Wild River State Park Visitor Center

Hike the moderate 7.2-mile Old Military Road, Deer Creek, and Pioneer Trail Loop in Wild River State Park, gaining 340 feet.

The Old Logging Trail in Wild River State Park offers a wonderfully accessible and easy outdoor experience, perfect for a relaxed outing. This paved path winds through a landscape of tall pines and mixed hardwoods, often paralleling the scenic St. Croix River, providing pleasant views of the water and forested valley. It's a gentle 3.5-mile (5.6 km) route with only 163 feet (50 metres) of elevation gain, making it an easy hike that takes about 1 hour and 28 minutes.

This multi-use trail is incredibly versatile, accommodating hikers, bikers, runners, and even snowshoers or Nordic skiers in winter. Dogs are welcome, so you can bring your canine companion along for the adventure. As it's located within Wild River State Park, you'll find it well-integrated into the park's network, offering a straightforward and enjoyable way to explore the natural surroundings.

What makes this trail stand out is its commitment to accessibility and varied use, a stark contrast to more rugged logging paths. It provides a wide, scenic corridor along the St. Croix River, allowing for expansive views without demanding strenuous effort. It's an excellent option if you're looking for a family-friendly route or a gentle way to enjoy the park's natural beauty throughout the year.

The Wild River State Park Loop offers a delightful journey through Minnesota's diverse ecosystems, blending restored prairies with serene oak woods and bottomland forests. You'll enjoy long stretches alongside the federally designated Wild and Scenic St. Croix River, where bald eagles and otters are common sights, creating a peaceful and immersive natural experience. The trail's varied terrain, including some rolling hills, keeps things interesting without being overly strenuous.

This moderate hiking route covers 8.6 miles (13.9 km) with 284 feet (86 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 3 hours and 36 minutes. The park is about an hour from the Twin Cities, making it an easy day trip. While beautiful in spring and summer with wildflowers, the fall foliage is particularly stunning, and winter offers groomed trails for skiing and snowshoeing.

Beyond its natural beauty, the park holds historical significance, with sections of the Old Military Road dating back to 1853. Its designation as a National Wild and Scenic River ensures a pristine environment, perfect for wildlife observation and a quiet escape. The interconnected loop system allows for custom adventures, making it a versatile choice for many hikers.