Are you up for a challenge, one that involves a gorgeous hike through nature? Then you might be interested in the stairway hike that we want to introduce today. It passes through one of Minnesota’s lesser-known parks – a place where, with effort, you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular view. If that sounds good to you, read on below to learn about a fairytale hike through a Minnesota woodland. Follow a staircase through the woods for 1/2 mile to witness a lovely sight! Check it out:

John A. Latsch State Park is a 1,600-acre state park in southeastern Minnesota, in Winona County. The park is about 13 miles north of Winona and 100 miles south of the Twin Cities.
Shreya Fallary/AllTrails
The park's most popular feature is its long stairway, known as the Riverview Trail. This staircase leads up Mount Charity, a high bluff that rises over the Mississippi River.
Jennifer Schneider/AllTrails
The staircase is known to be a difficult climb. Visitors follow it, stair after stair, for 1/2 mile. There are 592 steps total!
Veronica Tobitt McInnes/Google
Along the way, hikers will pass through a thick forest teeming with life. Many types of trees, including oaks, maples, ashes, walnuts, and more, populate the forest. Between them, a huge array of flowers and shrubs grow. Many animals, including coyotes, raccoons, and deer live in the park. Bald eagles are known to fly overhead!
Virginia VanKeulen/Google

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The climb up can be a challenge even for seasoned hikers. Hikers have the opportunity to stop at an occasional rest area, where they can catch their breath and enjoy the surroundings.
M O/AllTrails
The stairway goes on and on, rising higher and higher over the surrounding land. With the lush surroundings, it feels like a fairytale forest. And given the challenge of the trek, it can seem neverending!
Mah Pour/AllTrails
But eventually, those who follow this path will emerge at the top of Mount Charity. The bluff rises 500 feet above the Mississippi River!
David Duncan/AllTrails
The beautiful view makes the challenging staircase hike worth the effort. You'll able to see for miles around. Watch boats glide across the river, see eagles soar, and enjoy the view while you catch your breath before you hike back down!
Katie Nguyen/AllTrails

Would you ever climb the Riverview Trail? Do you have any other favorite trails in Minnesota? Let us know about them by filling out our nomination form! And if you’re interested in another wonderful staircase trail, take a look at our past article about a waterfall staircase in Minnesota.

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John A. Latsch State Park, US-61, Minnesota City, MN 55959, USA