Hike the Afton State Park Trail

Pretty Views in All Seasons

This is an easy park to get to from the Twin Cities - about 40min to an hour drive. I've hiked here in all the seasons and the trails are always well maintained and there are gorgeous views of the St Croix. it gets pretty packed in the summer on the main trails but there are plenty of offshoot trails to escape on. Also a great place to snowshoe and cross country ski in the winter!

4.0

My Backyard

I grew up in Lake St. Croix Beach, just north along the river from Afton, and this is still my favorite casual nature stroll in Minnesota.

4.0

Lovely for a dayhike

I intended to camp at Afton State Park but after finding out how expensive camping is for tents in Minnesota, decided to save my money for a park farther from home. ($27/one night/primitive tent site) Instead, I visited for a day trip and hiked 4 miles through their small prairie, deciduous forest, and along the riverfront. It was a lovely hike for a warm day, though much of what they called trails were actually paved pathways. It was very crowded with people visiting the river beach but after hiking about a mile in, the crowds pretty much vanished. Lovely for the day but would probably explore new places in the future rather than return to Afton.

3.0

Great Day Hike

This is a great park to do some day hiking! Multiple trails to choose from-amazing views.

5.0

Just Beachy

Love the trail by the river! Great place to head towards some sand and have a beach picnic (don't litter!). Also great for running and fall photos.

3.0