Casual Hike at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park

Enjoy a day trip at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park. Our pace will be 20-23 minute miles, depending on terrain. Expect trails to be wet, and muddy in some places. The park has 11 miles of lovely trails, we can put our heads together and determine which make the best options.
Park Maps:
PDF - See page two for descriptive highlights.
GeoPDF - also includes overview

Rough Draft Itinerary:
1:00 - Begin at the Ranger Station, which closes at 2:00. Indoor water & bathroom available until 2:00.
1:15 - Hike to the Waterfall. Continue hiking trails on the North (waterfall) side of the park.
1:45 - If you're running late, wait for us at the Ranger Station. We will circle back, and enjoy a quick snack/break. Cell phone coverage is spotty. The best way to connect is meeting at the Ranger Station.
2:00 - Hike trails on either side of the park, and finish by 6:00. (Sunset is shortly after 7:00.)

We will begin at the Ranger Station to

• purchase the required State Parks vehicle permit, if you don't have one. You can purchase the permit online ahead of time. The DMV also has State Parks Specialty Plates.
• learn timely updates on any trail conditions.

By signing up you agree to release the organizers, event hosts and other members of the event from any liability.

• Dogs are welcome. Please bring enough bags to pick up after your pet. I will have my two Golden Retrievers, ages 4 & 5. Just let me know if you're bringing a pup and kudos if we can do a quick 1:1 meetup prior to the hike.
• Please keep your RSVP updated.
• As with any location, please do not leave valuables in the car.

Things to consider:

1. Waterproof footwear, pants, jacket. Snowmelt makes for sloppy trails.
2. Bring a snack, hand sanitizer or handy wipes.
3. Bring water as needed. *Ranger Station is open from 10:00 - 2:00. Visitor Center might not be open until May.
4. Hiking boots with ankle support.
5. Hiking poles - They add extra stability in muddy areas, and reduce knee strain. Also, there are moderate hills on many trails. Certain trails have steep hills.
6. Dress in breathable layers. As you warm up, you may want to
7. Use sunscreen, hat, glasses.
8. Bring a dry shirt for afterwards. As you cool down after hiking, it is easy to get chilled and a dry shirt will help that.

Add a comment below if you want to carpool. Your comment should include

• if you do or don't have a vehicle permit, which is required to enter the State Park.
• if you want a ride, which location would you like to connect. There are a few large parking lots along I-35 in Bloomington and Burnsville.
• if you are offering to drive, how many people can you take. Note where you prefer to connect.
• Please do not list your home address. Again, just note where you'd like to meet.