Osceola/Chisago Loop Trailhead — Attraction in Town of Osceola

I hiked the 1.9 mile Osceola loop today. Stunning winter and spring views, I imagine seeing the river could be a challenge in the summer/fall. Half of the trail hugs the ridge line and starts along a stream. You double back through the woods with the sounds of a woodpecker consistently in the background. This portion of the trail is probably better in the summer. There is a connector to the Chisago loop but I decided to save that for another day. Small parking lot, maybe room for 10-15 cars. No crowds, just...

Trails aren’t very well marked but fortunately the two loops aren’t big enough to really worry about getting lost. If you follow the trailhead straight along the “connector” trail your path will become nothing more than trampled grass until you reach a large downed tree that blocks the way .56 miles from the trailhead. It is a beautiful area though, the sound of the creek and the tall red pines knocking into each other on this...

Great hike if you want a short (each loop trail is approx. 1 mile), scenic (the Osceola loop follows the river bluff; the Chisago loop circles a basalt/geologic feature) hike. One historic spur trail also leads to the St. Croix River and the Close Slu. These are well marked trails without extreme elevation changes; however, down to the river is a moderate challenge. Highly recommend if you’re...