For the next mile, the road goes through both thick forests and wetlands. In early summer, ferns abound in the shade of the moist understory, and songbirds fill the air with their calls. Expect the ground here to be especially soft and muddy during and after extensive rains. Mature red and white oaks are scattered throughout, primarily on the left side of the trail.
At about 2.5 miles, the road swings north, presenting travelers with vistas of the vast wetlands spreading across the southern unit. A drainage ditch just before Pool 10 is a structure used to control the levels of water in surrounding pools and canals. As water levels decrease in some areas, management is encouraging wild rice to grow as a food source for a variety of birds. A bit farther, Pool 9 Road to the right that can be taken to access more pools farther to the northeast. Several trail spurs lead out from various points along those roadways, making for additional hiking opportunities.
For this hike, continue along the main road, past Pool 10 on your left. Be on the lookout in early summer for families of geese with growing goslings trailing behind. Also watch for beavers, muskrats, and other small wetlands fur bearers often spotted in this area.
The road passes between Pools 9 and 10 as it continues its northerly course. You may notice charring on some of the larger tree trunks, marks of a controlled-burn area. These deliberately set and directionally controlled fires help clear away dead understory and ground litter, helping keep the uplands healthy and lusha boost to the ecosystem. This area is a key viewing spot for sandhill cranes, egrets, white pelicans, northern harriers, and pond critters as well. Check out the trees above Pool 9 for raptors keeping a keen eye out for a fresh fish dinner.
At about mile 3.5, you’ll approach Pool 4. Check the shoreline for a variety of wading birds, some very well hidden by the tall, vertical rushes and reeds along the shore. A trail to the left, just as you approach the south end of Pool 4, heads west around the southern end of Pool 4 and leads to Pool 3. Taking either a left or the second right leads you back to the hiking route on the main road. Pool 5 is just across the road and a bit beyond Pool 4. It’s much smaller but still provides great habitat for a variety of puddle ducks, including mallards, ringbills, teals, and perhaps even a loon. Trumpeter swans are known to stop at Pool 4 during their seasonal migrations in April and November.
You’ll start to leave this marsh/wetlands area around mile 4.1, just after crossing over one of several water causeways you’ve encountered on this hike. Another prominent burn area can be seen at mile 4.3, just before a T-intersection. Stay to the left and continue west now, along the perimeter loop, labeled Wyoming Road in this section.
A few hundred yards after this intersection, you’ll see a sedge meadowa wet area “distinguished by many humps,” to quote the interpretive map. This area is well suited for frogs and other amphibians and, as such, is a select feeding ground for sandhill cranes.
For the next mile, continue to enjoy your surroundings as you come to a fork in the road at about mile 6. Stay to the left (Larsen Road) and continue through more wetlands until, at mile 6.5, you start to rise in elevation and see a field of grass off to the right. These and other grasses are cultivated crops used to produce seed for plantings throughout the area.
About 0.5 mile past the fork in the road, cross over a small flowage, which is the south branch of the Sunrise River. Its source is Little Coon Lake, a couple of hundred yards off the road on the left.
Within the next mile, you’ll approach another intersection on the right. If you continue down this road, you can experience a wonderful interpretive hike featuring some history of the Carlos Avery area. This out-and-back side hike will add 2.5 miles to your outing. Otherwise, the hike turns left here (east) and heads back to the start of the loop, about 1 mile away.
One could spend days walking these trails and roads, either in serious observation or casually strolling. The bird-watching is tops, and the expanses of marshland are beautiful and peaceful. Take your time and enjoy this hike.
NEARBY ACTIVITIES
You’re within a half hour’s drive of the St. Croix River and several state parks with wonderful hiking trails, including William O’Brien State Park (Hike 59, page 293) and Interstate State Park (both Hike 54 in Minnesota, page 273, and Hike 55 in Wisconsin, page 277). Back toward Anoka County at Bunker Hills Regional Park (see previous hike) are a variety of recreational amenities, such as hiking, camping, and Minnesota’s only wave pool.
