Hidden Falls — Attraction in Castle Rock Township

This park was a nice breath of fresh air! It definitely will depend what kind of experience you are looking for, however. Hidden falls hiking trail is located in a recreational park with a campground. I can see it getting very busy on the weekends! The falls and the falls trail are more touristy, with being very popular and having roped off areas on the sides of the path. The campground is currently closed, but they have tables, both covered and uncovered if you wanted to do a day hike and have lunch with your family or significant other. The paths and park are well maintained. They have daily passes and an annual pass,but if you have the minnesota state park annual pass,you should be all set. The office was not open during our visit, so it asks you to self register. If you are looking for a more secluded experience, I would go during the week and check out some of the other trails that they have. It's a 0.4 mile hike to the falls and back, with both declines and inclines to and from. From the map, it looks like they have a lot more trails than just the hidden falls, so I will be back to hike the others! Side note -it had just rained so the falls were huge and one part of the path that consists of stones over the river was washed out. The current was very strong,but it looks like usually you can stick your feet in the river under the falls. Do be cautious if it just rained and...

Hidden Falls, nestled within Nerstrand Big Woods State Park near Northfield, Minnesota, offers a serene escape into nature. This 20-foot waterfall, accessible via a half-mile trail from the picnic area, is a highlight of the park’s 11 miles of hiking trails. The trail meanders through a hardwood forest, home to the endangered dwarf trout lily, and features boardwalks over sensitive areas .  

Visitors often describe the hike to Hidden Falls as easy to moderate, with well-maintained gravel paths and some stairs . The falls themselves are picturesque, especially during spring when wildflowers bloom, and in autumn when the foliage turns vibrant hues . While the waterfall may not be large, its tranquil setting makes it a favorite spot for photography and relaxation .   

The park’s campground is noted for its cleanliness and amenities, including modern restrooms and showers . However, some campers mention that sites can be close together, offering limited privacy . Beyond the falls, the park’s extensive trail system provides opportunities for birding, exploring diverse ecosystems, and enjoying the peaceful ambiance of the Big Woods .  

In summary, Hidden Falls at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park is a charming destination for those seeking a gentle hike to a scenic waterfall, surrounded by the beauty of Minnesota’s...

The waterfall is very nice, so pleasant. The park is well kept and the staff is pleasant. Even being a bit cold, there were still around a hundred-fifty people walking on trails, mostly families, but also a few individuals. This was a beautiful experience and my wife wept a little bit afterward, because she has been cooped up at home for a while and we shared a nice walk and talk and saw lots of kids enjoying themselves with their parents. We saw teens goofing off and their embarrassed parents, and tots insisting that mud holes were picture-worthy. I heard, "Daddy, you need to take a picture of this!" If you haven't visited this park, you simply must go. I took pictures of grand scenes of hills, valleys, open wooded spaces, even a pocket in a tree in which a squirrel has been storing winter food! I'll put these pictures on my computer screen in February when the skies become too grey, to remind me of the beautiful nature that will be shortly arriving again. Undoubtedly, you will see different things than me. What a privilege to have this...