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Submission
Take I-35 to State Highway 19 east into Northfield. Go south on State Highway 3, east on State Highway 246, then turn right onto County Road 29.
Beautiful hiking trails. Nice elevation changes. Trails are in great shape. One issue: for most of the map signs, the You Are Here red sticker has been removed making the park a bit more challenging. Very dog friendly but not many trash cans. Bathrooms were very well kept and clean.
Nice area with several miles of trails. Vault toilets open year round. Not busy on a Sunday afternoon. Clocked ~400ft of elevation change which is presumably good for MN.
The hiking club trail was beautiful!
Easy hike with only one loooong uphill section.
The hidden falls are not really hidden. Depending on the water levels, the falls either rush or just trickles. Very accessible but has some steps.
Easy drive from the south metro.
Campground looks nice.
Great fall colors.
Situated nearly halfway between Minneapolis and Rochester, Nerstrand Big Woods offers a little something for everyone. Its well-maintained hiking trails feature a small, calming waterfall, and there are plenty of benches and water refill stations for added convenience. The park is family-friendly, with a playground and bathrooms near the visitor center. Picnic tables are abundant, making it a popular spot for outdoor lunches—we saw many families and even some dogs enjoying the area. It's also prepped for cross-country skiing in winter. Overall, a fantastic choice for a versatile outdoor outing.
