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| Minneopa State Park, Mankato, Minn. |
The brilliant yellows, oranges and red
of maples to the scarlet and russets
of oaks...the crisp, fresh autumn air
and the last warm rays of sunlight
before winter arrives...the crunch of fallen leaves and acorns beneath your boots...stopping to enjoy a warm mug
of apple cider or a caramel apple pulled from your backpack – it all calls for an afternoon on the trail.
Fortunately, there are plenty of great autumn trails around Mankato to hike. Some are right out your back door,
Fortunately, there are plenty of great autumn trails around Mankato to hike. Some are right out your back door,
while some are a day trip that you can do in an afternoon.
Minneopa State Park (Mankato)
Day hikers can walk to the most scenic waterfall in southern Minnesota, a perfect adventure in autumn when the gorge glows in orange and red leaves. The 0.4-mile round trip Minneopa Falls Trail sits in Minneopa State Park near Mankato. The trail is located in the park’s smaller southern part. From Mankato follow U.S. Hwy 169 west. Turn right/north onto County Road 69/Gadwall Road. After entering the park, take the first left/south. The road ends in a gravel parking lot; leave your vehicle there.
Minnesota River Trail (Mankato)
A nice urban trail to enjoy autumn leaves is the section of the Minnesota River Trail in Mankato. Try the 0.5-mile round trip segment that runs through Sibley Park. On sunny days, a variety of harvest hues reflect off the Minnesota River. Autumn colors peak late September to mid-October. Several other pathways at the parked are tree-line. From U.S. Hwy. 169 in Mankato, exit onto South Riverfront Drive then take Owatonna Street north. Go left/west onto Sibley Parkway, which enters the park. Leave your vehicle in the second lot and cross the park road to the trail.
Red Jacket Trail (Rapidan)
Autumn colors abound on the Red Jacket Trail running between Mankato and Rapidan. To stay in the woods, hike the 3.75-mile round trip segment from Huffy Lane north to the bridge over the LeSueur River. The bridge runs across former railroad tresses 80 feet above the water. Leaves usually peak between late September to mid October. From Mankato, take County Road 33 south. Turn right/west onto Huffy Lane. Park on the road shoulder at the trailhead.
Sakatah Lake State Park (Waterville)
Day hikers can visit the classic Big Woods of old at Sakatah Lake State Park. The 2.4-miles round trip Oak Tree Trail and Big Woods Loop heads through a forest of basswood, oak and maple, all resplendent in harvest hues during fall. From Waterville, take Minn. Hwy. 60 east. Turn left/north at the park entrance. When the park road splits, go right/northeast. Park in the first lot. Hike the side of the road back, crossing the Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail. The Oak Tree Trail is the next junction; go right/west onto it. The trail leads to the Big Woods Loop.
Seven Mile Creek County Park (North Mankato)
Among the best local spots to enjoy autumn colors is Seven Mile Creek County Park between St. Peter and North Mankato. The 2.3-mile looping Trail 8 (marked yellow on park maps) heads up and down the sides of wooded hills surrounding Seven Mile Creek. The park covers more than 600 acres, most of it forested. Leaves peak late September to mid October. From Mankato, take U.S. Hwy. 169 north. Turn left/west into the park. Follow the park road all the way to its end, where you can leave your vehicle in the Back Lot and locate the trailhead.
Flandrau State Park (New Ulm)
Red, orange and yellow maple trees and golden grasses await hikers at Flandrau State Park during fall. To enjoy both autumn leaves and prairie, try a combination of three trails. The Ridge Trail to the Grasslands Trail to the north side of the Bluebird Loop Trail to the eastern segment of the Bluebird Trail then back on the Ridge Trail covers 1.6-miles round trip. The maples also are fantastic at the park’s picnic area. From the junction of U.S. Hwy. 14 and Minn. Hwys. 15/68 in New Ulm, take the latter southeast. Turn right/southwest onto Center Street then left/southeast onto Summit Avenue. Go right/southwest on County Road 26 and enter the park. Park in the lot next to the RV sanitation station and head northwest onto the Ridge Trail.
Fort Ridgely State Park (Fairfax)
Though Fort Ridgely State Park is better known for its historic importance on the Plains in the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862, forests cover its ravines and hills, making it an ideal place to enjoy autumn leaves. Try the 1.8-mile round trip Valley Trail (sometimes referred to on maps and brochures as the Lower Valley Trail), which runs through a maple, basswood and ash woods overlooking Ft. Ridgely Creek. From St. Peter, take County Road 5/Old Fort Road west. Turn left/south onto Minn. Hwy. 4 then right/west onto County Road 21, and finally right/north onto County Road 30. Use the Main Camp and Creek Picnic Area parking lot.
