Brown's Creek State Trail and Lake McKusick Loop

The route combines the generally easy to moderate Brown's Creek State Trail with paths around Lake McKusick. While the State Trail is mostly paved and gentle, incorporating the Lake McKusick section can make the overall experience more challenging, especially depending on the specific paths chosen. Komoot rates this particular combined route as difficult, reflecting its length and varied terrain.

You'll encounter a mix of surfaces. The Brown's Creek State Trail is primarily a smooth, paved rail-trail, offering a mostly level walk with gradual inclines. However, the Lake McKusick portion includes a lovely wooden boardwalk, but some areas around the lake might feature more natural, uneven, or vegetated terrain. Overall, expect a blend of paved and potentially unpaved sections.

Yes, dogs are generally welcome on the Brown's Creek State Trail and associated paths, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. Please remember to clean up after your pet to keep the trail enjoyable for everyone.

The trail is beautiful year-round. Spring offers lush greenery and blooming wildflowers, while autumn provides spectacular fall foliage, especially in the wooded sections closer to Stillwater. Summer is popular, but be prepared for warmer temperatures. Winter hiking is also possible, offering a serene, snowy landscape, though conditions may vary on unpaved sections.

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to hike the Brown's Creek State Trail or the paths around Lake McKusick. It's freely accessible to the public.

There are several access points with parking along the Brown's Creek State Trail. A good option is near the Brown's Creek Nature Preserve (also known as the Coldwater Stop), which also offers restrooms. Parking is generally available at various trailheads in Stillwater, providing convenient access to the route.

The route offers diverse scenery. You'll pass through woodlands, alongside Brown's Creek (a designated trout stream), and enjoy about a mile of views of the St. Croix River. Keep an eye out for historical markers. Highlights include a Scenic overlook, the Duluth Junction, and the picturesque Lake McKusick Boardwalk.

Yes, the Brown's Creek State Trail is a significant connector. It links downtown Stillwater to the Gateway State Trail in Grant and is part of the larger Willard Munger State Trail system. This specific Komoot route also incorporates sections of the Brown's Creek Trail System and the 75th Street Trail.

The paved sections of the Brown's Creek State Trail are generally family-friendly and suitable for children. However, the full 'Brown's Creek State Trail and Lake McKusick Loop' as described here is a longer, more difficult hike (over 20 km) and might be challenging for younger children or those not accustomed to longer distances. Consider shorter sections of the State Trail for a more relaxed family outing.

Restrooms are available at various access points along the Brown's Creek State Trail, such as at the Brown's Creek Nature Preserve (Coldwater Stop). While there might be some facilities in Stillwater, it's always a good idea to carry sufficient water for the entire hike, especially on longer routes.

The Brown's Creek State Trail is largely a smooth, paved, and relatively flat rail-trail, making it easy to moderate. The Lake McKusick portion, while featuring a boardwalk, can introduce more varied terrain, including potentially steeper or unpaved sections around the lake's banks. Combining them into a full loop significantly increases the overall distance and can elevate the difficulty to a 'difficult' rating due to the combined length and varied surfaces.