North River Trail Loop

Hastings, MN
3.6
5 Reviews
North River Trail Loop
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Details

Distance
3.89 miles
Elevation Gain
672.35 ft
Route Type
Loop

Features

Family Friendly
Forest
Beach
Scenic
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About this place

Added by Joe Whitson

Beautiful look-outs above the St. Croix River, with over 20 miles of hiking trails to choose from and campgrounds are available. There is also horseback riding, bird-watching, cross-country skiing, swimming, mountain biking in 2,702 acres of park and only 5 miles from Afton.

This diverse, 2,702-acre park has trails for both day hikers and backpackers – some with scenic views of the St. Croix River, others which drop into quiet ravines. For the best views of the valley, explore off-trail, where you may find hidden bluffs with panoramic views.

The park also offers horseback riding, mountain biking, swimming, and cross-country skiing, in the winter.

A good introductory hike in the park begins at the visitors' center. Take the steps down towards the St. Croix River, and continue walking alongside the riverbank until you pass a beach and the trail turns left. Climbing upwards, you will reach a trail junction about 1.4 miles in. Keep left to loop back towards the river, eventually taking you back to where you started at the visitors' center.

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Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and be sure to follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly.
Community
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Check-ins
Allison Engblom
6/7/2019
Pretty Views in All Seasons
This is an easy park to get to from the Twin Cities - about 40min to an hour drive. I've hiked here in all ...
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Frank Armstrong
10/4/2017
My Backyard
I grew up in Lake St. Croix Beach, just north along the river from Afton, and this is still my favorite casual nature stroll in Minnesota.
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Megan Bethge
7/19/2016
Lovely for a dayhike
I intended to camp at Afton State Park but after finding out how expensive camping is for tents in Minnesota, decided to save my ...
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Amelia Blise
3/15/2016
Great Day Hike
This is a great park to do some day hiking! Multiple trails to choose from-amazing views.
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Sophie Justinak
2/9/2016
Just Beachy
Love the trail by the river! Great place to head towards some sand and have a beach picnic (don't litter!). Also great for running ...
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