5-14-25 Missed the flowers by a week. Normally this would be a good time to visit but with the early spring we were late.  Still easy trail to follow, passing the small falls.
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  One hour and 15-minute drive from middle of the Twin Cities to the park.  Visitor center does not open during the week. Trail head is located next to parking lot near Center.  No one in the park today so had trails all to me, along with the dog. Gentle rolling hills but easy to walk.  Found a flock of red winged blackbirds being very vocal.  Park is located next to busy road with lots of truck traffic maybe quieter when trees have leaves.  Bike trail goes directly through the park worth I drive back along with kayaking the lake.

10/12/2024: Kicked off my MN State Park Hiking Club adventure with my trusty sidekick, Lucky, an Australian Shepherd. The Fort Snelling trail loops around Pike Island. Be prepared for the first half, where you'll encounter lots of sand from past floods. The second half, however, offers a much smoother and easier hike.

10/20/24 Our second hike was a warm fall day. This trail starts at Visitors Center and heads down to the lower picnic area, which means a climb back up.  

11-11-24: For Veteran's Day, we made our way south to Carley State Park. Park in the second lot, not at the top of the hill. We had to cross a stream, and just after we did, a tree fell. The bridge on the upper part of the trail could use some maintenance.

12-21-24:  Gathered with friends to hike this easy and flat trail.  Plenty of swans on the river.

12/22/24: As I head south for the holidays with no snow in sight, we stopped by Whitewater. The trailhead is located behind the visitor center, but we encountered large, spaced-out stones to cross the river, which were too much for the dog. So we found the end of the trail and walked the trail in opposite direction.   Trail head sign was hard to see from the road since tucked in behind the center.

1-1-25: New Year's Day and still no snow so we stopped at Frontenac for the 2.6-mile hike.  You head down the hill first before winding your way back up the trail.  Some of the parks the Hiking Club signs are not clearly visible.  Often you get started and then no other hint for some time.  They have updated several of the intersection maps.  Don't forget to the spur to the overlook.

3-9-25:  Nice spring day and headed to Lake Maria.  Muddy and a few patches of snow but a easy hike out to the canoe launch.  Dog will need a bath

3-12-25: After all these years driving to the North Shore, I finally stopped here. It's easy to reach right off the interstate. The trailhead is at the parking lot across from the visitor center, then crosses the road. After you cross the road, trail heads downhill. I expected snow and some wet areas, but instead, I found a river of ice—definitely wished I had packed my crampons. It took longer to navigate than I anticipated. From now on, crampons will be a permanent fixture in my car.  

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3-12-25:  Since it was still early, and Banning is just south of Moose we stopped at this park as well. It is amazing how just a few miles south made the trail conditions so much better.  Still snow and wet however no ice just slush. Beautiful Park and trail with historic signs along the trail.