The best walks and hikes in Sherburne County

The Prairie, Poplar, and Wash Pond Flats Loop offers a delightful and accessible journey through a landscape being restored to its natural prairie and oak savanna state. You'll wander past open vistas where the dark marsh water shimmers between trees, and in warmer months, the trail comes alive with native wildflowers, grasses, and butterflies. Keep an eye out for diverse birdlife, including migrating species, making this a rewarding nature walk.

This easy hiking route covers 2.6 miles (4.2 km) with a gentle 58 feet (18 metres) of elevation gain, making it a perfect outing that takes just over 1 hour and 3 minutes to complete. Parking is conveniently located at the Woodland Trails Park Trailhead. For the best experience, plan your visit during the warmer seasons to witness the full bloom of the prairie and the activity of local wildlife.

What makes this loop particularly special is its focus on ecological restoration, transforming former agricultural land back into a thriving natural habitat. The unique floating mat marsh provides critical nesting sites for various birds, including Green Herons, offering a rare glimpse into a dynamic ecosystem. Interpretive signs along the way can help you identify the flora and fauna, enriching your understanding of this vibrant natural space.

The Jail Trail: North Loop offers a delightful, easy hike through wooded areas in St. Cloud, Minnesota. This short 0.4-mile (0.6 km) loop takes you along a single-track path, where you can enjoy views of a flowing river and lush greenery. It's a perfect spot for a quick nature escape, suitable for all skill levels, and you might even spot some local wildlife along the way.

Planning your visit to this popular trail is straightforward; parking is typically available at the trailhead. The route is well-maintained and best enjoyed from April through October for non-winter hiking. With only 9 feet (3 metres) of elevation gain, you can complete this refreshing walk in about 8 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a brief outdoor activity.

The Jail Trail gets its unique name from its proximity to a correctional facility, adding a touch of local history to your outing. While the larger Jail Trail system offers more challenging terrain for mountain bikers, this specific North Loop focuses on a gentle, accessible experience. It's a great option for families or anyone looking for a peaceful, easy stroll in St. Cloud, MN.

The Blue Hill Trail offers a delightful escape into nature, winding through a mosaic of prairie, oak savanna, and coniferous woodlands. You'll follow a gentle path that skirts the serene Buck Lake, providing lovely views and opportunities to spot waterfowl. The highlight is a short spur trail leading to the Blue Hill Viewpoint, where you can take in panoramic vistas from Sherburne County's highest point. This easy 4.1-mile (6.6 km) hike, with only 85 feet (26 metres) of elevation gain, is a perfect way to spend about 1 hour and 41 minutes outdoors.

This accessible trail system is open year-round, welcoming hikers, snowshoers, and cross-country skiers. Parking is readily available at the trailhead, making it easy to start your adventure. Since it's an easy route, you can comfortably tackle it any time of day, but a morning or late afternoon visit might offer the best light and tranquility. Always be sure to check local conditions, especially if you plan to visit during the winter months.

What makes the Blue Hill Trail stand out is its unique blend of diverse habitats within Sherburne County, offering a peaceful natural experience close to home. It's a system of three interconnected loops, allowing you to customize your distance and exploration. The trail provides a fantastic opportunity to observe local flora and fauna in a well-maintained, easy-to-navigate setting, making it a true hidden gem for a relaxed outdoor excursion.

The Mahnomen Trail offers a delightful and accessible journey through a rich tapestry of Minnesota's natural landscapes. You'll meander through oak savanna, wetlands, and prairie, with the path often a wide, mowed track that makes for easy going. Keep an eye out for the unique floating boardwalk and the observation tower, which provides excellent views over Rice Lake and Round Lake, making it a prime spot for wildlife observation and photography.

This easy 2.9-mile (4.6 km) hiking route has a minimal 44 feet (14 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes to complete, making it ideal for families or anyone new to hiking. The trailhead features a paved parking lot and restrooms, and there are no fees or permits required. Dogs are welcome on leash, and the trail is open year-round, even for winter activities like snowshoeing.

