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King's Bluff in Great River Bluffs State Park

Winona, Minnesota

4.0/5
based on 1 reviews

Details

Distance

2.66 miles

Elevation Gain

0 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Joe Whitson

Catch great views of the Mississippi River Valley and climb the highest bluffs on the river.

Great River Bluffs State Park follows a series of impressive bluffs along the Mississippi River just south of Winona. For those of you who think Minnesota is as flat as a pancake (and I'm not saying there aren't places in the state that are), Great River Bluffs will be a surprise. King's and Queen's Bluff are half hills, gradually rising from the valley only to end in a 500 ft cliff along the river. The highlights of the park are the spectacular views, overlooking both the Mississippi River to the east as well as the blufflands to the west. While the hiking club trail will bring you to the top of King's Bluff and give you great views of Queen's Bluff (unfortunately you can't hike on Queen's Bluff since it's a protected natural area), make sure you head over to the campground where a series of short walks will bring to three of the best overlooks in the park.

The Hike: The 2.5 mile hiking trail starts at the King's Bluff trailhead. Beginning in a valley, the trail slowly rises through oak and birch forests, providing a number of vistas along the way. As you reach the top of the bluff, the forest thins and you'll find yourself hiking through shrubby oaks and prairie grasses. This change in environment is all the warning you get before you suddenly hit the edge of the bluff. King's bluff is open, so you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Queen's Bluff, the Mississippi, and the Blufflands on the Wisconsin side of the river to one side and the rolling Minnesota Blufflands on the other. Take a minute to appreciate to cool breeze of the summit. When heading back, you can go straight back to the trailhead, or explore some of the other trails in the area that bring you through picturesque sumac groves, pine forests, and open fields.

When visiting Great River Bluffs State Park, it's worth it to take the scenic route. From the Twin Cities, take U.S. Hwy 61 down to the park along the river. It'll take you through some of the oldest and most iconic town in the state including Red Wing, the home of Red Wing Boots, Lake City, the birthplace of waterskiing, and Winona, where a number of taprooms are waiting to refresh you after your hike. However, as beautiful as the Minnesota side is, on your way back, take the Great River Road National Scenic Byway on the Wisconsin side of the Mississippi. Recently named one of the best road trips in America, the road winds through quaint Wisconsin river towns, beneath towering bluffs, and beside one of the most interesting stretches of the Mississippi river along its entire length.

To find the trailhead from Winona, head out of town on US 61 South. Drive 11 miles and make a right onto Co Hwy 3. Drive 3 miles miles to Richmond Township Rd where you'll make a left and follow for 1.8 miles, looking for the parking lot on the left side of the road.

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Hiking
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King's Bluff in Great River Bluffs State Park Reviews

Spectacular sprawling Midwest farmland along the drive to trailhead. Trail is great combination of tree-lined alternating with wide open views of surrounding valleys and the Mississippi River.

Leave No Trace

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

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