Minnesota is officially the Land of 10,000 Lakes and it’s a well-deserved nickname. Each of the more than 11,000 lakes dotted across our state is full of beauty and recreation. Just about everyone has a favorite and it’s fun to visit new ones. But Minnesota is home to another natural wonder that deserves some recognition: the waterfall. There’s one in every region of the state, each just as beautiful as our famous lakes. The tallest waterfalls are well known, but there are many others that are well worth visiting. For example, Nerstrand Big Woods State Park is home to one of Minnesota’s most underrated waterfalls near me, Hidden Falls. Hidden Falls is easily accessed via the easy Hidden Falls Trail. Listed below is information about this scenic trail.

Nerstrand Big Woods State Park is a 2,800-acre park in southeastern Minnesota. It's about 50 miles south of the Twin Cities, making it an excellent day trip destination for those in the metro area.
Tony Webster/Flickr
The park's most popular attraction is, without a doubt, Hidden Falls. To access Hidden Falls in Minnesota, visitors hike a mile-long path through the old, thick forest that gives the park its name.
Doug Neidholdt/AllTrails
As you walk the loop trail, you'll catch glimpses of native wildflowers, beautiful moss-covered rocks, animals, and more. The quiet and beauty of this forest make it an excellent place for hiking.
Carolyn Sanders/Google
As you hike, you'll soon hear - and then see - the lovely rushing waters of Hidden Falls. Surrounded by forest, this waterfall feels like a secret that only visitors know about.
Carolyn Sanders/Google
Continue walking for an up-close view of this gorgeous waterfall. It's just 20 feet tall, but it is doubly impressive thanks to its beautiful surroundings.
photoguywisconsin/TripAdvisor
The waterfall is wider than it is tall, so you can get up close to its rushing waters as they tumble over the rock. It's so picturesque that you won't be able to resist taking photos.
Cindy6074/TripAdvisor
What makes the waterfall even better is the fact that it is breathtakingly gorgeous no matter what time of the year. In the fall, it is surrounded by vibrant changing leaves...
Michael Janke/Flickr
...and in the winter, the frozen waters of Hidden Falls are almost otherworldly. This little-known waterfall is an absolute must-see for Minnesota nature lovers.
Lorie Shaull/Flickr

Have you ever visited Hidden Falls at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park? If so, please share your experience with us in the comments.

If you love waterfalls, be sure to check out our ultimate Minnesota waterfalls bucket list.

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Jennifer Young | May 02, 2022

What is one of the best waterfall hikes in Minnesota?

Do you love waterfall hikes? There are numerous hiking trails with waterfalls in Minnesota. One of the best waterfall hikes is High Falls Trail at Grand Portage State Park. This is a 1.2-mile out-and-back trail with an easy level of difficulty, so anyone should be able to do it. The best time of year to explore this short and easy trail is from May to October. With a height of 120 feet, High Falls is the tallest waterfall in Minnesota. Don't forget to bring your camera along with you on your journey to get lots of great shots of this waterfall.

In addition to High Falls, what is another popular waterfall in Minnesota that everyone should visit at least once?

Who doesn't love waterfalls? They're such an amazing natural wonder that people of all ages enjoy discovering. Several waterfalls are tucked away in Minnesota. One of the state's most popular waterfalls is Minnehaha Falls. Minnehaha Falls is located at Minnehaha Regional Park in Minneapolis. What makes this waterfall such a popular natural wonder is the fact that it's easily accessible. This 53-foot-tall waterfall flows over a rugged cliff and is a beautiful sight year-round. In addition to viewing from below, Minnehaha Falls can also be spotted from above on a viewing platform. Many people enjoy visiting this waterfall because they also have access to Minnehaha Regional Park, which offers a variety of beautiful natural scenery and recreational activities. If you happen to be one of the many people who have a waterfall bucket list, don't forget to include Minnehaha Falls in Minnesota on it. It's a waterfall that everyone of all ages should visit at least once.

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Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, 170th Street East, Nerstrand, MN, USA