Riverside Trail
William O’Brien State Park — Scenic St. Croix River
Trail Overview
Region
Twin Cities Metro
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Distance
1.6 miles loop
Estimated Hike Duration
45 minutes - 1 hour
Elevation Gain
Around 100 feet (mostly flat riverside path)
Best Season To Visit
Spring through fall
Peaceful Riverside Walks in the St. Croix Valley
Photo above of William O’Brien State Park is courtesy of McGhiever via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0 Unported).
The Riverside Trail at William O’Brien State Park offers a calm, scenic walk along the banks of the St. Croix River. This easy, family-friendly trail provides open views of the river and shaded forest paths, making it ideal for a relaxing day outdoors.
The terrain is mostly flat with occasional boardwalks and meadow crossings, perfect for hikers of all ages. Expect to see songbirds, wildflowers, and peaceful river bends as you walk.
Whether you’re taking a short stroll or combining it with other trails in the park, Riverside Trail delivers tranquility just north of the Twin Cities.
Badge for this hike:
Trailhead location