Beyond its diverse ecosystems, the Mahnomen Trail holds historical significance, with its name deriving from the Ojibwe word for "wild rice," which once thrived in the area. You'll also pass by ancient Indian burial mounds, some dating back 5000 B.C., adding a layer of cultural depth to your outdoor adventure within the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge.

If you're seeking a unique hiking experience in central Minnesota, the Sand Dunes State Forest - Blue Loop delivers a surprising landscape. This easy 3.2-mile (5.2 km) route guides you through sandy paths that feel almost like a beach, transitioning between open prairie, fragrant pine plantations, and serene oak savanna. It's a distinctive journey that offers a taste of a different kind of Minnesota wilderness.

This family-friendly loop is typically completed in about 1 hour and 19 minutes, with a very gentle 58 feet (18 metres) of elevation gain, making it accessible for nearly everyone. The trailhead is conveniently located at the Bob Dunn Recreation Area, offering easy parking. It's a great choice for a quick, refreshing outing, though you should watch your step for occasional washouts on the sandy terrain.

The Sand Dunes State Forest is more than just a pretty walk; it's a fascinating ecological area, a legacy of the 1930s Dust Bowl, established to stabilize sandy soils. The trail offers insights into the Uncas Dunes Scientific and Natural Area, home to unique plant life and the endangered Uncas Skipper butterfly, highlighting the region's special biodiversity. It's a truly unexpected natural gem in Sherburne County.

The Old School House Loop Trail offers a delightful, easy walk through serene wooded areas, perfect for a quick nature fix. You'll find yourself on a generally wide and well-maintained path, ideal for a leisurely stroll or a family outing. While specific scenery can vary by location, similar trails often boast picturesque views, such as those of Lincoln Lake, making for a tranquil experience.

This trail is a breeze to plan for, especially if you're looking for Old School House Loop Trail for beginners or a quick jaunt. With a distance of 1.8 miles (2.8 km) and a mere 30 feet (9 metres) of elevation gain, you can expect to complete it in about 43 minutes. Parking is typically available at the trailhead, and autumn is often highlighted as the best time to visit, offering cooler temperatures and fewer insects.

What makes this trail notable is its accessibility and the potential for historical intrigue; some versions of the Old School House Loop Trail are said to pass by the foundation of a one-room schoolhouse, adding a touch of local history to your walk. It's a great option if you're in Sherburne County and seeking a short, undemanding route that still delivers a refreshing dose of the outdoors.

Easy 1.7-mile hike through Oak Savanna Park, featuring diverse terrain, wildlife, and a Clitty Lake overlook, taking about 43 minutes.

Hike the moderate 8.5-mile Great Northern Trail in Woodland Trails Regional Park, featuring flat terrain, forests, and wildlife.

Embark on the Great Northern Trail, a moderate hike spanning 5.2 miles (8.4 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 36 feet (11 metres), typically completed in about 2 hours and 6 minutes. You'll find yourself moving through a mix of paved sections and unpaved paths, winding through lush hardwood forests and residential areas. The route offers a pleasant journey, connecting you to green spaces like Lion's Park, where you can experience dense woods and open prairies. Enjoy the varied scenery as you explore this accessible pathway.

Planning your visit to the Great Northern Trail is straightforward. You can easily access the route from various points, with convenient parking available, particularly near Lion's Park in Zimmerman. The trail's generally flat and easy paved sections make it a good choice if you are hiking with family or looking for a relaxed walk. Consider starting your hike in the early mornings or later evenings for a chance to spot local wildlife. It's a welcoming path for walkers of all ages.

Beyond the main path, the Great Northern Trail connects you to several natural areas, including Big Tooth Ridge Park and Woodland Trails Regional Park. These connected green spaces feature diverse ecosystems, from dense woods to prairies and wetlands. As you hike, keep an eye out for local wildlife; you might spot turkeys and deer, especially during quieter times of day. The trail serves as an excellent resource for experiencing nature within the region.