The best walks and hikes around St. Augusta
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Hiking around St. Augusta, Minnesota, features diverse natural landscapes, accessible parks, and well-maintained trail systems. The region is characterized by a mix of forests, riverine areas, and lakes, offering varied outdoor experiences. Notable features include the unique quarry landscapes and swimming holes found near Quarry Park, as well as serene trails around Hidden Lake and along the Sauk River. These natural settings provide opportunities for easy walks and longer excursions.
Best hiking trails around St. Augusta
- The most popular hiking route is Beaver Island Trail, an easy 3.8 miles (6.2 km) trail that takes 1 hour 35 minutes to complete, offering views along the river.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Quarry Park Outer Loop, an easy 2.7 miles (4.4 km) path. This route explores the perimeter of Quarry Park, known for its unique rock formations and water features.
- Local hikers also love the Warner Lake Loop, a 2.4 miles (3.9 km) trail leading around the lake, often completed in about 1 hour.
- Hiking around St. Augusta is defined by lake walks, forested paths, and trails through former quarry sites. The network offers options primarily for easy ability levels, suitable for casual outings.
- The guide includes highly-rated routes that showcase the best of the region's landscape.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
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The Quarry Park Outer Loop offers a fascinating and easy hike through a landscape shaped by both nature and industry. As you traverse this 2.7-mile (4.4 km) route, you'll discover a unique blend of scenic woodlands, open prairie, and wetlands, all interspersed with the striking remnants of former granite quarries. Many of these quarries are now filled with crystal-clear water, creating beautiful reflecting pools, and you'll even pass by the historic Melrose Deep Seven Quarry, making for a truly distinctive outdoor experience.
Planning your visit is straightforward, though a vehicle parking permit is required for entry. The park welcomes visitors year-round from 8:00 AM until a half-hour after sunset, giving you ample time to explore. While the 45 feet (14 metres) of elevation gain is minimal, making it an easy hike that takes about 1 hour and 7 minutes, some sections involve navigating over rock boulders, so be sure to wear appropriate shoes for comfort and safety.
What truly sets Quarry Park apart is its rich history and diverse offerings beyond just hiking. The park is home to twenty former granite quarries, with two, Quarry #2 and Quarry #11, designated for swimming and even cliff jumping. You can also explore the Scientific and Natural Area, which preserves unique bedrock outcrop communities and diverse plant life, or visit the Liberty Derrick exhibit to learn about Minnesota's granite quarrying past. This blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and recreational opportunities makes it a standout destination.
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The Warner Lake Loop offers a tranquil journey through beautiful hardwood and pine forests, providing continuous scenic views of Warner Lake. This easy 2.4-mile (3.9 km) hiking route features natural surface trails and minimal elevation gain, making it a relaxing experience for all. It's a perfect spot to immerse yourself in nature without a demanding trek, ideal for a leisurely afternoon walk.
Located within Warner Lake County Park, this trail is easily accessible and family-friendly. The park is a year-round recreational area, popular for hiking in warmer months and cross-country skiing in winter. You'll find amenities like a swimming beach and picnic areas, so you can extend your visit beyond just the hike. Plan for about 1 hour to complete the loop comfortably.
This trail is particularly well-suited for beginner hiking or those looking for a gentle outing, with only 54 feet (16 metres) of elevation gain. It's a multi-use area, welcoming hikers, bikers, and dog walkers, and provides a peaceful alternative to more strenuous trails. The park's natural beauty and facilities make it a local favorite in Stearns County.
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The Jail Trail: North Loop offers a delightful, easy hike through wooded areas in St. Cloud, Minnesota. This short 0.4-mile (0.6 km) loop takes you along a single-track path, where you can enjoy views of a flowing river and lush greenery. It's a perfect spot for a quick nature escape, suitable for all skill levels, and you might even spot some local wildlife along the way.
Planning your visit to this popular trail is straightforward; parking is typically available at the trailhead. The route is well-maintained and best enjoyed from April through October for non-winter hiking. With only 9 feet (3 metres) of elevation gain, you can complete this refreshing walk in about 8 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a brief outdoor activity.
The Jail Trail gets its unique name from its proximity to a correctional facility, adding a touch of local history to your outing. While the larger Jail Trail system offers more challenging terrain for mountain bikers, this specific North Loop focuses on a gentle, accessible experience. It's a great option for families or anyone looking for a peaceful, easy stroll in St. Cloud, MN.
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The Beaver Island Trail offers a serene escape along the Mississippi River, providing an easy hiking experience on a mostly paved asphalt path. You'll enjoy continuous riverside views, passing through natural wooded areas and spotting local wildlife. The highlight is undoubtedly the constant presence of the river, with notable sights like the St. Cloud Hydroelectric Facility and various islands that inspired the trail's name. This route is perfect for a relaxing stroll, offering a peaceful atmosphere close to the city.
Planning your visit to the Beaver Island Trail is straightforward, as its paved surface and gentle grade make it accessible for most users year-round. Parking is available at various access points along the route, and it's a good idea to check local city resources for the most convenient trailhead. Since it's an easy 3.9-mile (6.2 km) hike with only 54 feet (17 metres) of elevation gain, taking about 1 hour and 34 minutes, you can comfortably fit it into any part of your day.
