The best walks and hikes around St. Francis
3.5
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14
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3
hikes
Hiking around St. Francis offers trails through diverse landscapes, including river floodplains, wooded areas, and parklands. The region features a mix of flat terrain and gentle inclines, often characterized by ancient live oaks, cabbage palms, and bottomland hardwoods. These natural settings provide opportunities for connecting with nature and observing local flora and fauna.
Best hiking trails around St. Francis
- The most popular hiking route is Prairie, Poplar, and Wash Pond Flats Loop, a 2.6 miles (4.2 km) trail that…
Last updated: May 13, 2026
2
hikers
4.15km
01:04
20m
20m
This easy 2.6-mile loop in Woodland Trails Regional Park offers a pleasant hike through prairie-like areas and past multiple ponds.
2
hikers
5.28km
01:20
10m
10m
Embark on an easy hike along the Rum River Central Park Loop, a pleasant route covering 3.3 miles (5.3 km). You will experience a minimal elevation gain of only 38…
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2.35km
00:35
0m
0m
Embark on the Lake George Regional Park Loop, an easy hiking route that guides you through diverse scenery. You will find sections that gently skirt the shores of Lake George,…
8.36km
02:06
10m
10m
Embark on the Great Northern Trail, a moderate hike spanning 5.2 miles (8.4 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 36 feet (11 metres), typically completed in about 2 hours…
4.0
(2)
5
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
The archery range offers eight targets set between 10 and 40 yards, with 16 different shooting positions. Range rules state that children under 18 must be supervised by an adult and that broadheads, crossbows, and firearms are not allowed.
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There are actually three pavilions at Woodland Trails Regional Park. Reservations are recommended to secure space. They can be made at the City of Elk River Website.
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Woodland Trails Regional Park, called the “crown jewel” of the Elk River park system, encompasses 427 acres of woods, prairies, and wetlands. The park features an extensive trail network with approximately 10 miles of routes to explore and serves as a trailhead for the Great Northern Trail, a 9-mile corridor running from Elk River to Zimmerman. A 4.75-mile paved section of the Great Northern Trail passes through Woodland Trails Regional Park, providing a smooth surface for biking and walking, while additional unpaved paths offer opportunities for hiking and jogging. The park is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
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Archery Range with several distances of targets and a nice looking setup.
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Nice big picnic shelter and a firepit with firewood
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A kids adventure playland with lots of rocks, bridges, tree stumps, etc to climb around on. Plus a picnic shelter and a small cabin.
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Nice big parking lot with porta-potties and trailmaps. Nearby picnic shelters, nature playground, archery range, bike trails, walking trails, and GREAT ski trails.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available around St. Francis?
There are several hiking trails around St. Francis, with a total of 5 routes listed in this guide. These range from easy loops within local parks to slightly more moderate paths.
Are there easy hiking trails in St. Francis suitable for beginners or casual walkers?
Yes, the majority of trails in St. Francis are considered easy. For instance, the Prairie, Poplar, and Wash Pond Flats Loop and the Rum River Central Park Loop are both excellent choices for an enjoyable, less strenuous walk.
What are the typical distances and durations for hikes around St. Francis?
Hiking trails in St. Francis vary in length and time. You can find shorter loops like the Lake George Regional Park Loop, which is about 2.3 km and takes around 35 minutes, up to longer routes such as the Great Northern Trail, spanning approximately 8.3 km and taking over 2 hours to complete.
Are there any loop hikes available in St. Francis?
Yes, many of the trails in St. Francis are designed as convenient loops. Examples include the Prairie, Poplar, and Wash Pond Flats Loop, the Rum River Central Park Loop, and the Lake George Regional Park Loop, offering circular routes for a complete experience.
Are dogs allowed on the hiking trails in St. Francis?
Yes, the parks and nature trails in St. Francis, Minnesota, including those in Community Park and Smith Lake Park, are generally open to the public and encourage outdoor activity for all ages, including pets. It's always best to keep your dog on a leash.
What kind of natural features or wildlife can I expect to see on the trails?
The trails in St. Francis, Minnesota, offer a connection with nature, winding through woods near ponds and lakes. You can expect to see local flora and fauna typical of a Minnesota woodland environment. The city's parks are designed to provide a peaceful nature walk experience.
Are there any family-friendly walking trails in St. Francis?
Absolutely. The nature trails in St. Francis are designed for all ages and offer a convenient way to connect with nature. The Lake George Regional Park Loop, for example, is an easy and relatively short option perfect for families.
Where can I find parking for hiking trails in St. Francis?
For trails around Woodland Trails Park, you can find convenient parking at the Woodland Trails Park Trailhead. Other parks like Rum River Central Park and Lake George Regional Park also typically offer dedicated parking facilities for visitors.
What facilities are available near the hiking trails in St. Francis?
Near some of the trails, particularly in Woodland Trails Park, you can find various facilities. These include the Nature Play Area, an Archery Range, and a Picnic Shelter and Fire Pit, making it a great spot for a day out. The Zimmerman Lions Club Memorial Park also offers facilities nearby.
What do other hikers enjoy the most about hiking in St. Francis?
The area is rated by the komoot community with an average score of 3.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the accessibility of the trails and the peaceful natural settings found within the local parks, providing a refreshing escape into nature.
Are there any specific nature areas or parks worth exploring in St. Francis?
Yes, St. Francis, Minnesota, features several parks with nature trails. Community Park and Smith Lake Park offer convenient ways to connect with nature. Smith Lake Park, for instance, has a 0.43-mile trail loop, while Community Park provides a nature trail winding through woods near a pond. For more information on local parks, you can visit the official St. Francis city website: stfrancismn.gov/parksrec.
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