Spring Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Hike + Brunch - Northfield

Let’s meet up for a Spring hike at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park! Following the hike (optional), join us for brunch at The Ole Store Restaurant, 1011 St Olaf Ave, Northfield, MN 55057. https://www.olestorerestaurant.com/brunch-menu
We will hike approximately 7 miles at a medium pace (19-20 minute mile)over a variety of landscapes including wetlands, hardwood forest, and rolling hills before we take a break by the beautiful Hidden Falls. Expect to be hiking 2 1/2-3 hours. We will pause a few times to enjoy the scenery. I expect we will see a decent amount of Spring ephemerals covering the forest floor, though the rare dwarf trout lily will likely be past its blooming stage.
All of the trails will be non-paved trails with uneven terrain that include turf, ruts, roots, rocks, gravel, mud and possible shallow standing water.

Each car will need a state park pass. The prices are: $35 for an annual pass and $7 for a daily pass.

Bathrooms: there may be modern restrooms at the picnic shelter(if open for the season), otherwise, there are vault toilets by there as well.

Sorry, no +1s or children allowed on this hike.

Well behaved dogs on a 6 foot or shorter leash are welcome.

Each car will need a MN state park pass. The prices are: $35 for an annual pass and $7 for a daily pass.

IMPORTANT: Please honor your RSVP and if your plans change update your status to Not Going as soon as you know, even if you are on the Waitlist.

HIKE AT YOUR OWN RISK: By signing up for this event, you agree to assume personal responsibility for all risks associated with this event, and release the organizers, event hosts, and other members of the venue, from any liability.

Furthermore, all participants are expected to adhere to the guidelines agreed to when signing up for Meetup which can be reviewed at: Meetup.com > Policies and Community Guidelines > Community Guidelines (https://help.meetup.com/hc/en-us/articles/360002897532-Usage-and-content-policies-Rules-for-using-Meetup)

We will meet by the wildflower kiosk by the picnic area(next to main parking lot). If the main parking lot is full, overflow parking is available one quarter mile west of the ranger station in the cart-in lot.