Take A Paved Loop Trail Around This Minnesota River For A Peaceful Adventure
By Betsy Rathburn|Published June 20, 2022
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Betsy Rathburn
Author
Betsy is a Minneapolis-based writer who's lived in Minnesota for 20 years. If you know of any amazing Minnesota restaurants, nature areas, or other attractions, feel free to let her know about them at brathburn@onlyinyourstate.com or on Twitter @betsyrathburn.
Looking for new places to bike, hike, and enjoy the outdoors? If so, you may want to take note of the awesome path we’d like to feature today. The St. Croix Crossing Loop Trail is a beautiful paved stretch that follows one of Minnesota’s prettiest rivers, beginning in one of the state’s most charming towns. If that sounds good to you, read on below to learn more about this beautiful activity that will get you outside and moving.
Th St. Croix Crossing trail is a 5.4-mile loop trail that begins in Stillwater, Minnesota. It’s a popular trail for people looking to spend some time outdoors enjoying the beautiful scenery.
Being paved, it’s a wonderful path to hike, bike, skateboard, rollerblade, or use just about any other means of transportation. It’s a popular trail that often has people on it, but you’ll likely have plenty of space to enjoy some solitude as well.
Starting from the Lift Bridge, many visitors choose to follow the path counterclockwise. Going clockwise, there is a steep hill with an 8% grade at the beginning of the path. You can avoid the steep climb by heading in the opposite direction.
Regardless of which way you choose to go, you’re in for a treat as you explore this lovely trail. It offers great views of charming Stillwater that are sure to inspire you to snap a photo or two.
Soon, you’ll arrive at the St. Croix Crossing Bridge. This high bridge rises 150 feet over the the St. Croix River, offering gorgeous views of the surrounding landscape. Its 4,660-foot span leads hikers and bikers into Wisconsin.
Then, you’ll travel for a few miles through a lovely part of Wisconsin. This section of the trail is lined by lovely trees, fields, and rock formations, making for a beautiful stretch that you’ll love admiring.
The trail leads into the small but charming river town of Houlton, Wisconsin. Here, you’ll find a great little park with a water fountain, a picnic shelter, and a restroom. This is a great spot to rest before the next part of your trip.
Continue on through Houlton, and you’ll come to the steep hill we mentioned earlier. Those on wheels may enjoy zipping down this section. But feel free to slow down and enjoy the scenery! Wildflowers and other lovely foliage are easy to spot along the way.
At the end of the hill, you’ll find yourself back at the St. Croix River. The historic Stillwater Lift Bridge stretches back across the river here, delivering travelers back into Minnesota to where the trail began. This beautiful paved trail makes for a peaceful and scenic adventure!