This trail is a true urban oasis, following the route of an inactive railway and connecting St. Cloud State University to River Bluffs Regional Park. It's an excellent option for family-friendly hiking and dog-friendly trails, providing opportunities to observe deer and varied natural habitats like wetlands. The St. Cloud Riverwalk is also accessible from the trail, offering even more scenic views and photo opportunities.
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
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Tips from the Community
Quarry Park Scientific and Natural Area (SNA) encompasses 323 acres embedded within a larger, 684-acre Stearns County Park in Waite Park, Minnesota. This landscape is best known for its rich history of granite mining, which peaked during the first half of the 20th century. If you look back much further in time, the story of this granite begins with a mountain‑building event known as the Penokean Orogeny. This event started about 1.9 billion years ago, when the collision of two continents greatly thickened the continental crust. Geologist Terry Boerboom of the Minnesota Geological Survey explains: “As this over‑thickened crust collapsed and thinned, high‑temperature magma welled up from the earth’s mantle and pooled beneath it. The addition of the magma to the already hot base of the crust caused it to melt and mingle with the underlying magma from the mantle. Batches of this mixture rose upward to a depth of about 10 miles below the surface, where it slowly cooled to form the granite. The different colors of granite reflect the varied degrees to which the two different magma sources were mixed.”
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This county park has it all: a beach for swimming, a picnic area, a nature center, and trails for hiking, biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. There is ample parking and restroom facilities.
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The Beaver Island Trail is a beautiful 5-mile long trail. It follows the Mississisppi River from St. Cloud. The trail is paved and gives you great views of the water.
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Nice view of the St. Cloud Hydroelectic Facility and dam. From the trail, you also get a great view of the Mississippi River.
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Historical tools for mining granite
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available around St. Augusta?
Komoot features 6 easy hiking routes around St. Augusta. These trails are generally short, making them ideal for quick outings or a leisurely afternoon stroll.
What kind of landscapes can I expect to see on hikes near St. Augusta?
The St. Augusta area offers a diverse mix of natural landscapes. You'll find trails leading through forested areas, along riverine paths, and around serene lakes. Notable features include the unique quarry landscapes at Quarry Park & Nature Preserve and scenic views of the Sauk River at Rockville County Park.
Are there any family-friendly hiking options in St. Augusta?
Yes, all the routes listed in this guide are rated as easy, making them suitable for families. Trails like the Warner Lake Loop and Quarry Park Outer Loop are great choices for an enjoyable outing with children, offering manageable distances and minimal elevation gain.
Can I bring my dog on the hiking trails?
Many trails in the St. Augusta area are dog-friendly. While specific regulations can vary by park, trails like the Blue Hill Trail and Mahnomen National Recreation Trail (mentioned in regional research) are known to welcome dogs. Always ensure your dog is on a leash and you clean up after them.
What are some notable landmarks or points of interest along the trails?
While hiking near St. Augusta, you can explore several interesting spots. Quarry Park & Nature Preserve, located just outside St. Augusta, offers trails leading to refreshing quarry swimming holes and rock climbing walls. At Rockville County Park, you can hike to an observation deck for a chance to spot bald eagles over the Sauk River.
Are there any circular hiking routes available?
Yes, several circular routes are available. For example, the Warner Lake Loop and the Quarry Park Outer Loop are excellent options for a round trip, allowing you to start and end at the same point.
What is the best time of year to go hiking in St. Augusta?
Hiking in St. Augusta is enjoyable throughout the warmer months, from spring through fall, when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is vibrant. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, while autumn offers beautiful fall foliage. Even winter can be picturesque for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing on some trails, though conditions should be checked.
Are there opportunities for wildlife spotting?
Absolutely. The diverse natural habitats around St. Augusta, including forested areas and riverbanks, provide excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting. Rockville County Park is particularly known for bald eagle sightings, and trails like the Bjorkland Lake Trail are suitable for birdwatching.
Where can I find parking for the hiking trails?
Many parks and trailheads in and around St. Augusta offer dedicated parking facilities. For instance, Quarry Park & Nature Preserve and Rockville County Park have parking areas for visitors. It's always a good idea to check specific park websites or trail information for detailed parking instructions before your visit.
What do other hikers enjoy most about hiking in St. Augusta?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the accessible and well-maintained paths, the serene natural beauty, and the variety of easy trails perfect for a relaxing outdoor experience.
Are there any trails that offer views of water or lakes?
Yes, the region is rich with water features. The Warner Lake Loop offers pleasant views around Warner Lake. Additionally, Hidden Lake Park features walking trails around Hidden Lake, and Quarry Park & Nature Preserve has trails leading to various quarry lakes.
Are there any longer hiking routes for more extended outings?
While many trails in the immediate St. Augusta area are shorter, the Beaver Island Trail offers a longer easy option at over 6 kilometers. For even more extended adventures, the wider St. Cloud area provides additional paths, some of which connect to longer regional trail systems like the Wobegon Trail.
Most popular routes around St. Augusta
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