Hidden Falls – Playgrounds and picnic area loop from Hidden Falls
Hidden Falls – Playgrounds and picnic area loop from Hidden Falls
4.9
(1471)
12,764
hikers
Hidden Falls – Playgrounds and picnic area loop from Hidden Falls
01:18
4.72km
80m
Hiking
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: May 15, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
837 m
Hidden Falls
Highlight • Waterfall
Tip by
1.52 km
Playgrounds and picnic area
Highlight • Rest Area
Tip by
1.72 km
Amphitheater
Highlight • Rest Area
Tip by
1.92 km
Park Office
Highlight • Rest Area
Tip by
4.72 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
3.97 km
605 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
3.72 km
395 m
266 m
197 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Today
Saturday 27 June
27°C
14°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 21.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for an easy, family-friendly escape into nature right within St. Paul, the Hidden Falls – Playgrounds and picnic area loop from Hidden Falls is a solid choice. This 2.9-mile (4.7 km) hiking route is rated easy, with just 268 feet (82 metres) of climbing, and takes about 1 hour and 18 minutes, making it perfect for a relaxed outing with kids or a quick breath of fresh air.
What to expect on Hidden Falls – Playgrounds and picnic area loop from Hidden Falls
This loop offers a delightful mix of scenery. You'll wander through shaded, wooded bottomlands, with natural dirt trails giving way to paved sections. The highlight is, of course, the Hidden Falls itself, a charming spring-fed waterfall, though its flow can vary. The trail also hugs the Mississippi River, providing access to its banks and even a quiet, sandy "beach" area. It's an easy walk, suitable for nearly everyone, though some natural sections might be less even underfoot, so good walking shoes are a good idea.
Planning your visit
This park is generally accessible year-round, but be aware that spring floods can sometimes lead to trail closures, so it's wise to check conditions before you go. The park is well-equipped with picnic areas and playgrounds, making it a great spot for a full day out. There are plenty of open grassy spaces and a covered shelter available for reservations.
Trail details
- Distance: 2.9 miles (4.7 km)
- Elevation gain: 268 feet (82 metres)
- Difficulty: easy
- Estimated time: 1 hours and 18 minutes
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