Greely Creek Trail

The Greely Creek Trail is a 1.8-mile-long out-and-back hike in Jay Cooke State Park near Carlton, Minnesota. The Greely Creek Trail travels through mixed deciduous and coniferous forests, and past two ravines. This trail has gradual climb; from the trailhead to the highest point on the trail there is about fifty feet of elevation gain. Since this trail is located in a state park, a fee must be paid to enter the park. A day use or annual permit can be purchased at the Park Office. Dogs are allowed on this trail but must be on a leash six feet long or shorter. Mountain bikers and horseback riders can also use the Greely Creek Trail.

The parking area for the Greely Creek Trail is located about 1.5 miles east of the popular swinging bridge area at Jay Cooke State Park. Take Minnesota Highway 210 to Jay Cooke Road (County Highway 151). Take a left onto Jay Cooke Road, the parking area is about a tenth of mile up the road on the right.

This hike starts on a wide, mowed path through the woods. At the half mile mark, take a right on the paved William Munger State Trail. The Greely Creek Trail uses the paved path for a short distance as it passes above Hemlock Ravine. Look for the Greely Creek Trail on the right after the ravine as the trail leaves the William Munger State Trail. After a fairly short hike off the pavement, the trail returns to the William Munger State Trail to bypass another ravine; it quickly leaves the paved path for a short while before ending at the William Munger State Trail. For those looking for a longer hike, the Triangle Trail starts a little way down the William Munger State Trail.

A map of the park and its hiking trails can be found here.