Minneapolis: Willow Falls Trail
Minneapolis: Willow Falls Trail
This easy 3-mile loop in Willow River State Park is spiked with cool sights and sounds: rolling bluffs, loud waterfalls, and beautiful lakeshore views.
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Trail Facts
- Distance: 4.9
- Miles from city center: 37
Waypoints
WRT001
Location: 45.0139656066894, -92.6856918334961
Start NE on Pioneer Trail, skirting top of bluff
WRT002
Location: 45.0157890319824, -92.6807327270508
L @ T
WRT003
Location: 45.016658782959, -92.6778564453125
Trail passes graves of former Scott homestead,
some of the original settlers in this region
WRT004
Location: 45.0176887512207, -92.6759567260742
Turn L near the Willow Falls parking lot and head downhill
WRT005
Location: 45.0179290771484, -92.6780090332031
The roar of the river is heard before it’s seen; continue descent
WRT006
Location: 45.0191993713379, -92.6782836914062
Turn R @ T, cross bridge for short spur on Willow Falls Trail to a series of bird’s-eye panoramas above Willow Falls and Willow River Gorge. These shallow, boisterous falls create a long whitewater wash. Return to T-intersection and go straight
WRT007
Location: 45.018871307373, -92.6822128295898
Continue heading SW on Willow Falls Trail; ahead, path winds along wooded riverbank to small peninsula
WRT008
Location: 45.0183792114258, -92.691650390625
Views extend shore-to-shore over Little Falls Lake (only 18 ft. at its deepest). Wrap around peninsula, then swing S and slightly uphill to family campground
WRT009
Location: 45.0153198242188, -92.6913223266602
Walk 200 yards through campground to camp host station; 300 yds. after host station, turn L (E) onto Pioneer Trail to close loop
