Cascade Creek Trail

Hike the 8.1-mile Cascade Creek Trail and Silver Lake Loop in Rochester, offering moderate difficulty and scenic lake views.

The Cascade Creek Trail – Cascade Lake loop offers a wonderfully accessible and scenic hike through Rochester, Minnesota. This easy 4.6-mile (7.5 km) route, which takes around 1 hour and 53 minutes, guides you along a paved path beside the tranquil Cascade Creek and around the pleasant Cascade Lake. You'll enjoy a peaceful natural corridor, passing through the wooded sections of Mohn Park and catching glimpses of the distinctive Pillar Sundial Sculpture in Cascade Lake Park, all with a minimal 67 feet (20 metres) of elevation gain.

Planning your visit is simple, as the trail is easily accessible with convenient parking available at Cascade Lake Park. This multi-use path is well-lit by streetlamps, making it a good option for recreation or commuting at various times of day. Dogs are welcome to join you on your hike, provided they remain on a leash, making it a great family-friendly and dog-friendly option for a quick outdoor escape.

Beyond its immediate beauty, this loop is a key part of Rochester's trail network, connecting to other popular routes like the Douglas-Cascade rail-trail and the Silver Lake Loop. Its paved surface and gentle terrain make it suitable for a wide range of activities, from hiking and trail running to snowshoeing and Nordic skiing in winter, establishing it as a versatile and well-loved local gem.