Beaver Creek Valley Trail

The Beaver Creek Valley Trail is located in Beaver Creek Valley State Park in the southeastern corner of Minnesota. This trail is an easy hike that is a total of 3.2 miles, and it runs along East Beaver Creek. Beaver Creek State Park is in a unique area of Minnesota where glaciers have carved out deep valleys that are surrounded by dolomite and sandstone valley walls. These valley walls reach as high as 250 feet above Beaver Creek State Park and are lined with northern hardwoods such as maple, walnut, and oak trees. The valley is filled with lowland hardwoods such as willow, cottonwood, boxelder, and elm trees. The valley also has native prairies and is filled with wildflowers and wildlife.

The Beaver Creek Valley Trail is flat and considered an easy day hike. This enjoyable hike follows along many streams that are fed by Beaver Creek. These clear streams are home to trophy brown trout, and they provide some of the best trout fishing in southeastern Minnesota. While on the trail you will be sure to see these brown trout as well as a variety of birds. Most of the trail is grass, and there are a few narrow bridges you must cross over while following the trail. There are plenty of viewing areas that allow you to take a break and enjoy the beauty of the park. If you want to make the hike more challenging, be sure to try the Plateau Rock Trail, which is located directly off of Beaver Creek Valley Trail. The Plateau Trail is a short there-and-back trail that scales the valley wall up to viewing platform that overlooks the valley. This trail is very narrow and has a steep drop off, but it is well worth the extra challenge if you’re up for it.