Posted in Minnesota Hiking, Nature October 17, 2022 by

There’s A Little-Known State Forest Trail Just Waiting For Minnesota Explorers

Among the bluffs of the state’s driftless area, in the Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest, explorers will find an overlooked Minnesota trail. It’s not that folks don’t know about it. It’s just often passed up, ignored, or overshadowed by other trails in the region’s several state parks.

The Zumbro Bottoms loop is an overlooked trail Minnesota explorers should definitely consider for their next adventure.
zumbro bottoms loop is an often overlooked minnesota trail
Ricky Turner/AllTrails
The loop carves a 9.2-mile figure eight through the hardwood-forested bluffs on either side of the Zumbro River, near its confluence with Mississippi.
zumbro bottoms loop is an often overlooked minnesota trail
Rebecca Nyberg/Google Reviews
You'll encounter rough going in some parts of the trail, as well as 1,000 feet of total elevation gain.
zumbro bottoms loop is an often overlooked minnesota trail
Larissa LeTourneau/AllTrails
However, the trail is mostly level as it traverses the river banks and bluff tops.
zumbro bottoms loop is an often overlooked minnesota trail
Stephen Escallier/Google Reviewa
Parts of the trail are multi-use, so you may encounter folks on horseback or mountain bikes.
zumbro bottoms loop is an often overlooked minnesota trail
Ruth Wikoff-Jones/AllTrails
Be aware that one section of the loop is open to off-highway motorcycles, so you should use caution.
The Zumbro Bottoms trail is open for year-round use.
zumbro bottoms loop is an often overlooked minnesota trail
Joe Boler/Google Reviews
The scenic Zumbro River valley is what draws explorers in the know to the trail.
Meghan User/AllTrails
The climbs are rewarded with ridge line vistas over the valley.
Jeanine Ketch/AllTrails
And stunning panoramas up and down the river.
Kevin Kelley/Google Reviews
For those who wish to linger overnight, dispersed camping is permitted within the forest, subject to DNR rules for state forest camping.
Stephen Escallier/Google Reviewa
A developed campground is also located in the Zumbro Bottoms Management Area of the forest, but it's geared mostly toward horseback riders.

After a day or a weekend at Zumbro Bottoms, you’ll certainly have worked up an appetite. For some tummy-filling comfort food – and a cold pint or two – be sure to stop in at The Olde Triangle Pub in nearby Wabasha, which happens to be Minnesota’s oldest city.

Have you had a chance to hike the Zumbro Bottoms loop? Are there any other trails that you think Minnesota explorers should know about?

Address: Zumbro Bottoms Management Unit - Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest, T-70, Kellogg, MN 55945, USA

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