GPS TRAILHEAD COORDINATES N45° 18.042' W93° 06.075'
DIRECTIONS From downtown Minneapolis, drive north on I-35W for 14.7 miles; then take Exit 33 left (north) onto MN 17/Lexington Avenue. In 9.4 miles, turn right (east) onto MN 18/West Broadway Avenue. In 2 miles, turn left (north) onto Zodiac Street NE, and drive 1 more mile to the entrance of the Carlos Avery State WMA headquarters. Either park outside the entrance or take the road to the right and park at the first pull-off on the right.
Table of Contents
Overview Map
Map Legend viii
Acknowledgments ix
Foreword x
Preface xi
60 Hikes by Category xiv-xv
Introduction 1
Urban & Suburban Saint Paul 19
1 Battle Creek 20
2 Big Rivers Regional Trail 24
3 Bruce Vento Regional Trail 29
4 Crosby Farm Regional Park 34
5 Lake Elmo Park Reserve: Eagle Point Lake 38
6 South Saint Paul Riverfront Trail 42
7 Thompson County Park: Thompson Trail 47
Urban & Suburban Minneapolis 53
8 Bass Ponds to Old Cedar Bridge 54
9 Bryant Lake 59
10 Bunker Hills Regional Park 63
11 Carlos Avery Trail 68
12 City Lakes Chain: Lake Harriet, Bde Maka Ska, and Lake of the Isles 73
13 Coon Rapids Dam 78
14 Fort Snelling State Park: Snelling Lake and Pike Island Trails 83
15 Hyland Lake Park Reserve: Richardson Interpretive Trail 87
16 Minnehaha Falls and Creek 92
17 Mississippi Gorge Trail 97
18 Rice Creek North Regional Trail 102
19 Wood Lake Nature Center 106
Southwest 113
20 Baylor Regional Park 114
21 Carver Park Reserve, Lowry Nature Center: Tamarack Trail 118
22 Cleary Lake Regional Park 124
23 Lake Minnewashta Regional Park: Marsh Trail Loop 128
24 Louisville Swamp: Mazomani Trail 132
25 Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area: Lawrence Trail 137
26 Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve 142
27 Sakatuh Lake State Park 146
Southeast 151
28 Afton State Park 152
29 Barn Bluff 156
30 Cannon Valley Trail 160
31 Cannon River Wilderness Area Trail 165
32 Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park 170
33 Douglas State Trail 174
34 Frontenac State Park: Bluffside Trail 179
35 Goodhue Pioneer State Trail 184
36 Kinnickinnic State Park, Wisconsin 188
37 Lebanon Hills Regional Park: Holland and Jensen Lakes Loop 192
38 Miesville Ravine Park Reserve 197
39 Nerstrand-Big Woods State Park: Big Woods Trail 201
40 Red Cedar State Trail, Wisconsin 206
41 Spring Lake Park Reserve: Schaar's Bluff Trail 211
Northwest 217
42 Baker Park Reserve 218
43 Crow-Hassan Park Reserve 222
44 Elm Creek Park Reserve 226
45 Elm Creek Park Reserve: Eastman Nature Trail 231
46 Lake Maria State Park 236
47 Lake Rebecca Park Reserve 240
48 Rum River North County Park 245
49 Sand Dunes State Forest: Ann Lake 249
50 Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge: Prairie's Edge Trail 253
51 Snail Lake 258
Northeast 263
52 Brown's Creek State Trail 264
53 Gateway State Trail 268
54 Interstate State Park, Minnesota 273
55 Interstate State Park, Wisconsin 277
56 Pine Point Regional Park Trail 281
57 Tamarack Nature Center 285
58 Wild River State Park 289
59 William O'Brien State Park: Upper Park Trail 293
60 Willow River State Park, Wisconsin 298
Appendix: Information Sources 302
Index 303
About the Author 310