The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Woodbury
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Family friendly hiking trails around Woodbury offer a diverse landscape, encompassing wetlands, woodlands, and serene lake environments. The region features extensive green spaces and trails, providing accessible outdoor experiences. Terrain generally includes gentle slopes and paved or unpaved paths, suitable for various activity levels. These routes often wind through natural preserves and around lakes, offering opportunities for wildlife observation.
Best family friendly hiking trails around Woodbury
- The most popular family friendly hiking route is Powers Lake Trail, a 1.9 miles (3.0 km) trail that takes 46 minutes to complete. This easy loop path circles Powers Lake, offering scenic views and a flat surface ideal for leisurely strolls.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Colby Lake loop from Valley Crossing Elementary, an easy 3.0 miles (4.8 km) path. This route provides a pleasant walk around Colby Lake, featuring paved sections and opportunities for picnics.
- Local hikers also love the Colby Lake loop from Middlebury Ridge, a 3.2 miles (5.1 km) trail leading through lakeside scenery, often completed in about 1 hour 19 minutes.
- Hiking around Woodbury is defined by tranquil lake loops, wetland paths, and wooded areas. The network offers options primarily for easy ability levels, with more than 60 routes available.
- The routes in Woodbury are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.7 stars from more than 40 reviews. More than 600 hikers have used komoot to explore Woodbury's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 28, 2026
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The Powers Lake Trail offers an easy hike around the scenic 58-acre Powers Lake, perfect for a relaxing outdoor experience. This paved path spans 1.9 miles (3.0 km) with a gentle elevation gain of just 38 feet (11 metres), making it an accessible route for nearly everyone. You can expect to complete the loop in about 46 minutes, enjoying picturesque lakeside views and open green spaces along the way. Some sections even provide a pleasant "forest feel", giving you a sense of escape from the surrounding residential areas. Keep an eye out for various wildlife, especially ducks, as you circle the lake.
Planning your visit to Powers Lake Trail is quite simple, making it an ideal spontaneous outing. You will find convenient parking available near the playground, situated directly behind the Woodbury Fire Department. The park is well-equipped with amenities to enhance your trip, including picnic areas for a meal outdoors and readily available restrooms. With a playground also on site, it stands out as a great family-friendly destination for a quick escape.
This trail is located within Powers Lake Park, a popular spot for birdwatching due to the diverse wildlife it attracts. As you walk, you might encounter a unique feature: a miniature town created in one of the backyards bordering the trail, adding an unexpected and charming detail to your journey. The 58-acre lake itself is a central feature, providing a tranquil backdrop for your entire hike and contributing to the area's natural appeal.
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4.85km
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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
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5.08km
01:19
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Set amidst a lovely woodland, Powers Lake is a great place to visit in Woodbury. At the right time of day you can have the place basically to yourself, and the sunsets are excellent.
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Colby Lake is a medium lake in the center of Colby Lake Park. There is a paved trail that runs the perimeter of the water, so it is a great place for a run to enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
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Colby Lake is the namesake lake of Colby Lake Park in Woodbury, Minnesota. There is a paved path around the entire reservoir, making for a scenic ride by the water.
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Powers Lake Park is a popular park for running and walking. There is a great path that runs along the bank of the lake, so you will get great views of the water for most of your time of the trail.
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Colby Lake is the centerpiece of Colby Lake Park in Woodbury, Minnesota. It's a couple miles around the entire reservoir, which you can walk via a paved path. This is a really popular spot for walking and running, so you'll likely see others while you are out.
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Colby Lake is the centerpiece of Colby Lake Park in Woodbury, Minnesota. It's a couple miles around the entire reservoir, which you can walk via a paved path. This is a really popular spot for walking and running, so you'll likely see others while you are out.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are available around Woodbury?
Woodbury offers a wide selection of family-friendly hiking trails. Our guide features over 60 routes, with more than 45 of them rated as easy, making them perfect for families with children of all ages.
Are there any easy loop trails suitable for families in Woodbury?
Yes, Woodbury has several easy loop trails ideal for families. For example, the Powers Lake Trail offers a scenic 1.9-mile paved loop around the lake, perfect for leisurely strolls and birdwatching. Another great option is the Colby Lake loop from Valley Crossing Elementary, which is just over 3 miles long and features a paved path with benches and picnic areas.
What kind of natural landscapes can we expect to see on family hikes in Woodbury?
Woodbury's family-friendly trails showcase diverse natural landscapes, from serene lake loops to wetlands and woodlands. You can explore areas like Tamarack Nature Preserve, known for its unique 'rich fen' wetlands and tamarack trees, or enjoy the green spaces and water views around Colby Lake and Powers Lake.
Are there any stroller-friendly or toddler-friendly trails?
Many of Woodbury's trails are paved and relatively flat, making them suitable for strollers and toddlers. The loops around Powers Lake and Colby Lake are excellent choices, offering smooth surfaces and pleasant scenery for young families.
What kind of wildlife might we spot on a family hike?
Woodbury's natural areas are home to various wildlife. On trails through wetlands and woodlands, especially around Tamarack Nature Preserve or Markgrafs Lake, you might spot turtles, frogs, and a variety of bird species. The lake loops are also popular for birdwatching.
Are there any interesting landmarks or points of interest along the family-friendly routes?
While hiking, you can discover several points of interest. Consider visiting Indian Mounds Park, which offers historical significance and views, or enjoy the natural beauty of Lake Phalen. For scenic vistas, the View of the Mississippi River is a notable highlight.
What do other hikers enjoy most about family-friendly trails in Woodbury?
The komoot community highly rates the family-friendly trails in Woodbury, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Reviewers often praise the well-maintained, accessible paths, the peaceful lake views, and the abundance of green spaces perfect for a relaxing outdoor experience with children.
Are there options for parking near the trailheads?
Yes, most family-friendly trails in Woodbury, especially those around parks and lakes like Powers Lake and Colby Lake, offer convenient parking facilities close to the trailheads, making access easy for families.
What is the best time of year for family hikes in Woodbury?
Spring, summer, and fall are all wonderful for family hikes in Woodbury. Spring brings blooming wildflowers and active wildlife, summer offers lush greenery, and fall provides stunning foliage. Even mild winter days can be enjoyable on the paved lake loops.
Are there any less crowded options for a peaceful family walk?
For a quieter experience, consider exploring trails within smaller preserves or those slightly off the main park areas. Markgrafs Lake, tucked within a residential area, offers a peaceful 2.3-mile loop through wetlands and woods, often less crowded than larger parks.
Where can we find more information about the Tamarack Nature Preserve?
For detailed information about the Tamarack Nature Preserve, including its unique ecosystem and trail maps, you can visit the official Woodbury city website: woodburymn.gov.
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