The best walks and hikes around Woodbury
4.5
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Hiking around Woodbury, Minnesota, navigates a landscape characterized by lakes, woodlands, and wetlands. The terrain is generally flat, featuring an extensive network of paved and unpaved trails that connect numerous city parks and nature preserves. Many routes circle local lakes or wind through restored native prairies and oak savannas, offering diverse experiences for outdoor enthusiasts.
Best hiking trails around Woodbury
- The most popular hiking route is Powers Lake Trail, a 1.9 miles (3.0 km) trail that takes about 45 minutes to complete. This easy, paved path offers scenic views around the lake.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Markgrafs Lake, an easy 2.4 miles (3.9 km) path. The trail loops through wetlands and wooded landscapes, providing picturesque settings.
- Local hikers also love the Tamarack Nature Preserve, a 3.7 miles (6.0 km) trail leading through woodlands and wetlands, often completed in about 1 hour 30 minutes.
- Hiking around Woodbury is defined by lakeside paths, preserved wetlands, and trails through urban parks. The network of routes provides accessible options for different ability levels, with many paved walking trails suitable for families.
- The routes in Woodbury are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 40 reviews. More than 600 hikers have used komoot to explore Woodbury's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 12, 2026
5.0
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14
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3.00km
00:46
10m
20m
The Powers Lake Trail offers an easy hike around the scenic 58-acre Powers Lake, perfect for a relaxing outdoor experience. This paved path spans 1.9 miles (3.0 km) with a gentle elevation gain of just 38 feet (11 metres), making it an accessible route for nearly everyone. You can expect to complete the loop in about 46 minutes, enjoying picturesque lakeside views and open green spaces along the way. Some sections even provide a pleasant "forest feel", giving you a sense of escape from the surrounding residential areas. Keep an eye out for various wildlife, especially ducks, as you circle the lake.
Planning your visit to Powers Lake Trail is quite simple, making it an ideal spontaneous outing. You will find convenient parking available near the playground, situated directly behind the Woodbury Fire Department. The park is well-equipped with amenities to enhance your trip, including picnic areas for a meal outdoors and readily available restrooms. With a playground also on site, it stands out as a great family-friendly destination for a quick escape.
This trail is located within Powers Lake Park, a popular spot for birdwatching due to the diverse wildlife it attracts. As you walk, you might encounter a unique feature: a miniature town created in one of the backyards bordering the trail, adding an unexpected and charming detail to your journey. The 58-acre lake itself is a central feature, providing a tranquil backdrop for your entire hike and contributing to the area's natural appeal.
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hikers
3.86km
00:59
10m
10m
The Markgrafs Lake trail offers an easy hike around the serene shoreline, covering 2.4 miles (3.9 km) with a gentle elevation gain of just 20 feet (6 metres). You can expect a pleasant journey on a primarily paved loop, enjoying water views and ample shade from wooded areas. The route winds through lakeside paths, wetlands, and forested sections, providing a varied landscape.
Planning your visit to Markgrafs Lake is straightforward, as the trail is part of Markgrafs Lake Park in Woodbury, Minnesota. Parking is generally available at the park, which is known for its well-maintained, paved surfaces. This makes the route suitable for various users, including families and those seeking an accessible outdoor experience, taking about 58 minutes to complete.
This route is a great spot for wildlife observation, making it a hidden gem for nature lovers within Markgrafs Lake Park. The diverse landscape, featuring wetlands and wooded sections alongside the lake, contributes to a rich natural environment that sets it apart in the region.
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8.31km
02:09
50m
50m
Explore the varied landscapes of Carver Lake Park on this moderate 5.2-mile (8.3 km) hiking loop. You will encounter classic Minnesota scenery, moving from shaded forests to open fields and prairie biomes with rolling, grassy hills. The trail offers pleasant views of Carver Lake itself, providing a refreshing backdrop as you hike. With a total elevation gain of 155 feet (47 metres), this route is generally accessible and takes around 2 hours and 9 minutes to complete.
When planning your visit, you will find convenient amenities like restrooms and a picnic shelter available within the park. Parking access at Carver Lake Park is typically straightforward, making it easy to begin your adventure. Keep in mind that while dogs are welcome on paved trails within the wider Carver Park Reserve, they are not permitted on unpaved hiking trails, so plan accordingly.
This trail is notable for its diverse environments, allowing you to experience different natural settings in one outing. As you hike, you might spot the unique Wall ride/curved bridge feature, which is part of the park's mountain biking trails and occasionally shares paths with hikers. The blend of wooded areas and open spaces makes Carver Lake Park Loop Trail a great option for a refreshing outdoor escape close to the city.
5.97km
01:31
10m
30m
Embark on an easy hike through the Tamarack Nature Preserve, a 3.7 miles (6.0 km) route that takes approximately 1 hour and 31 minutes to complete. You'll experience a gentle ascent of only 47 feet (14 metres) as you wander through diverse wetlands and woodlands. Keep an eye out for the distinctive tamarack trees, especially beautiful when their needles turn golden in the fall, growing from mounding hummocks in the unique bog-like rich fen.
