Description
Interstate State Park near Taylors Falls has a small network of trails along the St. Croix River. One trail, the Railroad Trail, runs for 1.5 miles on the northwest side of US 8/State Rt. 95 somewhat removed from the river and among a densely forested canopy. The river trail follows closer to the river on the southeast side of US 8/SR 95; both begin at the boat rental area on Milltown Road (south end of the park) and end at the boat tour dock at the northeastern park boundary.
You can snowshoe on the trails in winter but cross-country skiing is not available. Other park activities include climbing the bluffs along the river, flat-water canoeing, kayaking in the rapids and taking an excursion by tour boat.
In spring the park is alive with wildflowers and in fall the forests turn brilliant colors. You can also see 10 different kinds of lava flow that are exposed in the park, as well as other geological features.
Parking and Trail Access
The park is approximately 45 miles northeast of Minneapolis/St. Paul on U.S. Highway 8.
Interstate Railroad Trail
By
claynet77
in
October, 2012
This is a nice short natural surface trail that runs along an old railroad bed. The old railroad bridges have been removed, so the southwest end has a lot of steps that lead down to or up from the main State Park camping area. Large Sandstone bluffs stick ...
read more