The best walks and hikes around Maplewood

The Maplewood area offers a wide variety of hiking experiences, with nearly 60 routes available on komoot. These range from easy strolls to more challenging treks, catering to different fitness levels.

Hiking around Maplewood is characterized by rolling, tree-covered hills, part of the Alexandria Moraine, which were formed during the last ice age. You'll find a unique blend of eastern forests and western prairies, leading to diverse ecosystems. Many trails offer impressive overlooks of the more than 20 small, clear lakes nestled in deep valleys.

Yes, Maplewood offers many easy trails suitable for families. The Emerson Grand Basin & Jefferson Lake loop – Forest Park, Saint Louis is an easy 4.7-mile path that winds around scenic lakes and through parkland. Additionally, the Maplewood Nature Center trails provide 1.5 miles of leisurely hiking with a floating boardwalk and observation decks, perfect for all ages.

For spectacular views, consider the Hallaway Hill Trail within Maplewood State Park. This 0.6-mile one-way path offers impressive overlooks of South Lida Lake and the surrounding Maple-Leaf Hills. Many other trails in the park also lead to high hilltops with scenic vistas.

Yes, many trails in Maplewood are designed as loops. A popular option is the Wheels and Heels Path loop — Gateway Arch National Park, a moderate 6.3-mile route. Another great choice is the Emerson Grand Basin loop from Skinker, a 3.1-mile trail through park landscapes.

Maplewood State Park is a haven for wildlife, home to 150 bird species and 50 species of mammals. You might spot white-tailed deer, bald eagles, loons, beaver, raccoons, and mink. The Maplewood Nature Center, particularly around Green Heron Pond, is excellent for viewing geese, ducks, herons, muskrat, and painted turtles.

Beyond the trails, you can explore several notable spots. Forest Park is a significant attraction, featuring Post-Dispatch Lake and the Emerson Grand Basin. The Tower Grove Park also offers beautiful landscapes and points of interest.

Maplewood offers beautiful hiking experiences throughout the year. Spring brings vibrant wildflowers like trillium and bloodroot. Fall is particularly stunning, with hardwood trees like sugar maple and oak displaying brilliant red, orange, and gold colors. The diverse ecosystems ensure there's always something to see, from lush summer greenery to serene winter landscapes.

Yes, a significant portion of the trails in Maplewood are considered easy, with 44 out of 58 routes on komoot falling into this category. An example is the Shaw Park loop, a 1.8-mile easy route that takes just over 40 minutes to complete.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse terrain, which blends eastern forests with western prairies, and the scenic beauty of the rolling hills and numerous clear lakes. The well-maintained trail systems and opportunities for wildlife viewing are also frequently highlighted.

Yes, the many lakes and ponds within Maplewood State Park provide excellent opportunities for water activities. South Lake Lida, the largest lake, even has a sandy beach. You can enjoy swimming, fishing, boating, and canoeing, with rentals often available at the park office.

For more detailed information about Maplewood State Park, including facilities and current conditions, you can visit the official Otter Tail County website: ottertailcounty.gov.