Explore Frontenac State Park in the Fall

Frontenac, Minnesota

Save

View all 7 photos

All 7 photos

Save Review Directions Add Photo

Details

Distance

2.5 miles

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Sophie Justinak

Easy-going camping, spectacular views of Lake Pepin (Mississippi River), 14.2 miles of prairie, forest, shoreline, and bluff landscapes to hike in.Known for bird-watching and hosting some of the last Minnesota fall colors (into mid-late October).

Start from the Point-No-Point parking lot which can be found following the main road from the State Park entrance/DNR Office. Point-No-Point offers the best views over Lake Pepin. Follow the self-guided interpretive trail, which is less than a 1 mile loop for more panoramic views of the lake, fall colors, and eagles.

From the parking lot follow the Upper Bluff trail through the colorful woods towards the campsites. The general campsites will be on your left through the trees in 0.9 miles. Keep on the trail to reach the In Yan Teopa Rock arch in an additional 0.2 miles. Then the trail will start descending to the lower bluff trail. The descent is narrow and slippery in wet conditions.

There are multiple access points to the river's beach from the Lower Bluff trail. Lower Bluff runs for over a mile through forest before meeting up with the self-guided interpretive trail and climbing back to Point-No-Point. The bluff loop is 2.5 miles overall.

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Chillin

Camping

Photography

Running

Skiing

Kayaking

Snowshoeing

Backpacking

Hiking

Bathrooms

Beach

Dog Friendly

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Forest

Groups

Lake

Picnic Area

River

Scenic

Wildflowers

Wildlife

ADA Accessible

Reviews

Have you done this adventure? Be the first to leave a review!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike to the Top of Maiden Rock Bluff

It's easy to spot Maiden Rock Bluff as you drive along Highway 35: the 400-foot-tall limestone cliff extends for nearly a mile. Getting to the top is also easy. Begin by turning onto County Road E - a twisting, narrow road that leads straight up. Once you're at the top, keep an eye out for Long Lane, which is marked by little more than a break in the corn fields. Head west until you dead end at...

Hike Barn Bluff

Barn Bluff in Red Wing, Minn., is an enjoyable and easily-accessible hike. Even at a slow pace, it takes just 30-45 minutes to reach the peak.There is ample parking on 5th Street near the Barn Bluff sign. Take the stairs to the trail head. From there, you'll have a few trail options:1) South Trail: This is the easiest, most efficient way to reach the summit. The South Trail runs along the south...

Paddle the Cannon River

If you want a quiet, secluded paddle, this may not be the adventure for you. The Cannon River is a very popular destination in the summer months for groups of canoers, kayakers and tubers. Drinking on the river is not discouraged.Book a reservation with Welch Mill. They provide shuttle service, life jackets, canoes/kayaks and paddles (cash only). Pack a cooler of beverages and push off down the...

Bike the Cannon Valley Trail

There are multiple entry points to the Cannon Valley Trail along the 19.7 miles of paved path that connect the towns of Cannon Falls and Red Wing. Because the trail requires a $4 daily pass, pick your entry point next to a Wheel Pass station. The most elaborate entry point is via the town of Welch, which has bathrooms, bike rental and picnic areas. Click here for a trail map.The trail sits on t...

Walk to Vermillion Falls

Begin in the Old Mills parking lot located on 18th Street E. Head south along the paved trail running parallel to the railroad tracks. This trail is part of a 10-mile loop that leads out of the park and past the banks of the Mississippi. In approximately ½ mile, you’ll cross a long, wooden bridge spanning a dramatically deep limestone gorge. Follow the trail west through Vermillion Falls Park. ...

Hike the Afton State Park Trail

This diverse, 2,702-acre park has trails for both day hikers and backpackers – some with scenic views of the St. Croix River, others which drop into quiet ravines. For the best views of the valley, explore off-trail, where you may find hidden bluffs with panoramic views.The park also offers horseback riding, mountain biking, swimming, and cross-country skiing, in the winter.A good introductory ...