Sat AM Long Hike at Interstate State Park-Taylors Falls, MN + Watershed Cafe

Let’s meet up for a late summer long (8-9 mile) hike at scenic Interstate State Park! We will meet on the Minnesota side of the park in Taylor Falls and hike over the Highway 8 bridge into Wisconsin. We will hike trails that will take us to a couple of overlooks of the St. Croix River, by glacial potholes and then to the Silverbrook Falls. Along the way, we will pass by an abandoned copper mine and the grounds of the Silverbrook Mansion, before viewing the 18-foot Silverbrook Falls. Following the hike(optional), we will head down the road for food/refreshments at The Watershed Cafe, 99 North Cascade St., Osceola, WI 54020
https://www.thewatershedcafe.com/menu

A steep-sided gorge called the "Dalles of the St. Croix" is the scenic focus of Wisconsin's oldest state park. Three state natural areas are contained within the park's 1,400 acres protecting unique glacial features and plant communities. Habitat types include upland and lowland forest, and bedrock glade. Interstate Park comprises two adjacent state parks on the Minnesota–Wisconsin border, both named Interstate State Park. They straddle the Dalles of the St. Croix River, a deep basalt gorge with glacial potholes and other rock formations.
https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/interstate

Expect to be hiking 3 ½-4 hours at a medium pace(18-20 minute mile or 3 miles/hour, slower on hills) over 8-9 miles. We will pause a few times to hydrate and enjoy the scenery. There will be a short snack/water/bathroom stop after completing the most rigorous part of the hike, before heading to the Silverbrook Falls area. The trails will be mostly non-paved trails with uneven terrain that varies with rocks, gravel, sand, roots, tall grass/vegetation, mud and dirt. We will walk on some park roads to connect trail sections. There will be some hills that are quite steep and challenging. Poles are suggested for this hike.

*I recommend bringing at least 1 liter of water and a snack for this hike.*

Protective clothing or DEET bug spray should be considered for potential ticks, mosquitoes and other bugs that are active at this park in the summer. You may want to bring a bug headnet along, just in case. Sunscreen or protective clothing is also recommended.

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

FACILITIES: Modern bathrooms and water are available at the trailhead with a few pit toilets along the route.

PARKING: 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 are aware, 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)

DIRECTIONS: We will meet on the Minnesota side of the park in Taylor Falls and hike over the Highway 8 bridge into Wisconsin. The pin is correct. As you come east on Hwy 8, enter at the 2nd entrance to the MN Interstate Park- the “Pot Hole Area,” (right before crossing the St. Croix River). As you turn right at the stop light, you’ll see a boat tours sign, then the Interstate State Park sign. If you go over the river, you have gone too far.
We will meet at the north end of the parking lot, by the stone modern bathroom building.

I look forward to seeing you there!