The Can’t-Miss Minnesota Hike for Every Nature Lover’s Bucket List

I kind of assume that all hikers must love nature, but it's probably true that there are some hikers in the Land of 10,000 Lakes who really appreciate certain aspects of nature more than the actual hiking. For folks like these, a hike may be less about putting miles on your trail runners and more about stopping every few minutes to stare at the next thing that catches your attention, taking photos, and consulting iNaturalist to see what you're looking at. If I'm being honest, I fall in the latter category. I have friends who won't hike with me because, I simply putter around too much. But, I figure why take half a day to walk eight miles when you can spend two hours on two miles - am I right? Anyone? Well, my point is that some Minnesota hikes offer a little more for nature lovers than others, and I think you'll find one of the best examples of this in southern Washington County along the St. Croix River. In fact, I'd go so far as suggesting that the Carpenter Nature Center Loop is one of the best hikes for nature lovers in Minnesota.

You'll find this moderate, 2.4-mile trail between Hastings and Afton, and across the river from Prescott, Wisconsin. It gets its moderate rating from the steep river bluff it ascends (and descends) and occasionally-muddy conditions, but you'll find plenty to see along this scenic hike. I like to use AllTrails Plus to follow along and keep track of my hike with stats like miles traveled and calories burned. The trail passes through several types of habitat that attract all kinds of animals - birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians; resident, migratory, and just passing through - throughout the year.

The trail will take you along river bottoms, bluff-top forests, and even native prairie areas. Enjoy the varying terrain and landscapes as you go, looking for plants and animals to examine and learn about. On either end of your hike, be sure to spend some time exploring the nature center facility, itself. There's plenty see, do, and learn about inside, as well. The nature center even has its own apple orchard, and although it doesn't offer pick-your-own apples, in the fall, the center's Apple Shack sells 19 varieties, as well apple and other products, like jams, syrups, gourds, and squash.

I really think this short and sweet trail is one of the best hikes in Minnesota for nature lovers. If you're looking to hike a little more when you're done at Carpenter Nature Center, just head up to Afton State Park - it's only a few minutes away. Carpenter Nature Center is open 361 days per year. Visit the center on the web for hours and more information. Have you hiked this trail? What are some other great hikes for nature lovers in Minnesota? Be sure to tell us about them!