Lake Maria State Park
Hiking Trails (Various)
Trail Overview
Region
Central
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Distance
5.0 miles (network of loop and spur trails)
Estimated Hike Duration
2 – 3 hours
Elevation Gain
Around 180 feet
Best Season To Visit
Late spring or fall, summer can be a challenge
Big Woods Wilderness Near the Cities
Photo above of autumn road at Lake Maria State Park is courtesy of Vasanth Rajkumar via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0 Unported).
Lake Maria’s network of trails winds through dense Big Woods forest and around a trio of quiet glacial lakes. The terrain varies from rolling hills to wetlands, with plenty of shade and solitude.
This park is known for its primitive camping and backcountry feel despite being close to the Twin Cities. Expect narrow, natural-surface paths ideal for hiking and snowshoeing.
Horseflies can be a factor in midsummer; spring and fall provide the most comfortable hiking conditions.
Badge for this hike:
Trailhead location