The preserve features a varied path system, including paved sections, rustic trails, and boardwalks. While the rustic paths can become quite muddy after rain, the overall route remains easy to navigate with suitable footwear. Consider visiting during drier periods to fully enjoy the natural surroundings. An audio tour is also available for those who wish to learn more about the preserve as they hike.
This trail is notable for hosting one of Minnesota's southernmost stands of tamarack trees, thriving within a unique bog-like 'rich fen' ecosystem. As you explore, you might spot various marsh plants, different bird species, and even animal tracks during the winter months. The preserve offers a peaceful escape, showcasing a rich natural habitat close to the city.
2.15km
00:33
20m
10m
Embark on an easy hike along the Battle Creek Dog Park Loop, a 1.3 miles (2.2 km) route with a gentle 56 feet (17 metres) of elevation gain. This pleasant trail, which takes about 33 minutes to complete, winds through a varied landscape of wooded areas and open fields. You'll find paths often covered in wood chips, leading you past groves of sumac, birch, and large cottonwoods. Keep an eye out for the two small ponds, including a larger swimming pond for dogs, which add to the scenic charm of this fully fenced park.
Before you head out, be aware that certain sections of the trail can become wet, especially after snowmelt, so wearing appropriate footwear is a good idea. You'll find convenient amenities within the park, including water stations for you and your dog, along with waste disposal facilities. Parking is typically available right at the park entrance, making access straightforward. This ensures a hassle-free start to your outdoor adventure.
This trail is nestled within the larger Battle Creek Regional Park, offering a dedicated 35-acre off-leash space for dogs to roam freely. The well-maintained environment makes it a popular spot for dog owners seeking an accessible outdoor experience. It's a great option if you're looking for a quick escape into nature with your canine companion, providing a safe and enjoyable setting for both of you.
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Tips from the Community
This is a pretty big park that has lots of features, mountain bike trails, paved trails, ballfields, playgrounds, goes for blocks.
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Set amidst a lovely woodland, Powers Lake is a great place to visit in Woodbury. At the right time of day you can have the place basically to yourself, and the sunsets are excellent.
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Powers Lake Park is a popular park for running and walking. There is a great path that runs along the bank of the lake, so you will get great views of the water for most of your time of the trail.
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Battle Creek Regional Park is over 1,800 acres of natural woodlands, grasslands, & wetlands. The miles and miles of trails are perfect for hikers, cyclists, and runners to escape the city and enjoy immersion in nature without needing to travel far from home.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which Woodbury is this guide about?
This guide focuses on hiking in and around Woodbury, Minnesota. It highlights the trails within the city's extensive network of parks and nature preserves, characterized by lakes, woodlands, and wetlands.
Are there any easy, family-friendly hikes in Woodbury?
Yes, Woodbury is great for family outings. Many trails are paved and relatively flat. A good option is the Battle Creek Pavilion Area loop, which is a short, easy walk through a well-maintained park.
Can I bring my dog on the hiking trails?
Many parks in Woodbury are dog-friendly, but pets must typically be kept on a leash. Carver Lake Park is a popular spot for dog walkers. Always check the specific regulations for the park you plan to visit before you go.
What are the trails like in Tamarack Nature Preserve?
Tamarack Nature Preserve features about two miles of rustic paths and boardwalks that cross through unique wetlands, including a rare tamarack bog. The trails are flat and easy, making it a peaceful walk for observing marsh plants and birds. You can find more information on the official Tamarack Nature Preserve page.
Are there any paved walking trails in Woodbury?
Absolutely. Woodbury has an extensive system of paved trails perfect for walking, running, or cycling. These paths connect many of the city's parks and neighborhoods. The Eagle Point Lake loop is a great example of a fully paved, scenic walk around a lake.
How difficult are the hiking trails around Woodbury?
The vast majority of trails in Woodbury are rated as easy. The terrain is generally flat, with minimal elevation changes. Out of more than 50 routes in the area, most are suitable for beginners and casual walkers, with only a handful classified as moderate.
Are there any hikes with waterfalls near Woodbury?
While Woodbury's immediate landscape is defined more by lakes and wetlands, you can find waterfalls in the broader region. A short drive to nearby parks, such as Afton State Park or areas along the St. Croix River, will offer trails with more dramatic scenery, including cascades and river bluffs.
What do other hikers think of the trails in Woodbury?
The trails around Woodbury are highly regarded by the komoot community, earning an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Hikers often praise the well-maintained paths, the peaceful lakeside scenery, and the accessibility of the trail network.
What are some popular places for hiking in Woodbury?
Besides the specific routes in this guide, local favorites for a day outdoors include Carver Lake Park and Beach, a highly-rated park offering a mix of hiking, biking, and swimming. For a quieter experience focused on nature, the Tamarack Nature Preserve is a popular choice for its unique wetland environment.
What is the best time of year for hiking in Woodbury?
Hiking in Woodbury is enjoyable year-round, but autumn is particularly special. The woodlands and parks offer beautiful fall colors. Summer is perfect for enjoying the lake views, while the paved trails are often cleared for walking even in winter.
Where can I find information on parking for the trails?
Most city parks and nature preserves, like Carver Lake Park and Tamarack Nature Preserve, have designated parking areas near the trailheads. For specific details on parking availability and park amenities, it's best to check the City of Woodbury's official Parks and Trails website.
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